Michigan Window Tint Laws 2024

Cruising down the sunny roads of Michigan with a cool breeze and UV protection sounds ideal. But before you get carried away with window tint, it’s important to understand the Michigan tint laws.

This blog post will unveil everything you need to know about the legal tint in Michigan and the darkness levels permitted on various windows.

Michigan window tint laws were enacted in 2000 and we’ll be talking about legal tint limits in detail below.

How tint percentage is measured by the Michigan Tint Laws?

Tint darkness level 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 4 inches.
• Front side windows: Any darkness level is permitted but only on the top 4 inches.
• Backside windows: Any darkness level is permitted.
• Rear window: Any darkness level is permitted.

Legal tint darkness for SUV and Van:

• Windshield: Same as sedans, non-reflective tint on the top should be 4 inches only.
• Front side windows: Any darkness level is permitted but only on the top 4 inches.
• Backside windows: Any darkness level is permitted.
• Rear window: Any darkness level is permitted.

Important Note: it’s crucial to remember that these are the minimum VLT requirements. You can have 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 Michigan:

Car window tinting laws in Michigan state allow a certain percentage of tint reflection for all types of vehicles.

Tint Reflection for sedans:

• Front side windows: It should not be more than 35% reflective.
• Back Side windows: It should not be more than 35% reflective.

Tint Reflection for SUV and Van:

• Front side windows: It should not be more than 35% reflective.
• Back Side windows: It should not be more than 35% reflective.

Michigan Window Tinting Rules and Regulations:

• Side mirrors: Both side mirrors are required in case of a tinted rear window.
• Restricted Colors: Silver and gold tint colors are not allowed to be used by the tint laws in Michigan.
• Certificates: Manufacturers of the tinting film do not need to certify the film they are selling.
• Stickers: No sticker is needed for legal tint identification.
• Medical exemptions: Michigan law provides medical exemptions for window tinting. Drivers or passengers who require a darker tint for medical reasons can apply for an exemption by submitting a Michigan Window Tint Exemption Form. A medical professional must certify the medical necessity, and the exemption must be carried in the vehicle at all times.

Consequences of Non-Compliance:

• Citations: Violating Michigan’s window tinting laws can lead to fines and penalties. Law enforcement officers can issue citations if a vehicle’s windows do not comply with the regulations. The fines for non-compliance can vary, and repeat offenders may face increased penalties.
• Correction Orders: You may be issued a correction order, requiring you to remove the illegal tint or to have it adjusted to meet the legal VLT specifications.
• Registration Denial: In extreme cases, your vehicle’s registration renewal may be denied until the tint violation is corrected.

Tips for Complying with Michigan Tint Laws:

• Keep Documentation: If you have a medical exemption, keep the documentation in your vehicle. Consider carrying proof of compliance if your tint is at the legal limit to avoid any disputes with law enforcement.
• Verify VLT Percentage: Before installation, ensure the chosen tint film meets the legal VLT requirements for your specific vehicle windows.
• Professional Installation: Have your window tint installed by a professional who is familiar with Michigan’s tint laws. They can help ensure compliance with state regulations.

Tint laws reference: MCL – Section 257.709

Information about Michigan State

Cities in Michigan State:

Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, Dearborn, Livonia, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Kalamazoo, Wyoming, Southfield, Rochester Hills, Taylor, Pontiac, St. Clair Shores, Royal Oak, Novi, Dearborn Heights, Battle Creek, Saginaw, Kentwood, East Lansing, Roseville, Portage, Midland, Lincoln Park, Muskegon, Bay City, Jackson, Holland, Eastpointe, Port Huron, Southgate, Burton, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Allen Park, Garden City, Mount Pleasant, Alpena, Birmingham, Ferndale, Clawson, Fraser, Grosse Pointe Woods, Hamtramck, Harper Woods, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Imlay City, Inkster, Iron Mountain, Ishpeming, St. Joseph, Keego Harbor, Kent City, Lake Angelus, Lake City, Lake Odessa, Lapeer, Lathrup Village, Leland, Leslie, Lowell, Ludington, Mackinac Island, Manistee.

Counties in Michigan State:

Alcona, Alger, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Baraga, Barry, Bay, Benzie, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Clare, Clinton, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Eaton, Emmet, Genesee, Gladwin, Gogebic, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Houghton, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Iosco, Iron, Isabella, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Kent, Keweenaw, Lake, Lapeer, Leelanau, Lenawee, Livingston, Luce, Mackinac, Macomb, Manistee, Marquette, Mason, Mecosta, Menominee, Midland, Missaukee, Monroe, Montcalm, Montmorency, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Oceana, Ogemaw, Ontonagon, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Ottawa, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, St. Clair, St. Joseph, Sanilac, Schoolcraft, Shiawassee, Tuscola, Van Buren, Washtenaw, Wayne, Wexford.