Cars with tinted windows look fancy, but if you live in Michigan, that won’t be a good idea! Thanks to the Michigan tint laws, you cannot use tint film on the windows whenever you want.
But what do these laws say? Well, that’s what we’ll discuss here today.
It was 2000 when the car tinting law in Michigan was proposed. It talks about how much dark or reflective your car window tint should be, depending on the state you live in.
We’ve provided all the information about the new Michigan window tint law here. There is also some extra information on rules and regulations, which you should obey if you don’t want to get fined.
So yes, it’s pretty crucial that you read the whole article from top to bottom.
Table of Contents
Michigan Tint Laws 2023 – Everything You Need to Know
Before you get to know the Michigan window tint laws, you need to learn about the VLT. So before we get into the details, let’s talk about it first!
What Does VLT Mean According to Michigan Tint Law?
The VLT or Visible Light Transmission indicated the percentage of detectable light that passes through your car’s window.
When the VLT is lower, the window tint will get darker. And higher VLT means that more light will penetrate the windows without any trouble.
For instance, if you install 75% tint on the glasses, 75% light will go through them. And when the tint is 5%, the insides of your car will be way darker!
By the way, We have in-depth content about VLT and window tint percentage for your reference. We recommend checking it out If you want to know the different levels of window tint.
So, What is The Legal Tint in Michigan– MI, Window Tint Law 2023
The Michigan window tint law is different for each type of vehicle. For passenger and multipurpose vehicles, you have to follow dissimilar rules.
So here are the MI window tint laws for multipurpose and passenger automobiles.
Legal tint in Michigan- Tint Darkness for Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield
Tint darkness for passenger vehicles is legal in Michigan with a few exceptions. For windshields, legal window tint in Michigan must be on the top 4 inches of the window and it must be a non-reflective tint. There are a few other restrictions, but these are the most important.
- Front side windows
Front side windows- Any darkness can be applied but only on the top 4 inches of the window. The rest of the window should be light or transparent. This is according to Michigan tint law 2023. Tinting these windows allow for a higher level of privacy and keep your car cooler in the summertime.
- Backside windows
The state of Michigan has some of the most lenient tinting laws in the nation. This means that you can legally tint your back side windows in any darkness, according to the state’s tinting laws. So if you’re looking to add a little privacy or style to your car, using a darker tint on your backside windows could be the perfect solution.
- Rear window
The state of Michigan has some of the most lenient tinting laws in the nation. This means that you can legally tint your Rear windows in any darkness, according to the state’s tinting laws. So if you’re looking to add a little privacy or style to your car, using a darker tint on your backside windows could be the perfect solution.
Legal Tint in Michigan- Tint Darkness for Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield
As per Michigan window tint law, 2023 non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield. - Michigan tint laws on front windows
Any darkness can be applied but only on the top 4 inches. - Backside windows
For the back side windows, You can use any darkness according to Michigan tint laws. - Rear window
On the rear window, You can use any darkness.
Window Tint Reflection in Michigan
Using tint on your automobile’s window can reflect the incoming light and reduce the heat. Moreover, the tinted windows also prevent glares.
Well, the Michigan window tinting laws authorize some specific window reflection while using a tint. So if you ever think about coloring the glasses, pay attention to this as well.
Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front side windows
New tint law in Michigan says that In the front side windows, you don’t have permission to use more than 35% reflective. - Backside windows
The same thing goes for the backside windows too. You cannot use more than 35% reflective on this one as well.
Tint reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front Side windows
You can’t use more than 35% reflective tint for these front-side windows. - Back Side windows
Must not be more than 35% reflective.
Other Michigan Window Tint Rules and Regulations You Need to Know
When it comes to window tinting of your vehicle, Michigan is pretty serious about that. You will have plenty of rules and regulations to abide by.
Besides maintaining a specific percentage of the glare on each window, here are some other restrictions you need to follow, even if you want to do a subtle darkening.
