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 Wisconsin tint laws is crucial to avoid fines and ensure safe driving.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about legal tint in WI.
Window Tint Laws in Wisconsin were enacted in 1996 and the darkest legal tint in Wisconsin is 50% of VLT according to the car window tinting laws.
Understanding Wisconsin 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 50% of VLT should be allowed.
- Backside windows: More than 35% of VLT should be allowed.
- Rear window: More than 35% of VLT should be allowed.
Legal tint darkness for SUV and Van:
- Windshield: Only non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
- Front side windows: More than 50% 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 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 Wisconsin:
Wisconsin Tint Laws restrict the level of reflection for car window tinting.
Tint Reflection for sedans:
- Front Side windows: Only non-reflective tint film is allowed to be used.
- Back Side windows: Only non-reflective tint film is allowed to be used.
Tint Reflection for SUV and Van:
- Front Side windows: Only non-reflective tint film is allowed to be used.
- Back Side windows: Only non-reflective tint film is allowed to be used.
Wisconsin Window Tinting Rules and Regulations:
- Side mirrors: Both side mirrors are required in case of a tinted rear window below 60% of VLT.
- Restricted Colors: There is no restriction about using any tint color by the Wisconsin car tinting laws.
- Certificates: No certificate is needed by the tint film manufacturers.
- Stickers: No sticker is needed for legal tint identification.
- Penalties: A violation of Wisconsin tint laws can cost you a $175 fine per infraction.
- Medical exemptions: Car tinting laws allow medical exceptions. Drivers with medical conditions requiring protection from direct sunlight may be eligible for a window tint exemption from the Wisconsin tint laws restrictions.
Tint law reference: Trans 305.32 – Vent, side and rear windows.
Information about Wisconsin State
Wisconsin is situated in the north-central United States, Wisconsin State borders with Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, and Iowa.
Wisconsin is the 23rd largest US state by land area and the 20th most populous state in the USA. The largest city in this state is Milwaukee.
Capital
Madison
Population
5,910,955 (2023)
Area
65,498 mi² (169,640 km2)
Cities in Wisconsin State
Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Wisconsin Dells, Oshkosh, Appleton, Eau Claire, Kenosha, Waukesha, Wausau, La Crosse, Racine, Sheboygan, Bell Center, Baraboo, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin Rapids, Hustler, Kaukauna, River Falls, Superior, Kohler, Bayfield, Fitchburg, Muskego, Menomonee Falls, Beloit, Brookfield, New Glarus, Chippewa Falls, Sun Prairie, De Pere, Mequon, West Allis, Cedarburg, Marshfield, Menomonie, Pleasant Prairie, Port Washington, Oak Creek, Rhinelander, Manitowoc, Stevens Point, Fond du Lac, Lake Geneva, Wauwatosa, Janesville, Neenah, New Berlin, West Bend.
Counties in Wisconsin State
The State of Wisconsin is divided into 72 counties:
Adams, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Brown, Buffalo, Burnett, Calumet, Chippewa, Clark, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Door, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Florence, Fond du Lac, Forest, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Iron, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Kewaunee, La Crosse, Lafayette, Langlade, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Milwaukee, Monroe, Oconto, Oneida, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Racine, Richland, Rock, Rusk, Saint Croix, Sauk, Sawyer, Shawano, Sheboygan, Taylor, Trempealeau, Vernon, Vilas, Walworth, Washburn, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago, and Wood.