Michigan Window Tinting Laws

Car window tinting laws in Michigan were enacted in 2000. We have provided all the necessary information about your car's window tint, including how dark or reflective the tint is allowed in your state. There are also additional car window tinting rules and regulations in Michigan so make sure you read all about it below.

Window tint darkness in Michigan

The percent of visible light allowed through your car windows is called VLT: Visible Light Transmission. The percentage of light allowed through your film and glass in Michigan is very specific and different for sedan cars and SUV cars or vans.

Tint darkness for sedans:

  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
  • Front Side windows: Any darkness can be applied but only on top 4 inches.
  • Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
  • Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.

Tint darkness for SUV and vans:

  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
  • Front Side windows: Any darkness can be applied but only on top 4 inches.
  • Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
  • Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.

Michigan permits tinting front windshield and front windows (those adjacent to driver) but only top 4 inches of these windows. Tint is not allowed on any other part of these windows.

Window tint reflection in Michigan

Window tint can reflect incoming light and reduce glare and heat. Michigan window tint law permits a certain window reflection when using a tint so make sure you pay attention to this as well.

Tint reflection for sedans:

  • Front Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.
  • Back Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.

Tint reflection for SUV and vans:

  • Front Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.
  • Back Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.

Other Michigan window tint rules and regulations:

Michigan does have several other important laws, rules and regulations pertaining to window tinting. They include the following:

  • Side Mirrors: Vehicle must have side mirrors if rear windshield is obstructed.
  • Restricted Colors: Silver and gold tint colors are explicitly prohibited in Michigan.
  • Certificates: Manufacturers of film do NOT need to certify the film they sell in the state.
  • Stickers: No sticker to identify legal tinting is required by law.
  • Medical Exceptions: Michigan allows medical exemptions for special tint. For more details about the specific terms of the exemption, consult Michigan state law.
Keep in mind that Michigan tinting laws and regulations may be interpreted differently in your county or place of residence. We always recommend double-checking our information with your local DMV or law enforcement authorities.
Michigan Tint Laws Our information about window tint laws in Michigan was last updated in 2021. Tinting laws in Michigan were enacted in 2000. In case any of our info provided is not up to date or correct be sure to contact us so we can fix it. Thanks!

State of Michigan Info

Michigan

Michigan is a state in the Great Lakes region of the Midwestern United States. It's the 9th most populous of the 50 United States, with the 11th most extensive total area. Its capital is Lansing, and the largest city is Detroit. Michigan is the only state to consist of two peninsulas, connected by the Mackinac Bridge. While sparsely populated, the Upper Peninsula is economically important due to its status as a tourist destination as well as its abundance of natural resources.

Capital: Lansing

Population: 9,883,360

Area: 96,716 sq mi (250,493 km2)

Cities ▼

Cities in Michigan: Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, Flint, Dearborn, Troy, Muskegon, Holland, Bay City, Novi, Livonia, Royal Oak, Sterling Heights, Farmington Hills, Traverse City, Southfield, Battle Creek, Saginaw, Warren, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Ypsilanti, Frankenmuth, East Lansing, Midland, Rochester Hills, Marquette, Petoskey, Westland, Bloomfield Hills, Grand Haven, Port Huron, Benton Harbor, Jackson, Birmingham, Saugatuck, New Era, Plymouth, South Haven, Ferndale, Northville, Madison Heights, Wyoming, Rochester, Iron Mountain, Hell, Roseville, Taylor

Counties ▼

Counties in Michigan: Alcona, Alger, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Baraga, Barry, Bay, Benzie, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Clare, Clinton, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Eaton, Emmet, Genesee, Gladwin, Gogebic, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Houghton, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Iosco, Iron, Isabella, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Kent, Keweenaw, Lake, Lapeer, Leelanau, Lenawee, Livingston, Luce, Mackinac, Macomb, Manistee, Marquette, Mason, Mecosta, Menominee, Midland, Missaukee, Monroe, Montcalm, Montmorency, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Oceana, Ogemaw, Ontonagon, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Ottawa, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, St. Clair, St. Joseph, Sanilac, Schoolcraft, Shiawassee, Tuscola, Van Buren, Washentaw, Wayne County, Wexford County

Wikipedia

State website


Tint law references:

Michigan Vehicle Code section 257.709: Windshields and windows


Medical exemption info:

Michigan State Police Traffic Law FAQs - Tinted windows

Ask a Traffic Lawyer Now

We have partnered with JustAnswer to provide you with immediate legal help.

Submit Question

Have questions about traffic or tinting laws in Michigan?

Ask professional lawyers without having to pay hundreds of $$$ in legal fees just for visiting their office! Traffic law experts are on call 24/7 ready to answer any question you have.

Type your question in the form provided or ask legal experts on JustAnswer directly!