Minnesota Window Tint Laws — Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about window tint regulations in Minnesota. Current legal limits for every window, penalties for violations, and how medical exemptions work.
Updated April 2026 · Minnesota Tint Exemption Editorial Team
Minnesota Tint Limits at a Glance
VLT (Visible Light Transmission) is the percentage of light that passes through the window. Lower VLT means darker tint.
| Window | Sedan | SUV / Van / Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield | Non-reflective tint above AS-1 line | Non-reflective tint above AS-1 line |
| Front Side Windows | 50% VLT | 50% VLT |
| Back Side Windows | 50% VLT | Any darkness |
| Rear Window | Any darkness (dual mirrors required) | Any darkness (dual mirrors required) |
| Max Reflectivity | No mirrored or metallic tint | No mirrored or metallic tint |
Source: MN Stat §169.71
Understanding VLT Percentages
VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission— it measures what percentage of light passes through your window tint. Minnesota's 50% VLT limit is stricter than you might think:
Minnesota vs. Neighboring States
| State | Front Side | Back Side | Inspection? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 50% | 50% | No |
| Wisconsin | 50% | 35% | No |
| Iowa | 70% | Any | No |
| North Dakota | 50% | Any | No |
| South Dakota | 35% | 20% | No |
If you drive to South Dakota or Iowa regularly, tint legal in those states may be illegal when you return to Minnesota.
How Minnesota Enforces Tint Laws
Minnesota has no annual vehicle safety inspection. Tint is enforced exclusively at traffic stops by the Minnesota State Patrol, Minneapolis PD, St. Paul PD, Hennepin County Sheriff, and local departments. High-enforcement corridors include:
I-394 / I-94 (Minneapolis)
MSP and Minneapolis PD patrol heavily through downtown and western suburbs
I-35W (Minneapolis to Bloomington)
Heavy traffic volume; frequent enforcement near Mall of America corridor
I-35E (St. Paul)
St. Paul PD and MSP enforce through the capital city and northern suburbs
MN-62 / Crosstown Hwy
High-traffic suburban corridor; MSP actively enforces
I-494 (South Metro loop)
Connects Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Plymouth; frequent stops
I-35 (Duluth)
MSP enforces along the Lake Superior corridor, seasonal tourism spikes
Penalties for Illegal Tint in Minnesota
While the base fine is lower than some states, the misdemeanor classification and driving record impact make it more serious than a simple traffic ticket. A medical exemption at $225 eliminates this risk entirely.
Restricted Tint Colors
Minnesota law prohibits certain tint colors: red, amber, and yellow are not permitted on any window. These colors are restricted regardless of whether you have a medical exemption.
Minnesota's Unique Winter UV Challenge
Many Minnesotans assume UV exposure is only a summer concern. In reality, Minnesota winters create intense horizontal sun glare from November through February, and fresh snow reflects over 80% of UV radiation (snow albedo). UVA radiation — the type that penetrates car windows and causes skin damage — remains relatively constant year-round regardless of temperature. This makes window tint medically important for drivers with photophobia, lupus, melanoma, and other UV-sensitive conditions even during the coldest months.
Medical Exemptions to Minnesota Tint Laws
Under MN Stat §169.71 subd. 4, a licensed Minnesota physician can authorize a medical exemption for darker window tint. Minnesota has exceptional medical infrastructure — including the Mayo Clinic in Rochester (world-renowned), University of Minnesota Health, and M Health Fairview — treating conditions that commonly qualify.