Cruising down sunny Massachusetts roads? Window tint can be a perfect upgrade for comfort, style, and even protecting your interior. But with legal guidelines in place, understanding the Massachusetts tint laws will ensure your ride is smooth and frustration-free.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about legal tints in Massachusetts.
Window tint laws in Massachusetts were enacted in 1985 and the darkest legal tint limit in the Massachusetts state is 35% for all windows except the front windshield.
How tint percentage is measured by the Massachusetts Tint Laws?
The legal tint of darkness is measured by Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which indicates the percentage of light that passes through the film. Here’s a breakdown of the legal VLT limits for different types of vehicles.
Legal tint darkness for sedans:
- Windshield: Only non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches or the AS-1 Line.
- Front side windows: More than 35% of VLT should be allowed.
- Back side windows: More than 35% of VLT should be allowed.
- Rear window: More than 35% of VLT should be allowed.
Legal tint darkness for Trucks:
- Windshield: Only non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches or the AS-1 Line.
- Front side windows: More than 35% of VLT should be allowed.
- Back side windows: More than 35% of VLT should be allowed.
- Rear window: More than 35% of VLT should be allowed.
Important Note: It’s crucial to remember that these are the minimum VLT requirements. You can have a lighter tint (higher VLT percentage) as long as it meets the legal limit. However, anything darker than the specified VLT is considered illegal.
Window tint reflection in Massachusetts:
Massachusetts tinting laws allow a certain percentage of tint reflection for all types of vehicles.
Tint Reflection for sedans:
- Front side windows: It should not be more reflective than 35%.
- Back Side windows: It should not be more reflective than 35%.
Tint Reflection for SUV and Van:
- Front side windows: It should not be more reflective than 35%.
- Back Side windows: It should not be more reflective than 35%.
Massachusetts Window Tinting Rules and Regulations:
- Side mirrors: Both side mirrors are required in case of rear window tint.
- Restricted Colors: There is no restriction about using any tint color by the Massachusetts car tinting laws.
- Certificates: No certificate is needed by the tint film manufacturers.
- Stickers: No sticker is needed for legal identification.
- Penalties: Violating Massachusetts tint laws can lead to fines of up to $250. Repeated offenses (3rd or subsequent) may result in a 90-day driver’s license suspension.
- Medical exemptions: Massachusetts window tinting laws allow medical exceptions. Drivers with medical conditions requiring protection from direct sunlight are eligible for a medical exemption.
Apply for medical exemption:
Apply for a tinted glass waiver for your vehicle
Application for Tinted Glass Waiver (PDF)
Tint Laws Reference: Chapter 90, Section 9D: Windshields and windows obscured by nontransparent materials
Information about Massachusetts State
Massachusetts is a state in the United States northeastern region, a region that is nicknamed “New England”. It borders the four other states: Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Massachusetts is the 44th largest state in the USA and the most populated state in the New England region. The largest city is Boston.
Capital
Boston
Population
7,001,399 (2023)
Area
10,565 mi² (27,340 km2)
Cities in Massachusetts:
Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, Lowell, Brockton, Quincy, Lynn, New Bedford, Fall River, Newton, Lawrence, Somerville, Framingham, Haverhill, Plymouth, Malden, Waltham, Brookline, Taunton
Weymouth Town, Medford, Revere, Chicopee, Peabody, Methuen Town, Everett, Barnstable Town
Attleboro, Arlington, Salem, Leominster, Pittsfield, Beverly, Woburn, Billerica, Fitchburg, Marlborough,
Westfield, Amherst Town, Shrewsbury, Braintree Town, Chelsea, Holyoke, Natick, Andover, Chelmsford, Watertown Town, Randolph Town, Lexington, Dartmouth, Franklin Town, Falmouth, Dracut, Needham, North Andover, Tewksbury, Norwood, North Attleborough Town, Wellesley, Milford, Gloucester, Northampton, Melrose, Stoughton, Bridgewater Town, Saugus, West Springfield Town, Agawam Town, Milton.
Counties in Massachusetts:
Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, Worcester.