Minnesota DVS Tint Laws: Window Percentage, Compliance Standards & Insurance Guide

Important Points

• Minnesota law requires that more than 50% of light be allowed through the front side windows of sedans.
• There are no restrictions on the darkness of tint for the back side and rear windows of sedans.
• No tint can be applied to windshields.
• The reflectivity of window tints cannot exceed 20% for all types of vehicles.
• Special tinting is allowed for medical exemptions with the appropriate documentation.

Window Tint Laws in Minnesota

Understanding the window tinting regulations in Minnesota is crucial to ensuring compliance and avoiding penalties. These laws ensure driver visibility and safety on the roads. Let’s get into the details.

Vehicle Type and Tinting Restrictions

It’s important to know that your vehicle type can impact the kind of window tinting you’re allowed to have. These rules can help you make the best choices for your vehicle’s tint.

Rules on Window Tint Percentage

The percentage of window tinting refers to the light a tinted window allows to pass through. This is often referred to as Visible Light Transmission (VLT). The more light a tint allows to pass through, the higher the VLT percentage. The darker the tint, the lower the VLT percentage.

Sedans

The rules for tinting sedans are quite clear. Here’s what you need to know: Make sure to check out the Michigan SOS tint laws for more details on compliance.

Front Side Windows

The front side windows of sedans need to let in over 50% of light. This indicates that the tint needs to be light enough to let through at least half of the visible light.

Rear Side Windows

Interestingly, the rear side windows of sedans have no restrictions on tint darkness. Check out the Michigan SOS tint laws for more information on tint regulations in other states.

Rear Window

Like the back side windows, the rear window of a sedan has no restrictions on tint darkness. This gives you more flexibility in how dark you want your rear window tint to be.

Windshield

Minnesota law is substantial regarding windshield tinting. No tinting is permitted except for a small strip at the top, often referred to as an “eyebrow,” which cannot extend more than five inches down from the top of the windshield. For more details, you can check out the Minnesota window tinting laws.

SUVs and Vans

If you own or are considering tinting an SUV or van, you should be aware that the rules for these vehicles are slightly different than for sedans.

Front Side Windows

Like sedans, SUVs, and vans, they must allow over 50% of light to enter the front side windows. This ensures that the driver has a clear view of the road and surroundings, in compliance with Maryland MVA tint laws.

Rear Side Windows

The tint darkness of the rear side windows in SUVs and vans is unlimited. This allows for increased privacy and protection from the sun for passengers in the back seats.

Rear Window

Just like the back side windows, the tint darkness of SUVs and vans’ rear windows is not restricted. This allows you to choose the tint level that best fits your needs.

Windshield

Just like sedans, SUVs, and vans, they are not allowed to have any tint on the windshield, except for the top five inches. This rule ensures the driver’s view is not blocked, keeping everyone safe on the road.

Reflectivity Limit for All Vehicle Windows

Minnesota doesn’t just regulate how much light can pass through your windows. They also have laws about how much light can be reflected off your windows. All vehicle windows can have the highest amount of reflectivity is 20%. This means your tint can’t be more reflective than a standard window. Reflective tints can cause glare, which can be dangerous for other drivers.

How Tint and Reflectivity Affect Your Ability to See

Reflectivity and tint percentage can significantly impact a driver’s ability to see. The darker the tint and the higher the reflectivity, the harder it may be to see from your windows. This can be especially true at night or during inclement weather. This is one of the reasons why Minnesota has such strict laws regarding window tinting. The goal is to ensure all drivers can see clearly and stay safe while driving.

Medical Exemptions

There are circumstances where you may require a darker tint due to health concerns. Minnesota does permit medical exemptions for window tinting, but you must meet certain criteria to be eligible.

Firstly, you must have a valid medical condition that necessitates a darker tint. Conditions like lupus, photosensitivity, or other skin and eye conditions may be eligible. You will need a medical note from a licensed physician to verify this. Check out the Virginia DMV tint laws for more details on tint laws.

• Speak with your doctor about your medical condition.
• Obtain a medical note that states your need for darker window tinting.
• Turn in the medical note to the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services (DVS).

Medical Conditions that Qualify

Many medical conditions may qualify you for a window tint exemption. Generally, these conditions involve a sensitivity to light, which can be worsened by regular exposure to sunlight. For more information on tint laws in other states, check out the Arizona MVD laws.

People with the following conditions may be eligible for a window tint exemption:

• Lupus
• Photosensitivity
• Skin cancer
• Albinism
• Other conditions diagnosed by a licensed physician

If you have one of these conditions, it may be a good idea to talk to your doctor about whether a window tint exemption might be right for you.

Getting a Doctor’s Note

After your doctor has confirmed that you’re eligible for a medical exemption, they’ll give you a signed doctor’s note. This note should describe your medical condition and why you require a darker window tint. Send this note to the Minnesota DVS to receive your exemption.

