How Dark Can Vehicle Window Tint be in MN? Depends on the Vehicle

Driving around St. Cloud, I see vehicles every day with window tint that seems way too dark for what the law will allow in Minnesota.  I have had friends with tint that is too dark being pulled over and issued either a warning or a citation depending on the times that they have been warned about said tint.

The first time you are pulled over, you will probably just get a warning.  But after that time, if you are pulled over again, thats when the fine(s) could start.

So, how are these vehicles I see around the area not getting tagged and forced to take the tint off the windows?  I guess they could just be rolling the dice on whether or not they will be actually pulled over for that purpose.  Or they just don't care.  Are they independantly wealthy?  Maybe.

What are the rules regarding tint in Minnesota?  It depends on the vehicle and also sometimes on the driver of the vehicle.

Cars have the most strict rules regarding tint.

in Minnesota cars can have window tint a maximum darkness of 50% VLT on all side windows and the rear windshield, and this sedan tint cannot be more than 20% reflective.

50% tint is really not that dark compared to what is acceptable in sorme other states.  Most of those states are warm/hot states such as Arizona or Nevada or most of the other Southern states.  It does help with the glare from the sun, and also keeping your car cooler and interior from fading or cracking.

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Here is where the tint exception can come into play.  If you have a medical condition that requires low sunlight, you can get a medical exemption to have darker tint on your car windows.  You do need to keep that medical exemption card with you in the car at all times.  Just in case you are pulled over for the dark tint.

Other vehicles like a limo or a hurst can also be considered for an exception with darker tint.

Also as with cars, the front side windows of larger vehicles can only be tinted down to 50% VLT at darkest and must be at most 20% reflective.
Beyond that, tint laws in Minnesota for SUVs, trucks, and vans are quite permissive. Any darkness of window tint may be used on rear side windows and the back window as long as the tint is not more than 20% reflective.

 

Minnesota does not allow tint on the windshield of any vehicle.  That certainly does not help with glare, but the law is very clear cut when it comes to windshield tint.

If you do get pulled over because of a tint violation, how much will it cost you?  It depends on how many times you've been pulled over for the same reason.  The first time will most likely be a warning, but after several times (if that happens) you could rack up several hundred dollars in fines.  The minimum fine amount in Minnesota is $125.  Then, it goes up from there.  The body shop that put the illegal tint on an unapproved vehicle can also be fined.  That fine can be around $375 or more.

Best to just follow the rules.