Kane Dan
Michigan has some very specific laws regarding window tinting and is quite thorough when it comes to implementing them.
To help you get a clear picture of what would be expected from you if you’re a vehicle owner in Michigan, I’ve compiled all relevant information here.
We’ll go through the basics of Michigan’s legal window tinting laws in the following sections.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Are You Allowed To Have Tinted Windshield And Windows In Michigan?
Long story short: yes, you are permitted to tint your windshield and windows in the state of Michigan. However, there are specific rules and laws in the state governing the VLT% and nature of tinted glass or film you’ll be allowed to use.
The laws governing the tinting rules in Michigan were put into effect in the year 2000 and have been implemented strictly ever since.
Since each U.S. state has different regulations regarding the VLT% (Visible Light Transmission) allowed for all vehicles, you must review each set separately to avoid crossing law enforcement authorities.
What Is The Darkest Tint You Can Legally Get In Michigan?
The state of Michigan is one of the most laid back in terms of how much darkness they permit vehicle windows to be tinted with. Apart from your vehicle’s front portion, Michigan has no strict limits on how much you can tint your windows.
This is true for both passenger vehicles and multipurpose vehicles.
Is 20% Tint Illegal In Michigan?
Yes, a tint with 20% VLT is illegal in Michigan if you’re talking about the front side windows or the windshield. This is with regards to the whole window, not a specific portion of it.
A 20% tint is not illegal for the backside and rear windows, though, as it’s well within the permissible limit.
Can You Get Pulled Over For Tinted Windows In Michigan?
Yes, you can get pulled over for having tinted windows in Michigan if it’s for the front portion of your vehicle.
Since Michigan permits only the top 4 inches of your vehicle’s windshield and window to be tinted, it logically follows that a law enforcement officer can pull you over if they find the tint too dark, reflective, or covering the entire windshield or window.
The chances of getting pulled over are higher if the police suspect you of conducting illicit activities in your vehicle. Therefore, simply having tinted windows is often not considered to be a serious enough offense for cops to pull you over.
However, it is an offense all the same, and steps must be taken on your part to ensure you follow the tinting laws for your safety and the safety of others.
How Much Is A Tint Ticket In Michigan?
Violating tinting laws in Michigan can cost you dearly. Usually, if not coupled with any other offense, flouting the tinting laws in Michigan can slap you with a fine of $95. Not only this, it can cost you 2 points on your driver’s license as well.
Window Tint Darkness In Michigan
Just because the state allows vehicle-owners to tint their windows does not mean no restrictions are governing the same.
Police officials must be able to obtain a clear view of what the drivers and passengers are doing inside vehicles, or there’s every chance they’ll get pulled over.
To ensure you and your fellow passengers’ safety and adhere to the rules, make sure you go through every point of these restrictions carefully.
After all, having tinted windows is quite a mundane reason to get pulled over, and you don’t want to face a fine for the same.
Let us highlight the window tinting limits for passenger and multipurpose vehicles:
For Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield – You can use 35% tinted glass or film that only covers the uppermost 4 inches of your windshield. Michigan law specifies this glass or film has to be strictly non-reflective
- Front Side Windows – You can use 35% tinted glass or film that only covers the uppermost 4 inches of your front side windows
- Back Side Windows – You can tint your entire window with up to 35% of darkness
- Rear Window – You can tint your entire window with up to 35% of darkness
For MPVs (Multipurpose Vehicles)
- Windshield – You can use 35% tinted glass or film that only covers the uppermost 4 inches of your windshield. Michigan law specifies this glass or film has to be strictly non-reflective
- Front Side Windows – You can use 35% tinted glass or film that only covers the uppermost 4 inches of your front side windows
- Back Side Windows – You can tint your entire window with up to 35% of darkness
- Rear Window – You can tint your entire window with up to 35% of darkness
Window Tint Reflection In Michigan
Tinting your windows is one thing, adding reflective properties is quite another. Most states have laws that strictly limit the amount of reflective material you can use to cover your vehicle’s windows, but Michigan is one of the few exceptions.
The state of Michigan does have restrictions on the use of tinted reflection on windows, but these are quite relaxed and easy to follow. Let us take a quick look at the specifications.
For Passenger Vehicles
- Front Side Window – You’re permitted to tint the front side window with less than 35% reflective materials
- Back Side Window – You’re permitted to tint the back side window with materials that are less than 35% reflective
For MPVs (Multipurpose Vehicles)
- Front Side Window – You’re permitted to tint the front side window with less than 35% reflective materials
- Back Side Window – You’re permitted to tint the back side window with materials that are less than 35% reflective
How Do You Get A Medical Exemption For Window Tint In Michigan?
Drivers suffering from certain medical conditions would require a darker tint than is usually permitted. The state of Michigan has made window tinting exemptions for those with lupus, photosensitivity, melanoma, etc.
You’ll need to carry along your exemption certificate at all times in the vehicle in case you get pulled over by a police officer.
Conclusion
Michigan is one of the most relaxed states in terms of window tinting laws, which has made their regulations convenient to follow for drivers across the state. However, however relaxed these laws may be, strict repercussions await those who break them.
