All You Need to Know about Window Tint in Michigan
Understanding Michigan’s Window Tint Laws: Maximum Legal Limits Explained
In Michigan, window tint laws are designed to maintain both the aesthetic appeal and functional purpose of tinted windows while promoting driver safety and compliance with regulations. The laws are structured with levels of reflectivity allowed for each window, as well as a distinction between motor vehicles and vans, buses, and multipurpose vehicles. This distinction is important because it means that the regulations vary depending on the type of vehicle in question. This overview of those laws is the first in a three-part series on Michigan’s window tint laws.
The law states:
"For any vehicle, the front windshield must let in more than 35% of outside light and reflect no more than 35% of light. All other windows must let in more than 50% of outside light and reflect no more than 35% of light. The back windshield must let in more than 35% of outside light. All vehicles are subject to a $295 fine for illegal window tint. If stopped for a window tint violation, a police officer may issue a ‘fix it ticket’ which allows you 24 hours to get your window tint removed and avoid a fine. You get the ticket whether or not your tint is legal . "
Most experts agree that these rules generally apply to commercial vehicles, including larger vehicles such as vans, buses, and multi-purpose vehicles. For passenger cars, the law is a bit different.
"Passengers must let in more than 70% of outside light, while all other windows must let in more than 50%. Vans, buses, and multipurpose vehicles must let in more than 50% of outside light and reflect no more than 35% of outside light. The back windshield must let in more than 70% of outside light. Pickups, trucks, vans, buses, and multipurpose vehicles must let in more than 35% of outside light. All vehicles are subject to a $295 fine for illegal window tint. If stopped for a window tint violation, a police officer may issue a ‘fix it ticket’ which allows you to remove the illegal tint and avoid a fine."
Keep in mind that the tint regulations are also applicable to SUV vehicles. Essentially, most vehicles must allow at least 35% of light to come from outside to inside and not have a reflectivity rate of more than 35%, according to state law.
Failure to comply with these window tint laws can result in fines. You may also be required to have the tint removed before you can drive your car again (or you may lose the vehicle entirely). Keep this in mind before you tint your windows; it may not be worth the risk.
Tint Darkness for Passenger Vehicles
Michigan state laws regarding window tint limits vary, and you can be pulled over and ticketed for having tint on your vehicle that is too dark. "Too dark" is defined in terms of visual light transmittance percentage and reflectivity.
For passenger vehicles, the law states that window tint darkness may not be more than 35% VLT degree for the front windshield. You are allowed to have a tinted band at the top, as long as it’s no more than 4 inches from the top of the windshield. For a sedan, tint darkness for the front side windows may not be more than 35% VLT degree, while tint darkness on the back side windows may be any percentage. The rear window may also have a tint of any percentage. Passenger SUVs and vans may also have window tint darkness for the front and back side windows and rear window with any percentage. The tint darkness for the window(s) must be clearly marked by the manufacturer as conforming to this law. For example, if you are cruising around Michigan in a Cabriolet with only a factory issued tinted windshield and no tint on the side or rear windows, you probably have nothing to worry about. However, if your boyfriend shows up with his 1985 Chevy Silverado pickup truck, with his double-wide back window and a black-out tint over his entire cab, you should probably tell him to take a hike.
While there are no windshield tinting limits for passenger vehicles, such tinting is prohibited if it has a level of light reflectance of higher than 10%. Do you even know what that means? If you said "no" you’re not alone. Tint reflectivity refers to the reflected light off the tint and into your eyes. The tint may not be too reflective on the front windshield or the front side windows. You don’t want get a ticket for being too reflective.
Other Exceptions and Special Cases of Window Tint
While Michigan has strict regulations when it comes to window tint restrictions, there are a couple of exceptions and special allowances. These become particularly important in the case that you do need to obtain some form of medical exemption for the tinting on your vehicle windows.
One of the circumstances under which the state of Michigan is very willing to grant exemptions to the window tinting laws is in the case of medical needs. In the event that you have been diagnosed with a medical condition that warrants a higher level of UV protection that the state would normally allow, doctors notes and other relevant information regarding your medical situation and the need for tinted windows can help get you the exemption that you need.
