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.

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

Michigan Tint Laws:

The darkness of your window tint is measured by its Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which indicates the percentage of light allowed through the tinted window. Michigan window tint laws have different VLT requirements for various vehicle types.

Legal tint darkness for Cars:

• 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.
• Back side windows: Any darkness level is permitted.
• Rear window: Any darkness level is permitted.

Legal tint darkness for Trucks:

• 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.
• Back side 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:

Window tint reflection refers to the amount of light that tint reflects away, reducing glare and heat inside the vehicle. Michigan tint laws also regulate the reflectivity of window tinting to ensure it does not impair visibility or cause glare for other drivers.

Tint reflection for Cars:

• 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 Trucks:

• 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.
• Certificates: Manufacturers of the tinting film do not need to certify the film the are selling.
• Stickers: There is no sticker needed to identify the legal tinting.
• 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.

Michigan tint laws reference: MCL – Section 257.709

Consequences of Non-Compliance:

• Citations: Violating Michigan’s window tinting laws can lead to fines and other 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 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.

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.