Did You Know Minnesota’s Window Tint Laws Vary By Vehicle?

Window tinting on car windows serves a lot of practical purposes. Of course, tinted windows provide privacy since they make it harder for people to see into your vehicle, but that's only the beginning.

Tinted windows reduce glare by up to 99%, which reduces eye fatigue. They also block out the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, protecting upholstery while keeping your car cooler, and saving you money on fuel costs.

However, window tinting laws exist in every state that dictate which windows can be tinted and how dark they can legally be. The laws are necessary to ensure drivers can safely see the road and to allow law enforcement to see inside a vehicle and make eye contact with the driver.

Window tinting laws differ from state to state and Minnesota has specific window tint laws that vary by vehicle. 

Minnesota Window Tinting Laws

Tinting-Laws.com says that Minnesota tinting laws were enacted in 1985. They were reportedly last updated in 2020.

As a point of reference, it's important to know that the percent of visible light allowed through your car windows is called Visible Light Transmission (LTV).

In Minnesota, there are specific window tint darkness laws that apply to which windows can be tinted and the type of vehicle you drive.

Sedan Cars:

The following tint darkness laws are in place for sedans:

• Windshield: No tint is allowed on the windshield.
• Front Side windows: Must allow more than 50% of light in.
• Back Side windows: Must allow more than 50% of light in.
• Rear Window: Must allow more than 50% of light in.

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SUVs and Vans

The following tint darkness laws are in place for SUVs and vans:

• Windshield: No tint is allowed on the windshield.
• Front Side windows: Must allow more than 50% of light in.
• Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
• Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.

There are also laws in place for tint reflection, which is also known as reflective window film. This type of window tinting reflects light away from windows to reduce heat and glare.

Tint Reflection For Sedans

• Front & Back Side windows: Must not be more than 20% reflective.

Tint Reflection For SUVs And Vans:

• Front & Back Side windows: Must not be more than 20% reflective.

Other Rules And Regulations Of Note

There are other window tint rules and regulations in Minnesota that are worth noting:

• Side Mirrors: There are no restrictions or requirements for side mirrors in Minnesota.
• Restricted Colors: No colors of tint are explicitly restricted from use.
  Tint Variance: 3% variance allowed.
• Certificates: Manufacturers do NOT need to certify the film they sell in the state.
• Stickers: The sticker to identify legal tinting is required between the film & glass on the driver’s side window.
• Medical Exceptions: Minnesota allows medical exemptions for special tint.

The Penalty For Violating Minnesota's Window Tint Laws

If you are driving a vehicle with tinted windows that violate Minnesota law, you won't go to jail, but it will cost you.

Experts say having illegal window tinting in Minnesota is a civil offense and not a criminal matter. However, a single window tint ticket can cost over $100 and multiple tickets can be issued at even higher amounts if you don’t get the tint replaced.

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If you're unsure of if your window tint is legal in Minnesota, which can happen if you moved a vehicle tinted and registered in another state, you can bring it to a reliable car tint shop or to a state inspection facility to have the window tint inspected to see if it needs to be replaced.