Keeping your car cool and protecting the interior from sunlight with window tint is a popular choice for drivers.
But before you get your windows tinted, understanding the Missouri tint laws is crucial to avoid fines and ensure safe driving.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about legal tints in Missouri.
Window tint laws in Missouri were enacted in 2002 and the darkest legal window tint limit in Missouri is 32% for the front side windows.
Understanding Missouri Tint Laws:
Window tint darkness is measured by Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which indicates the percentage of light allowed through the tinted window. Here’s a breakdown of legal tint darkness for different vehicle types:
Legal tint darkness for sedans:
- Windshield: Only non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
- Front side windows: More than 35% of VLT should be allowed.
- Back Side windows: Any darkness level is permitted.
- Rear window: Any darkness level is permitted.
Legal tint darkness for SUV and Van:
- Windshield: Only non-reflective tint should be above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
- Front side windows: More than 35% of VLT should be allowed.
- 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 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 Missouri:
Car tinting laws in Missouri 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.
Missouri Window Tinting Rules and Regulations:
- Side mirrors: Both side mirrors are required in case of a tinted rear window.
- Restricted Colors: There is no restriction for using any tint color by the Missouri window tint laws.
- Certificates: No certificate is needed by the tint film manufacturers.
- Stickers: No sticker is needed for legal tint identification.
- Penalties: A violation of Missouri tint laws can cost you a $75 fine per infraction.
- Tint Variance: A 3% tint variance is allowed.
Missouri Window Tint Law Medical Exemption:
Missouri tinting laws allow medical exceptions. Drivers with medical conditions requiring protection from direct sunlight may be eligible for a medical exemption from the tint restrictions.
How to apply for a window tinting permit:
- Obtain a prescription from your physician, issued within the year, stating the serious medical condition that exists and the specific tint percentage needed above the standard allowance of 35 percent (plus or minus three percent for the windows to the immediate left and right of the driver).
- Bring your tinted vehicle(s) accompanied by the physician’s prescription to your local Highway Patrol headquarters where they will issue the permit(s).
- You may receive a permit to keep in your vehicle with a copy of the prescription. A sticker will be affixed to your windshield and a decal will be affixed to your rear glass or bumper.
Tint law reference: 307.173. Specifications for sun-screening device applied to windshield or windows
Information about Missouri State
Missouri, located in the central United States, shares borders with eight states: Iowa to the north, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee to the east, Arkansas to the south, and Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska to the west. It is a landlocked state and does not border with any ocean.
Missouri is the 21st largest US state by land area and the 18th most populous state in the USA.
Capital
Jefferson City
Population
6,196,156 (2023)
Area
69,704 mi² (180,560 km2)
Cities in Missouri State
Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, Independence, Lee’s Summit, O’Fallon, St. Charles, St. Joseph, Blue Springs, Joplin, Florissant, Hazelwood, Ballwin, Clayton, Webster Groves, Ferguson, Maryland Heights, Overland, Raytown, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Independence, Parkville, Liberty, Blue Springs, Belton, Nixa, Wentzville, Kirkwood, Des Peres, Bridgeton, Oakville, Creve Coeur, Richmond Heights, Sunset Hills, University City, Webb City, Ellisville, Arnold, Manchester, Kirkwood, Chesterfield, Wildwood, Ozark, Branson, Hannibal.
Counties in Missouri State
Adair, Andrew, Atchison, Audrain, Barry, Barton, Bates, Benton, Bollinger, Boone, Buchanan, Butler, Caldwell, Callaway, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Carroll, Carter, Cass, Cedar, Chariton, Christian, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Dade, Dallas, Daviess, DeKalb, Dent, Douglas, Dunklin, Franklin, Gasconade, Gentry, Greene, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Hickory, Holt, Howard, Howell, Iron, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Laclede, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Linn, Livingston, Macon, Madison.
Maries, Marion, McDonald, Mercer, Miller, Mississippi, Moniteau, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, New Madrid, Newton, Nodaway, Oregon, Osage, Ozark, Pemiscot, Perry, Pettis, Phelps, Pike, Platte, Polk, Pulaski, Putnam, Ralls, Randolph, Ray, Reynolds, Ripley, Saint Charles, Saint Clair, Saint Francois, Saint Louis, Saint Louis City, Sainte Genevieve, Saline, Schuyler, Scotland, Scott, Shannon, Shelby, Stoddard, Stone, Sullivan, Taney, Texas, Vernon, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Worth, Wright.