Tint Guide

What Is the Darkest Legal Tint in Minnesota?

Here's exactly how dark you can go on each window in Minnesota — and how a medical exemption lets you go even darker.

Quick Answer

Without a medical exemption, the darkest legal tint in Minnesota is 50% VLT on all side windows for sedans under MN Stat §169.71. This is one of the strictest standards in the Midwest — even moderate 35% tint that's legal in many other states is illegal here. SUVs, vans, and trucks can have any darkness on rear windows.

With a medical exemptionunder MN Stat §169.71 subd. 4, you can legally have darker tint on all applicable windows.

Darkest Legal Tint by Window

Front Windshield

Non-reflective tint above AS-1 line

The windshield has the strictest rules. Only non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line (typically the top 4–5 inches). Full windshield tint is not permitted.

Front Side Windows (Driver & Passenger)

50% VLT

This is the most commonly enforced limit. 50% VLT means at least half of outside light must pass through — this is very light tint. Minnesota State Patrol actively tests this at traffic stops across the Twin Cities metro.

Back Side Windows

50% VLT (sedan) / Any darkness (SUV/van/truck)

Unlike many states that allow darker back windows, Minnesota requires sedans to maintain 50% VLT on back side windows too. SUVs, vans, and trucks can have any darkness.

Rear Window

Any darkness (dual side mirrors required)

All vehicle types can have any darkness on the rear window, but dual side mirrors are required if the rear window is tinted. This applies to both sedans and multi-purpose vehicles.

What Do Different VLT Levels Look Like?

70%

Factory glass

50%

Minnesota legal limit

35%

Medium tint (ILLEGAL in MN)

20%

Dark tint (ILLEGAL in MN)

Limo tint (ILLEGAL in MN)

Lower VLT percentage = darker tint. The highlighted bar shows Minnesota's 50% legal limit. Everything below it is illegal without a medical exemption.

How Minnesota Compares to Neighboring States

Minnesota's 50% VLT blanket standard is stricter than several neighbors. If you drive across state lines regularly, tint that's legal in South Dakota or Iowa may get you ticketed when you return:

State	Front Side	Back Side (Sedan)
Minnesota	50%	50%
Wisconsin	50%	35%
Iowa	70%	Any
North Dakota	50%	Any
South Dakota	35%	20%

Ceramic Tint: The Best Choice for Minnesota

If you're getting a medical exemption, consider ceramic window tint. It's ideal for Minnesota's climate because it blocks up to 99% of UV radiation and significantly reduces heat — without the metallic appearance that Minnesota law prohibits. Ceramic tint also handles the extreme temperature swings from -30°F winters to 90°F summers better than dyed or metallic films, with less risk of bubbling or peeling.

Winter UV: Why Darker Tint Matters Year-Round

Many Minnesotans assume tint is only needed in summer. In reality, Minnesota winters create intense horizontal sun glare from November through February, and fresh snow reflects over 80% of UV radiation. UVA radiation — the type that penetrates car windows and causes skin damage — remains relatively constant year-round. For drivers with photophobia, lupus, melanoma, or MS, darker tint is medically important in every season.

Want to Go Darker? Get a Medical Exemption

Minnesota's 50% VLT limit barely qualifies as visible tint. If you have a medical condition requiring UV or light protection — photophobia, lupus, migraines, melanoma, multiple sclerosis, or others — a medical exemption under MN Stat §169.71 subd. 4 allows you to legally go darker. Our licensed physicians review your existing documentation against Minnesota's requirements.

What Happens If Your Tint Is Too Dark?

Penalties for illegal tint in Minnesota

First offense: $50 petty misdemeanor fine + court costs
Repeat offenses: $50–$200 fine + court costs
Equipment violation on your Minnesota driving record
May be ordered to remove tint and provide proof of compliance

A medical exemption at $225costs less than even a single ticket plus court costs — and keeps your driving record clean permanently.

Go Darker — Legally

Minnesota's 50% limit barely qualifies as tint. Get a medical exemption and tint as dark as you need. $225 one-time.