Side mirrors in Michigan
You must have side mirrors if the rear windshield is tinted.
Restricted Colors
When someone hears about the tint laws in Michigan, the next question they ask is which color to use on the glass. Well, the law of Michigan doesn’t allow you to use all the colors on the palette; that’s no secret! So which colors can be used?
Silver and gold tint colors are explicitly prohibited in Michigan
You can use gray, green, bronze, and blue car window tint without any issue. Moreover, you have permission to use neutral smoke colors too.
Certificates
Manufacturers of film do NOT need to certify the film they sell in the state.
Stickers
According to the law, if you have completed the tinting, your car windows don’t need any stickers to prove that. Well, that’s pretty impressive!
Penalties
The punishment for this is a fine and two points on your driving record.
Michigan Window Tint Medical Exemption
In Michigan, the law states that any driver with a medical exemption can tint their car windows to any degree. To get this exemption, you must have a letter from your doctor that specifically states that you need to tint your windows for medical reasons. The letter must include your name, date of birth, and the specific reason why you need to tint your windows. You must also have this letter with you whenever you’re driving, and present it to a police officer if they ask for it.
How to Get Medical Exemption for Window Tint in Michigan?
The process for getting this Michigan Window Tint Exemption Form is fairly simple. You just need to go to your doctor and get a note from them stating that you need the dark tint for medical reasons. Once you have the note, take it to your local motor vehicle office and they will issue you an exemption sticker to put on your car.
Michigan Medical Exemption Requirements
| State | Michigan |
| Statute, regulation, or other sources | M.C.L.A. 257.709 |
| To whom the exemption may apply | operator |
| Reason(s) | a person who is light-sensitive or photosensitive |
| Which windows | N/A |
| Limits on the amount of tint | window treatment or application shall not interfere with a clear vision of the highway or an intersecting highway |
| Certification from medical provider (which type[s] of provider) | physician or optometrist |
| Application to state department | |
| Document required in vehicle | the letter signed by a physician or optometrist indicating medical necessity |
Michigan Window Tint Medical Exemption Form
Click here to get Michigan Window Tint Medical Exemption Form
Cost of Car Window Tint in Michigan
The cost may vary from film to film when it is to tint. For instance, if you want to use a regular classic film for your Sedan, it will cost you up to 150-200 bucks. And when you want something exclusive like ceramic tints, you will need to spend $95 or more!
However, if you don’t have the budget to do the tinting professionally, you can get a DIY tint kit. It will cost you around a hundred bucks, which is a relief!
To know more detail about car tint cost click here.
Michigan, MI window tint laws FAQ
Is 5 tint legal in Michigan?
Yes, 5% tint is legal in Michigan. But you can use any tint darkness but only on the top 4 inches of driver-side windows & any tint darkness is legal for back and rear windows.
Is 20 tint legal in Michigan?
Yes, 20% tint is legal in Michigan. But you can use any tint darkness, but only on the top 4 inches of driver-side windows & any tint darkness is legal for back and rear windows.
What is The Maximum Legal Window Tint in Michigan?
You can use any tint darkness, but only on the top 4 inches of driver-side windows. And any tint darkness is legal for back and rear windows.
How Much Does a Michigan window tint ticket cost?
Michigan window tint tickets can cost a $95 fine and gain two points on their license.
MI. Tint law references
Michigan Vehicle Code section 257.709: Windshields and window
Michigan State Police Traffic Law FAQs
The Bottom Line
The goal of creating this article was to enlighten you about the Michigan tint laws so you can confidently drive your car through the state. The article you’ve read just now was last updated in 2021. If you think we’ve missed any new information, feel free to contact us anytime you want.
In conclusion, it is important to be familiar with the Michigan window tint laws if you are planning to get your car tinted. While there are some restrictions, the benefits of window tinting make it well worth the effort to follow the guidelines. To learn more about Michigan‘s window tinting laws or for assistance finding a qualified instale website of the Michigan Criminal Justice Information Center
