The advantages of driving with colored windows may be numerous, increased privacy, reduced glare, cooler interiors, but in case you are in the state of Michigan, or pass through it, you will be interested in knowing that all is in order with the legislation. This paper dissects the Michigan Window Tint Laws, describes the differences between them and those of other states, how to avoid going past the boundaries of the law, and some practical advice on how to comply with the law.
Why Michigan Window Tint Laws
The popularity of window film (tint) is explained by its ability to lower the heating cost, prevent UV and glare, and increase the level of privacy. However, safety may be a problem with too dark or reflective window adornments: they may result in cutting down the dock of a driver inside the truck, interfere with the capacity of law enforcement or other motorists to see inside of it, as well as diminished nighttime or adverse weather visibility. The state controls tinting, in order to strike the balance between the benefits and the safety of the population.
Relevant Statute
It is a Michigan law that is located in the Michigan Vehicle Code SS 257.709. In particular, the statute states that an individual cannot drive a vehicle in violation of:
A sign, poster, nontransparent material, or colored movie on the front windshield or the side windows next to the driver/passenger except a colored movie not higher than the top four inches of the windshield or side windows.
A rear window or side window that is at the back of the driver in case the material forms a total solar reflectance of 35 percent or above of visible light, even including silver/gold reflective film.
Concisely: Michigan controls the area of usage of tint, its degree of reflectivity and mandates some mirrors in case of rear tinting. These regulations have minor (and in certain cases noticeable) variations with other states that only regulate VLT (Visible Light Transmission) in all windows.
What the Law Allows by Window Windows.
We will discuss each category of the vehicle windows and explain what can be allowed by Michigan tint laws.
2.1 Windshield
Only onto the top four inches of windshield may you apply a non-reflective tint film (unless that is nearer to the top than is your manufacturer’s “AS-1” line, which is in that case nearer).
There must be no black stain beneath that strip. The windshield should be clear so that the driver can see.
2.2 Drivers and Front Passenger Front Side Windows.
The tinted film may be applied on the upper four inches of the window on the front side only (those which are next to the driver and the front seat passenger). The glass should be clear (or film should not be stretched down) below that.
Those windows should not have reflective or mirror-like films (silver or gold). (Michigan restraints reflectance to 35 percent or less on side and rear windows).
2.3 Rear Window & Rear Side Windows.
Such are the windows (the side windows behind the driver and the rear window itself) much more flexible: you can use any degree of darkness of tint. The percentage of visible light transmission that is required in such windows is not mentioned in the law.
HOWEVER: should you tint the rear window (or rear side windows) and the driver cannot see the highway behind, the car must have two exterior rear-view mirrors (one to each side) to ensure that there is a good view behind the highway.
Also Reflective films on these windows should not exceed 35 percent reflectance.
2.4 Reflectivity and Film Colour Contractions.
Michigan does not make its regulations forbidding more than 50 percent VLT of all the windows. Rather the law is concerned with the place of tint permissibility, and with a maximum reflectance (35 %) of tinted film.
Film of a mirror type made of silver or gold is explicitly prohibited.
However, the state does not require any special sticker or certification to demonstrate compliance (as other states do) but you can maintain records.
Medical Exemptions
The legislation acknowledges that some persons might require a darker or colored glass due to their medical factors (e.g. photosensitivity, skin disease, eye disease). In accordance with SS 257.709(3)(e) individuals can avail special treatment when the owner or operator in the vehicle possesses a letter signed by a physician or optometrist that shows why the treatment was required.
Noticeable remarks with reference to the exemption:
The view of the highway should not be blocked (obviously block the view of the driver cannot be done with the exemption).
The letter should be in the car it might be required to exhibit the letter when stopped.
You also ought to check with the local enforcement to see what he/she may need that goes beyond the state law.
Punishments, Implementation and Rugs of War.
4.1 Enforcement
Violations of tint in Michigan are one of the first offenses: the police may stop the vehicle, in case officers are sure that it is tinted illegally (i.e. the windows are too dark or the car has no mirrors in the front, and the rear one is heavily tinted).
Due to visual character of the rule (top 4”, reflectance limit) the interpretation here is subjective (what is considered to be top 4 inches? how reflective is excessive?). This can lead to disputes.
