Cars with tinted windows look fancy for sure, but if you live in Wisconsin, that won’t be a good idea! Thanks to the Wisconsin 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 1996 when the car tinting law in Wisconsin 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.
Table of Contents
Wisconsin Tint Laws 2023 – Everything You Need to Know
Before you get to know the Wisconsin 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 WI tint laws?
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.
Wisconsin Car Window Tint Law Limits
The VLT or Visible Light Transmission indicated the percentage of detectable light that passes through your car’s window.
The Wisconsin 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 law limits for multipurpose and passenger automobiles.
Wisconsin Window Tint Law- Tint Darkness for Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield
Wisconsin window tint laws allow non-reflective tints above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line for Passenger Vehicles. This means that you can choose a tint that is not as dark as other states but still offers some protection from the sun. - Front side windows
Wisconsin window tint law currently allows a maximum of 50% light in for passenger vehicles’ front side windows. The purpose of this law is to promote safety for the driver and passengers by allowing more light into the car, helping the driver see better in low-light conditions. - Back side windows
The Wisconsin Window Tint Law allows for a passenger vehicle’s front window to have a light tint of no more than 35%. This law goes into effect on January 1, 2019. Manufacturers must certify that their vehicles meet this requirement. - Rear window
Wisconsin state law requires that the passenger window in a vehicle be allowed to operate with at least 35% light exposure for the driver. This is in order to ensure that the driver can see out of their rear window while driving.
Wisconsin Window Tint Law- Tint Darkness for Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has determined that non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line for Multi-purpose Vehicles’ windshields. This determination is based on the following: Non-reflective tint helps to reduce glare from sunlight and improves visibility in direct sunlight. It also reduces the amount of heat that is bounced off the windshield and into the driver’s eyes. - Front side windows
The legal tint in Wisconsin for the front-side windows is 50%. which means Must allow more than 50% of light in. - Back side windows
The legal tint in Wisconsin for the back-side windows is 35%. which means Must allow more than 35% of light in. - Rear window
The same goes here The legal tint in Wisconsin for the rear windows is 35%. which means Must allow more than 35% of light in.
Window Tint Reflection – Wisconsin tint laws
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 Wisconsin tint 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.
Legal Tint in Wisconsin- Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front side windows
Must not be reflective according to WI tint laws. - Backside window
Must not be reflective according to WI tint laws.
Legal Tint in Wisconsin- Tint reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front side windows
Must not be reflective according to WI tint laws. - Backside window
Must not be reflective according to WI tint laws.
Other Wisconsin tint laws You Need to Know
When it comes to window tinting of your vehicle, Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
According to tint laws in Wisconsin, Dual side mirrors are required if the rear window is tinted below 60%.
Restricted Colors
According to tint laws in Wisconsin, No tint colors are restricted in Wisconsin.
Certificates
According to tint laws in Wisconsin, Film manufacturers don’t need to certify the film they sell in this state.
Stickers
According to tint laws in Wisconsin, A sticker to identify legal tinting is not required.
Penalties
According to tint laws Wisconsin Fine can be $175.
Wisconsin Window Tint Medical Exemption
According to tint laws Wisconsin allows medical exemptions for darker tint.
Benefits of Window Tinting in Wisconsin
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 in Wisconsin
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.
Wisconsin, WI Tint Laws FAQ
Is 5 tint legal in Wisconsin?
When it comes to tinting your car windows, you may only use five types of tint on the top 5 inches of your windshield. This is according to Wisconsin state law. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. If you have a special license or permit that allows you to install a different type of tint on top of the five allowed colors, then you are free to do so.
Is 15 tint legal in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law allows 15 percent tint on the top 5 inches of a windshield. This limit applies strictly to the windshield and does not apply to the windows inside the vehicle. If you have any questions about whether your tint level is within allowable limits, be sure to contact your local Wisconsin law enforcement agency or click here.
Is 20 tint legal in Wisconsin?
When it comes to tinting your car windows, you may only use 20% tint film on the top 5 inches of your windshield. This is according to Wisconsin state law. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. If you have a special license or permit that allows you to install a different type of tint on top of the five allowed colors, then you are free to do so.
What is the legal window tint in Wisconsin?
Window tinting is legal in Wisconsin with the following limits: The window tint cannot cover more than 50% of the window. The window tint cannot be darker than a light blue. The window tint cannot display any type of advertising or publicity.
Wisconsin Tint laws references
- Wisconsin Statutes section 347.43: Safety glass (PDF file; scroll to section 347.43)
- Wisconsin State Legislature – 305.32: Vent, side and rear windows
The Bottom Line
The goal of creating this article was to enlighten you about the Wisconsin 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 aware of the wi window tint laws when modifying your vehicle. While the tinting regulations may seem restrictive, they are in place for safety reasons. By following the guidelines, you can ensure that your car is in compliance with state law and avoid any potential fines or penalties.