Another common exception involves the tint and installation of certain types of vehicles. Large transport vehicles, buses and taxis for example, have their own set of regulations regarding what can and cannot be done with the tint on their windows. If you own and operate a transportation vehicle that fits into any of these categories, then it is a good idea to contact the Department of Highway Safety Planning to find out all of the different details involved in winning this particular exemption.
Another additional exception involves specific school bus vehicles that also have unique window tint restrictions of their own. These would fall in line with the unique restrictions for larger transportation vehicles that were discussed above.
Consequences of Violation
In Michigan, vehicular window tinting laws are typically enforced much the same way as a speeding ticket. Both law enforcement officers can simply write a citation on-site while pulling over the vehicle. Under laws amended in 2008, violations can also be checked using a tint meter.
Potential Penalties
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Michigan’s tint laws are reasonably strict. However, police officers generally have discretion to be lenient when enforcing these laws. This means that many police officers will refrain from writing tickets for overly dark tint – unless this dark tint is causing visibility problems at nighttime. Even so, if your car is pulled over by a police officer, your window tint may be measured via a tint meter. This device can measure the percentage of light allowed through your window. If you are in violation of Michigan’s tint laws, you will be issued a ticket.
Penalties for Violating Michigan’s Window Tint Laws
Fines may vary between cities , but generally issues regarding window tint fall under ordinance violations. Depending on the region, violating Michigan’s tint laws can result in a fine of $100 to $500. In addition to fines, the police officer may issue you a "fix-it" ticket. While this does not require any extra fines, you must take care of the issue before a set date to avoid a hefty fine, potentially worth thousands of dollars. When motorists fail to comply with Michigan’s tint laws, many police officers will request that they remove the tint on-site.
How Enforcement is Handled
As mentioned above, Michigan police officers can ticket drivers with window tint that does not comply with local laws. In addition to being ticketed, a driver will be asked to remove the tint. In downtown Detroit, police officers are very strict about window tint. In fact, many officers will stop a car simply based on visual observations and do a meter reading on the front windows. If the tint is too dark, a ticket will be issued and the driver will be required to remove the tint or risk a larger fine.
How to Choose a Legal Window Tint
When selecting window tint that adheres to Michigan laws while fulfilling your privacy and UV protection requirements, consider the following tips:
- PERC and Shade Inspection: When choosing your Michigan window tint, ask to see the PERC (Product Evaluation Report Certificate) and the shade certificate from the manufacturer. This will provide you with the assurance that the tint meets the state’s requirements.
- Experience Matters: If having your tint applied by an experienced professional is an option, this can save a lot of potential headaches down the line. A professional will ensure that the tint is correctly applied and that it adheres to the legal limits.
- Consider Light Reflectivity: Remember that the visible light transmitted and reflected by the window tint should not be overlooked. Even with the legal limit passed, color and reflectivity can have a significant impact, especially under certain lighting conditions.
- UV Protection: Look for window tints that specifically mention their UV protection capabilities. UV protection is not only important for protecting the skin but also in shielding the car’s interior from sun damage.
- Warranty: It’s important to verify the warranty policy with the tint manufacturer or installer. Warranties are often voided if the window tint is removed or reapplied.
- Temperature: Be aware that extreme temperature changes, including fairly common temperature variances, can have a negative effect on the effectiveness and appearance of window tint.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about Michigan Window Tint Laws
What is the maximum legal tint for SUVs and vans in Michigan?
SUVs and vans are allowed to have window tint that allows more than 32% light transmittance on the rear side windows. However, the front side windows of SUV’s and vans must comply with the 35% light transmittance law.
What are Michigan’s tinted window laws?
Michigan state law for tinted windows dictate that a windshield has to have light transmittance of no less than 35% and the tint must not be darker than 20%. Depends on the type of vehicle being tinted: For sedans and passenger cars, the front side windows also must allow 35% light transmittance, or higher, and only allow the use of window film that is 35% light transmittance or higher. The back side windows and rear windshield can have any darkness , but still cannot be tinted with a material that is darker than 20% light transmittance.
Are there medical exemptions for window tinting in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan allows for some exemptions from the tinted window laws for certain medical purposes. Patients who apply for and qualify for a medical exemption are able to receive a special sticker that will be placed on the inside of the driver’s side door. A special exception is granted for patients with medical conditions, including lupus, certain skin disorders, and some eye disorders. The sticker is more for the police who have to enforce the law and verify that the tinted windows have a legitimate reason for being darker than what the law allows.