Window tint laws in Minnesota (2026)
Per-window rules for Minnesota, United States - cited to the primary legal sources and last verified 2026-07-15.
The rules, window by window
| Window | Rule |
|---|---|
| Front side windows | Minimum 50% VLT |
| Rear side windows | Minimum 50% VLT |
| Rear window | Minimum 50% VLT |
Windshield
No material may be applied to the windshield: Minn. Stat. 169.71 subd. 4(1) prohibits driving when the windshield is composed of, covered by, or treated with any material which has the effect of making the windshield more reflective or in any other way reducing light transmittance through the windshield. No top strip allowance is stated.
The standard in the law's own words
Beyond the numeric floor, the statute prohibits any side or rear window composed of or treated with material so as to obstruct or substantially reduce the driver's clear view through the window (Minn. Stat. 169.71 subd. 4).
Reflectivity
Window material may not have a luminous reflectance of more than 20 percent plus or minus 3 percent (Minn. Stat. 169.71 subd. 4).
Medical exemption
Tinting below the standard is permitted when the vehicle operator or a passenger possesses a prescription or a physician's statement of medical need specifying the minimum light transmittance reduction needed; prescriptions expire within two years unless marked permanent (Minn. Stat. 169.71 subd. 4a).
Enforcement
Violation is a misdemeanor (Minn. Stat. 169.71 subd. 5). Windows installed as original equipment complying with FMVSS 205 are exempt.
Notes
Minnesota's numeric standard is 50 percent light transmittance plus or minus 3 percent for side and rear windows, one of the strictest passenger-car limits in the US, and the windshield may not be tinted at all (no top strip). Vehicle-type exceptions under subd. 4a remove the transmittance limit for: rear windows of pickup trucks; rear windows and side windows behind the driver's seat on vans; all side and rear windows on funeral home vehicles and limousines; and rear and side windows on police vehicles. SUVs are treated per their classification under these categories; the passenger-car (sedan) values are recorded in the numeric fields. The statute states the tolerance (plus or minus 3 percent) directly in the text.
This page is informational only and is not legal advice. Window tint laws change, enforcement practices vary, and the summaries here may not reflect the most recent amendments - always confirm the current rules with your local licensing authority or law enforcement before tinting a vehicle.
Last verified: 2026-07-15
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Frequently asked questions
What tint is legal on front side windows in Minnesota?+
Minnesota requires front side windows to let at least 50% of visible light through. Film rated darker than that is illegal on those windows, and roadside enforcement typically measures glass plus film together.
Can I have a tinted windshield strip in Minnesota?+
No - Minnesota's rule does not provide a top-strip exception: No material may be applied to the windshield: Minn. Stat. 169.71 subd. 4(1) prohibits driving when the windshield is composed of, covered by, or treated with any material which has the effect of making the windshield more reflective or in any other way reducing light transmittance through the windshield. No top strip allowance is stated.
Is there a medical exemption for darker tint in Minnesota?+
Tinting below the standard is permitted when the vehicle operator or a passenger possesses a prescription or a physician's statement of medical need specifying the minimum light transmittance reduction needed; prescriptions expire within two years unless marked permanent (Minn. Stat. 169.71 subd. 4a).
Where do these rules come from?+
Every rule on this page is cited to a primary legal source (statute or regulation text), listed under the disclaimer with links. Last verified 2026-07-15. Laws change - confirm with your local authorities before tinting.
Tint laws in nearby jurisdictions
Or browse every jurisdiction on the window tint laws hub.
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