So Minnesota finally updated those old window tint rules? Took 'em long enough. I remember getting pulled over back in 2019 because my rear windows were "too dark" - even though half the trucks on I-94 had way darker tints than my sedan. The cop was nice about it but still handed me a $125 ticket. Made me realize how confusing those old laws were.
Now with this minnesota window tint law change rolling out, things are different... and honestly, a bit more logical. Let's cut through the legal jargon and break down exactly what changed, how it affects your daily drive, and what you need to do to avoid tickets. Because nobody wants to waste time and money at court over tint darkness.
What Actually Changed with Minnesota's Tint Laws?
The big shift happened quietly in August 2023. Before this minnesota window tint law change, we had this messy patchwork of rules depending on your vehicle type. Sedans had different standards than SUVs or trucks - never made much sense to me. The new rules streamline everything into one set of standards regardless of what you drive.
Key Changes You'll Care About
- Front Side Windows: Still need at least 50% light transmission (same as before)
- Back Side Windows: Now allowed down to 20% light transmission (previously varied by vehicle)
- Rear Window: Matches back side windows at 20% minimum
- Windshield: Only the top 5 inches can have tint (no change here)
- Reflectivity: Still capped at 20% reflectiveness for all windows
| Window Location | Old Law (Pre-2023) | New Law (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Side Windows | 50% VLT or lighter | 50% VLT or lighter (no change) |
| Back Side Windows | Sedans: 50% VLT or lighter SUVs/Trucks: No limit | 20% VLT or lighter for ALL vehicles |
| Rear Window | Sedans: 50% VLT or lighter SUVs/Trucks: No limit | 20% VLT or lighter for ALL vehicles |
| Windshield | Top 5 inches only | Top 5 inches only (no change) |
| Reflectivity Limit | 20% maximum | 20% maximum (no change) |
VLT means Visible Light Transmission - basically how much light gets through. Lower number = darker tint. Honestly, that SUV loophole was ridiculous. Why should someone in a Tahoe get pitch-black tints while sedan drivers get hassled? This change levels the playing field.
Why Did Minnesota Finally Update Tint Rules?
After talking with a state trooper at the Anoka County fair last summer, he mentioned two big reasons for this minnesota window tint law change. First, the old system was confusing for everyone - drivers, cops, even judges. Second, modern tint materials have improved. The cheap, bubbly tints from the 90s that turned purple? Gone. Today's ceramic tints block heat without looking like limo windows.
Law enforcement pushed for consistency. "I'd pull over a sedan with 35% tint and issue a ticket," the trooper told me, "then an identical SUV with 5% would drive by legally. Made zero sense from a safety perspective."
Is Your Current Tint Legal Now?
Here's the breakdown:
- If you drive a sedan/car with back windows between 20-50% VLT: NOW LEGAL under the new law
- If you drive an SUV/truck with back windows darker than 20% VLT: NOW ILLEGAL and must be removed
- Front side windows darker than 50% VLT on any vehicle: STILL ILLEGAL
Getting Your Tint Measured Properly
Don't trust the shop's word alone. I learned this the hard way when a Minneapolis shop promised "legal 50% tint" that actually measured at 43%. State patrol uses $400 handheld meters at checkpoints - and those don't lie.
How Enforcement Actually Works
- Troopers typically check during routine stops or safety inspections
- They'll measure each window separately (windshield, front sides, rear sides, back glass)
- Medical exemptions require official documentation in your vehicle at all times
| Violation Type | First Offense | Second Offense |
|---|---|---|
| Front Side Too Dark | $135 fine + fix-it ticket | $285 fine + mandatory removal |
| Rear Windows Too Dark | $110 fine (no fix-it option) | $250 fine + mandatory removal |
| No Medical Exemption Docs | $75 fine | $150 fine |
| Reflective Tint Violation | $125 fine | $250 fine |
Funny story - my neighbor Greg tried arguing that his 35% front tints were fine because "it's cloudy in Minnesota half the year." The judge wasn't impressed. Cost him $135 plus $200 to redo the windows.
Medical Exemptions Under the New Law
The medical exemption process didn't change with this minnesota window tint law change, but it's worth covering because so many folks get it wrong. You can't just get a doctor's note saying "sun hurts my eyes." Specific conditions qualify:
- Lupus
- Melanoma
- Photosensitivity disorders
- Certain eye conditions (like chronic photophobia)
Here's what you need for a legal exemption:
- Form signed by MD/DO (not chiropractors or PAs)
- Specific diagnosis listed
- Current date (expires after 5 years)
- Keep the original in your glovebox
A buddy with lupus shared his process: "My dermatologist filled out the state form in three minutes. But if your doc won't do it? Try an ophthalmologist - they understand light sensitivity better."
Watch Out for Scam Exemptions!
