Minnesota Tint Exemption

Minneapolis Window Tint Laws — Twin Cities Guide

The Twin Cities metro — Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding Hennepin, Ramsey, and Dakota counties — sees active tint enforcement by the Minnesota State Patrol and local agencies on I-394, I-35W, I-94, and MN-62.

Minnesota Tint Exemption Editorial Team
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Minnesota Tint Law in Minneapolis and St. Paul

Minnesota Statutes §169.71 sets uniform statewide window tint standards. The Twin Cities and all Minnesota counties follow state law — there are no local Minneapolis or St. Paul ordinances that vary the requirements. Minnesota has some of the strictest tint rules in the Midwest:

  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint only, above the AS-1 line
  • Front side windows: Must allow at least 50% VLT
  • Back side windows: Must allow at least 50% VLT
  • Rear window: Must allow at least 50% VLT
  • Reflectivity: No metallic or mirrored appearance permitted

Minnesota's 50% VLT standard for all side and rear windows means even moderate tinting is illegal without a medical exemption. The darker tints popular for summer glare reduction (20–30% VLT) are clearly non-compliant without physician authorization.

MSP and Twin Cities Enforcement

The Minnesota State Patrol (District 2100 covers the Twin Cities metro) and local departments — Minneapolis PD, St. Paul PD, Hennepin County Sheriff — all enforce tint violations. Active enforcement corridors in the Twin Cities include:

  • I-94 connecting Minneapolis and St. Paul through downtown
  • I-35W through south Minneapolis and into Bloomington/Burnsville
  • I-394 (Minnetonka corridor to downtown Minneapolis)
  • MN-62 (Crosstown Highway) through southwest metro
  • US-169 and I-35E in the east metro/St. Paul area

Minnesota tint violations are equipment violations — misdemeanor-level citations with fines typically ranging from $100–$200 plus court costs. The violation goes on your Minnesota driving record.

Medical Tint Exemptions for Twin Cities Residents

Minnesota Statutes §169.71 subd. 4 authorizes licensed Minnesota physicians to certify darker window tint for patients with qualifying medical conditions. Given Minnesota's strict 50% VLT standard, medical exemptions are the only legal path for residents who need meaningful UV protection while driving.

Common Twin Cities Qualifying Conditions

  • Photophobia — summer glare on Twin Cities lakes and highways is intense
  • Lupus — M Health Fairview and HCMC treat significant lupus populations
  • Multiple Sclerosis — University of Minnesota MS Center is a major regional center
  • Migraines — high prevalence in the Twin Cities professional and tech workforce
  • Melanoma — Minnesota has above-average melanoma rates for the Midwest
  • Post-transplant photosensitivity — U of M Medical Center performs major organ transplants

Starting at $225 · Minnesota-licensed physician

Official Minneapolis and Minnesota Resources

Related Minnesota Tint Exemption Guides

Explore more about getting your Minnesota window tint medical exemption:

Minnesota Window Tint Medical ExemptionHow the medical exemption works in Minnesota and who qualifies.How to Get a Tint Exemption in MinnesotaThe step-by-step process from application to approved certificate.Minnesota Window Tint LawsLegal VLT limits, reflection rules, and the governing statute.Darkest Legal Tint in MinnesotaHow dark you can legally go with and without an exemption.Tint Exemption CostWhat a Minnesota exemption costs and how it compares to fines.Minnesota Tint Exemption FormWhat the official exemption paperwork requires.Minnesota Tint Tickets & FinesPenalties for illegal tint and how an exemption protects you.Qualifying Medical ConditionsSee every condition that can qualify you for darker tint.Minnesota Exemption FAQAnswers to the most common exemption questions.

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