Window tint laws in Wisconsin (2026)
Per-window rules for Wisconsin, 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 35% VLT |
| Rear window | Minimum 35% VLT |
Windshield
Window tinting film or other nontransparent material may be applied to the inside of the windshield only in the portion that is both outside the critical area and above the horizontal line delineated by the manufacturer's mark (the A or AS mark); if no such mark was affixed by the windshield manufacturer, no tinting film may be attached to the windshield (Wis. Admin. Code Trans 305.34).
The standard in the law's own words
Trans 305 also bans nontransparent materials on regulated windows except government-required certificates and stickers.
Reflectivity
Tinting films permitted on vent, side, and rear windows may not be reflective (Wis. Admin. Code Trans 305.32).
Medical exemption
Front side (and vent) windows may be tinted down to a combined 35 percent visible light transmittance for a person with a written statement from a physician or Christian Science practitioner identifying the patient, the medical condition and its duration, and the vehicle; the film must be removed when the vehicle is sold or the condition expires (Wis. Admin. Code Trans 305.32).
Enforcement
Numeric standards live in the administrative code (Wis. Admin. Code ch. Trans 305), not the statutes. Officers must allow a tolerance of 3 percent when measuring light transmittance. If the rear window transmits less than 60 percent of visible light, outside rearview mirrors are required on both the left and right sides. Standards are stated as combined transmittance: the combination of glazing and tinting film must pass the stated percentage of light striking the window.
Notes
Vent and front side windows: combined transmittance of at least 50 percent (35 percent with the medical statement). Rear side windows and rear window: combined transmittance of at least 35 percent, with the dual-mirror requirement triggered when the rear window is below 60 percent. No sedan vs MPV/SUV distinction is stated in Trans 305.32 as read. Verified from the official Wisconsin Legislature administrative code portal (docs.legis.wisconsin.gov).
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
Sources: Wis. Admin. Code Trans 305.32 Vent, side and rear windows (official Wisconsin Legislature portal); Wis. Admin. Code Trans 305.34 Windshields (official Wisconsin Legislature portal)
Check your film against Wisconsin's rules
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Frequently asked questions
What tint is legal on front side windows in Wisconsin?+
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?+
Yes, within limits: Window tinting film or other nontransparent material may be applied to the inside of the windshield only in the portion that is both outside the critical area and above the horizontal line delineated by the manufacturer's mark (the A or AS mark); if no such mark was affixed by the windshield manufacturer, no tinting film may be attached to the windshield (Wis. Admin. Code Trans 305.34).
Is there a medical exemption for darker tint in Wisconsin?+
Front side (and vent) windows may be tinted down to a combined 35 percent visible light transmittance for a person with a written statement from a physician or Christian Science practitioner identifying the patient, the medical condition and its duration, and the vehicle; the film must be removed when the vehicle is sold or the condition expires (Wis. Admin. Code Trans 305.32).
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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