Cars with tinted windows look fancy for sure, but if you live in Montana, that won’t be a good idea! Thanks to the Montana 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 1991 when the car tinting law in Montana was proposed. It talks about how dark or reflective your car window tint should be, depending on the state you live in.
We’ve provided all the information you need in this regard over here. Also, there is also some extra information on rules and regulations, which you should obey if you don’t want to get fined.
Montana Tint Laws in 2023 – Everything You Need to Know
Before you get to know the Montana 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 Montana state 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 Montana– MT window tint law 2023
The Montana 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 MT window tint laws for multipurpose and passenger automobiles.
Montana Window Tint Law– Tint Darkness for Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield
Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. - Front side windows
24% tint darkness allowed - Backside windows
You can use 14% tint darkness without getting in trouble. - Rear window
You can use 14% tint darkness without getting in trouble.
Montana Window Tint Law– Tint Darkness for Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield
Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. - Front side windows
24% tint darkness allowed. - Backside windows
Any tint darkness can be used. - Rear window
Any tint darkness can be used according to Montana tint law.
Window Tint Reflection in Montana
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 window tint Montana law authorizes 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
Must not be more than 35% reflective. - Backside windows
Must not be more than 35% reflective.
Tint reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front Side windows
Must not be more than 35% reflective. - Backside windows
Must not be more than 35%.
Other Montana Window Tint Rules and Regulations You Need to Know
When it comes to window tinting of your vehicle, Montana 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 Montana
No restrictions on side mirrors in Montana.
Restricted Colors
When someone hears about the tint laws in Montana, the next question they ask is which color to use on the glass. Well, the law of Montana doesn’t allow you to use all the colors on the palette; that’s no secret! So which colors you can’t use?
Red, yellow, and amber are not allowed.
You can use gray, green, and bronze car window tint without any issue. Moreover, you have permission to use neutral smoke color too.
Certificates
Manufacturers of film do not need to certify the film they sell in the state.
Stickers
State law recommends but does not require stickers to identify legal tinting.
Penalties
Misdemeanor with up to $500 fine or up to 6 months in county jail (Montana law 46-18-212)
Montana Window Tint Medical Exemption
In Montana, 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 Montana?
The process for getting this Montana 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.
Montana Medical Exemption Requirements
| State | Montana |
| Statute, regulation, or other sources | MCA 61-9-428 |
| For whom the exemption may apply | |
| Reason(s) | medical reasons |
| Frequency of certification of need | effective dates to be specified on waiver |
| Limits on the amount of tint | |
| Certification from medical provider (which type[s] of provider) | licensed physician, licensed physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse |
| Application to state department | application to Highway Patrol or local law enforcement agency |
| Document required in vehicle | (not specified, but Highway Patrol or local law enforcement agency to retain a copy until expiration) |
Montana Window Tint Waiver Reference
- https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0610/chapter_0090/part_0040/section_0280/0610-0090-0040-0280.html
Window Tinting And Sunscreening Waiver Conditions
61-9-428. Window tinting and sunscreening waiver conditions. The highway patrol or a local law enforcement agency may grant a waiver of the standards of 61-9-405(4) for reasons of safety or security or for medical reasons based on an affidavit signed by a licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse, as defined in 37-8-102. The waiver must be in writing and must include the vehicle identification number, registration number, or other description to clearly identify the motor vehicle to which the waiver applies and the date issued, the name of the owner of the vehicle, the reason for granting the waiver, the dates the waiver is effective, and the signature of the law enforcement officer granting the waiver. The highway patrol or the local law enforcement agency shall keep a copy of the waiver until the waiver expires.
Benefits of Window Tinting
The tint on your car’s window isn’t just a decorative thing; it comes with greater benefits too. So let’s talk about the advantage of coloring your vehicle’s window, shall we?
Prevents the Interior from Fading
While parking our cars, we always look for shades, don’t we? Well, it helps us to maintain the top-notch condition of our car’s exterior.
Likewise, when you use tints on your vehicle’s windows, the interior doesn’t have to face the harshness of the sunlight. Therefore, if you have beautiful leather seats, they are less likely to get damaged!
Blocks UV Rays
You don’t need to get lectured about the harmful effects of UV rays, do you? We all know that applying tons of sunscreen isn’t enough to protect you from damage. And when your car has tinted glasses, you can avert this UV situation pretty gracefully.
Get Better Security
Nothing is worst than people staring at you when you mind your own business in the car. The people in the backseat have to go through this problem more than the drivers. And when you get tinted glasses, you don’t have to go through this annoyance anymore.
Take a Chill Pill
When riding on the hottest summer days, even the AC won’t be enough to cool you down. But if you have tinted windows, you don’t have to worry about sweating anymore!
Cost of Car Window Tint Montana
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 $400 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.
Montana, MT Tint Laws FAQ
Is 5 Tint Legal in Montana?
5% tint is legal for the backside & rear windows of your multi-purpose vehicles according to Montana window tint law.
MT Tint law references
Montana Code section 61-9-405: Window tinting and sun screening
Medical exemption info
Montana Code section 61-9-428 – Window tinting and sun screening — waiver — conditions
The Bottom Line
The goal of creating this article was to enlighten you about the Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana‘s window tinting laws or for assistance finding a qualified installer, visit the website of the Montana Criminal Justice Information Center.
