Thinking
of tinting the windows in your car? Before you do, get the facts on
what levels are legal. Here's Bloomington Deputy Chief Perry Heles
answering this week's question for Ask A Cop. Caroline Lowe
Bloomington Deputy Chief Perry Heles:There
often is confusion as to the exact window tinting regulations from
state to state. The State of Minnesota window tinting regulations
provide for the following:
The darkness of tint is measured by
visible light transmission (VLT%). The percentage refers to the
percentage of visible light allowed in through the tint once it's
applied.
Minnesota State statute 169.71 regulates the materials
authorized as well as the prohibitions and exceptions on window
tinting. The following is a simplification of the complete law:
Windshield - No tinting allowed on the windshield.
Front side windows - Must allow more than 50% of light in.
Back side windows - Must allow more than 50% of light in.
Rear Window - Must allow more than 50% of light in.
As
far as the type of coating goes, Minnesota law regulates how reflective
the coating material can be. Similar to mirrored lenses in sunglasses,
some tinting films contain metallic elements that help reflect incoming
light and reduce the heat and glare generated by the light and the
amount of this material is limited as follows:
Front side windows - Must not be more than 20% reflective
Back side windows - Must not be more than 20% reflective
There
are several exceptions to the state law to include limousines and
funeral vehicles as well as medical exceptions. Please refer to
Minnesota State statutes for the complete law.