Online services promising "Minnesota tint exemptions for $99" are 100% fake. The state never charges for exemptions. Real doctors won't certify you without medical records. If someone guarantees approval without seeing your medical history? Huge red flag.
Choosing Compliant Tint: Brands That Won't Fail
Through trial and error (and a few wasted bucks), I've found three brands that consistently meet Minnesota's standards:
| Brand | Material | VLT Options | Price Range (Sedan) | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3M Color Stable | Dyed Polyester | 50%, 35%, 20% | $180-$250 | Certified installers only |
| LLumar FormulaOne Classic | Carbon | 50%, 35%, 20% | $200-$300 | Tint World, Urban Window Tinting |
| XPEL Prime XR | Ceramic | 55%, 40%, 20% | $300-$450 | XPEL authorized shops |
Steer clear of no-name tints from eBay or Craigslist installers. Why? Many foreign manufacturers measure VLT differently. That "50% film" might actually be 42% when tested with state equipment. Learned this after helping my cousin remove bubbled tint from his Civic - the stuff smelled like burnt plastic for weeks.
Installation Matters More Than You Think
Even legal film can fail if poorly installed. Moisture bubbles along edges? That scatters light and can drop measured VLT by 5-8%. Minnesota shops I trust:
- Tint Pros (Maplewood) - Lifetime warranty, $25 redo policy
- The Tint Shop (Edina) - Uses computer-cut patterns
- Midwest Tint (Rochester) - Specializes in luxury vehicles
Expect to pay $200-$400 for a quality sedan tint job. Anything under $150 likely uses cheap film or rushes the install. My rule? Ask to see their compliance guarantee in writing.
DIY Tinting: Is It Worth the Risk?
Look, I get the appeal - $50 for a tint kit vs. $300 professional job. But Minnesota's climate hates DIY tints. Temperature swings cause shrinking and peeling. After ruining two rear windows on my old Camry, here's the reality:
- Pre-cut kits rarely fit Minnesota's common models perfectly (looking at you, Subaru Outbacks)
- Bubbles reduce visible light transmission - risking tickets
- Peeling edges invite moisture damage to defroster lines
If you insist on DIY:
- Buy from AimTom or VViViD (their MN-specific kits run $70-$120)
- Choose 35% VLT for back windows (leaves buffer for measurement errors)
- Avoid reflective or metallic films - they'll fail the 20% reflectivity test
But seriously? For the cost of a ticket, just hire a pro. That $110 fine eliminates any "savings" instantly.
Practical Impact on Minnesota Drivers
Since this minnesota window tint law change took effect, I've noticed three big shifts:
Car inspections got stricter
My local Jiffy Lube now uses a tint meter during safety inspections. Failed cars get flagged to the state - no more ignoring dark windows.
Used car headaches
Bought a used SUV from Wisconsin? Those often have 5% rear tints that are now illegal here. Dealers won't always disclose this. Get it inspected before purchase.
Insurance complications
My State Farm agent mentioned something interesting: Claims can be denied if illegal tint contributed to an accident (like reduced visibility at night). Not worth the risk.
Your Minnesota Tint Questions Answered
Q: Can I get pulled over just for window tint now?
A: Technically yes, but most stops still happen for other violations (speeding, expired tabs). Tint is usually added to the ticket.
Q: Are factory-tinted windows legal?
A: Most are - like Subaru Outback "privacy glass" (usually 20-25% VLT). But aftermarket tints added to factory glass must meet the same standards. Combined darkness can't exceed limits.
Q: How often will police actually check?
A: State Patrol does periodic "tint enforcement" campaigns, especially near college campuses. Local cops vary - Minneapolis checks more than rural areas.
Q: Can I tint my entire windshield if I have a medical exemption?
A: No! Exemptions only allow darker side/rear windows. Windshields still can't be tinted below the AS-1 line (top 5 inches).
Q: What about eyebrow tints?
A: The strip along the windshield top is still legal up to 5 inches down. Just don't extend it further - that'll get you stopped fast.
Long-Term Effects of the Minnesota Tint Law Update
This minnesota window tint law change actually benefits responsible drivers. Before, SUVs with near-zero visibility rear windows were legal hazards during Minnesota's brutal winters. Now? Every vehicle has consistent visibility standards.
Shops are adapting too. Twin Cities Tinting told me they've seen a 40% drop in removal requests since the change. "People finally understand the rules," the owner said. "Fewer customers come back crying about tickets."
My prediction? Enforcement will ramp up through 2024 as police get updated meters. Get ahead of it - if your SUV has limo tints from 2018, schedule removal now. Otherwise that first spring drive could cost you $110 before you hit Lake Minnetonka.
At the end of the day, this minnesota window tint law change makes life simpler. One standard. Clear limits. Less arguing with troopers. And honestly? That's worth celebrating with some decent 35% tints that won't land you in traffic court.
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