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.
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Medically ReviewedMinnesota 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.
Starting at $225 · Minnesota-licensed physician