How Tinting Affects Your Insurance

You need to know that window tinting can impact your auto insurance. Insurance companies have different rules about tinted windows, so make sure you’re up to speed.

Reference:

https://www.tinting-laws.com/minnesota/

Informing Your Insurer

If you choose to tint your windows, always let your insurer know. If you don’t, you might face problems if you ever need to make a claim. Some insurers might ask for evidence that your tint is legal, so keep all your paperwork safe.

Claims Problems You Might Encounter

If your window tint isn’t in line with Minnesota’s laws, you could face problems when you file an insurance claim. A tint that doesn’t comply can be seen as a modification that goes against the terms of your policy. This could result in your claim being denied or your policy being canceled.

Pros and Cons of Window Tinting

Window tinting has advantages and disadvantages. Knowing these can help you make a knowledgeable choice.

Why Tint?

There are plenty of reasons to tint your car windows. Not only can it improve your driving experience, but it can also help protect your car.

Keeping Cool

Window tinting is a great way to beat the heat. Tinted windows block up to 70% of the sun’s heat, keeping your car cool even on the hottest summer days. This can make your drive more enjoyable and decrease your reliance on air conditioning.

Perks

Tinting your car windows can offer a host of perks. These advantages can improve your time on the road and help safeguard your vehicle. For example, understanding the Virginia DMV tint laws can help ensure compliance while enjoying these benefits.

Cooling Your Car

Window tinting is a great way to reduce heat in your car. Tinted windows can block up to 70% of the sun’s heat, keeping your car cooler on hot summer days. This can make your car more comfortable to drive and reduce the need to use air conditioning.

For example, consider leaving your car in a parking lot on a hot day. Without window tint, the inside of your car can get extremely hot. But with the right window tint, it can be much cooler, making it more comfortable when you get back in.

Reducing Glare

In addition to reducing heat, tinted windows also help decrease glare. Glare from the sun or from other vehicles’ headlights can be distracting and potentially hazardous. Tinted windows can help reduce this glare, providing a clearer view and making it safer to drive.

Cons

Although window tinting has many pros, there are also some cons. It’s crucial to balance these with the pros before deciding to tint your windows.

Reduced Visibility

One of the most significant issues with window tinting is that it can reduce visibility, particularly at night or in dimly lit situations. If the tint is too dark, it can make it more difficult to see out of your windows, which could be hazardous when you are behind the wheel.

For instance, if your windows are tinted too dark, it could be difficult to see pedestrians or cyclists at night, raising the likelihood of accidents.

Breaking the Law

One major downside is that you could break state laws. As we’ve previously mentioned, Minnesota has strict rules about window tinting. Tints that don’t meet these standards could lead to fines and may even result in your vehicle being impounded until the tint is removed or altered. You can check out the Michigan SOS tint laws for more details on similar regulations.

That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that any tint you apply complies with state law. This will keep you from legal trouble and ensure that your vehicle is still roadworthy.

Wrapping Up

While window tinting can provide various perks, such as reducing heat and glare, it’s crucial to weigh these advantages against possible downsides like decreased visibility and legal issues. Having a good grasp on Minnesota’s tinting laws will allow you to make a wise choice and keep your car legal and safe.

Meeting the Standards

When you want to ensure you’re meeting Minnesota’s tinting laws, always check the VLT percentage and reflectivity of the tint before applying it. Keep all your paperwork, including medical exemptions, close by in case you need to show law enforcement or your insurance company that you’re following the law.

Ensuring Safety

In addition to following the law, safety should be your main concern when selecting your window tint. Choose tints that offer the advantages you’re looking for without sacrificing visibility. Inspect your tints to ensure they’re still within the legal limits, and replace them if they become damaged or darken over time.

Common Questions

These are some of the most asked questions about Minnesota’s tint laws, and some clear answers to help you better understand the rules.

This implies that the tint must be sufficiently light to allow at least 50% of the visible light to penetrate. If you’re uncertain about your tint’s VLT percentage, you might want to have it evaluated by a professional.

Can you get a medical exemption?

Yes, Minnesota does allow medical exemptions for window tinting. To qualify, you must have a medical note signed by a licensed physician stating that you need a darker tint due to a medical condition. Submit this note to the Minnesota DVS to get your exemption.

What is the maximum reflectivity allowed for my vehicle’s windows?

Minnesota’s maximum reflectivity allowed for all vehicle windows is 20%. This is to prevent your tint from causing too much glare, which can be dangerous for other drivers on the road.

Before you apply your tint, check its reflectivity to ensure it meets the requirements. If you’re not sure, you can always ask a professional tinting service to help you pick the right product. For more details, refer to the window tint laws in Minnesota.