4.2 Penalties
In case you are spotted tinting illegally you might be issued with a “fix-it ticket (i.e. you must not have tint) or a fine. There are some sources that have points on your driving record that are associated with some violations.
Failure to correct the violation or repeat offenses of the tint laws may have more severe penalties like loss of registration renewal, or fines.
4.3 Practical Issues
Removal of illegal tint may also be expensive and time consuming particularly when it involves rear tinted windows with defroster or even a film that has to be removed closely. Other businesses complain of damages to their businesses in case they are removed without appropriate care.
Although rear window has an exception of any darkness, when your tint is too dark and prevents much visibility, a police officer may still have deemed that the driver cannot see clearly thus a ticket was issued in regards to the other laws of visibility. It is always important to make sure that your tint does not affect visibility.
Since the laws are concerned with reflectance (how mirror-like it is) and placement, but not merely with darkness, the selection of the proper film and installer can be very important.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Window Tint Law Michigan.
5.1 Benefits
Reduction of heat and sunlight: Tinted windows decrease the amount of heat entering vehicles and lowering the temperature of the vehicle hence aiding air-conditioning effectiveness.
Glare Reduction: This comes in particularly well when one is driving towards the sun or at night when the headlights glare; having a tint that is of a good quality can help relieve that burden.
Privacy and Security: Rear tinted windows ensure that no one can easily see inside your car and therefore there is minimal risk of thieves or unwanted attention.
5.2 Drawbacks & Risks
Night Visibility: Very dark colors can also make you have poor vision of night or in dark places. Although legal (on rear windows) it is necessary to drive safely.
Legal Risk: In case you settle on non-compliant film or installation you will be risking the fines and tickets, as well as having to remove the film.
Resale / Inspection Problems: There are tints that will have to be removed or altered (e.g., wireless rear defrosters) in order to install the parts of repairs or inspections.
Interpretation Ambiguity: Since Michigan law is position-based (top 4”) as opposed to uniform VLT in all windows, you will pay a price by misinterpreting the law or applying film.
How to Be Compliant: How to Be Practical.
The following tips can be applied to help you not exceed the Michigan tint laws:
Measure: When tinting on front side windows or windshield, place a mark on the top 4 inches of the glass at the top (or on the manufacturer manufacturers AS-1 line, where there is one) and then make sure that film only covers the strip allowed.
Check reflectivity Check films are not mirror-type (no silver/gold reflective films) and do not exceed the 35% reflectance limit. Request your supplier to provide spec sheet.
Make sure your car is equipped with the necessary mirrors: In case you have made your rear windows darker than black, then you need to have two rear view mirrors (one on each side) to meet the rear visibility standards.
Select a quality installer: Select a tint installer who is knowledgeable about the Michigan laws, as he/she will size and install the film in correct manner and utilize legal materials. Ask about compliance.
Carry medical-exemption letter in car (where necessary): should you actually need a darker tint, because of a medical cause, make sure you have the letter of your doctor; and that the particular windows do not fall short of minimum visibility.
Record your job: Save your receipt, movie specifications, contact details of installer and any paperwork in case of an accident.
Check your tint periodically: Film may darken with time, peel, bubble or alter characteristics. Ensure that you remain compliant years after usage.
Crossing state lines Before operating a vehicle in another state: In case you take a coloured car over to another state, keep in mind that Michigan law applies during your time in Michigan. What is legal in one state does not necessarily mean that it is legal in another.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Question.
What colour is legal in Michigan?
With regard to the front windshield, there should be no more than a non-reflective strip extending to the top four inches. On front side windows not more than the top four inches of film are allowed. Any amount of darkness may be lawfully applied to rear side windows and rear window, though the reflectance must remain not more than 35 percent and in the case of heavily tinted rear window two side mirrors are necessary.
Does Michigan allow a 5% limo tint?
Yes – rear side windows and rear window, that dark a tint is legal (when the requirements of reflectance and mirrors are met). On the front side windows or windshield, you may not apply anything darker than 5 percent on the strip.
Does Michigan require a sticker or certificate in tinted windows?
No, Michigan does not demand sticker or certification label to the vehicle to be tinted legally. Nevertheless, you must not get rid of your purchase/install documents. cartintlaw.com
Mirror tints or silver/gold films legal in Michigan?
No – Michigan law bans silver or gold mirror finishes and other high reflective finishes. tinting-laws.com.
I would like to have my windows darker, but on medical grounds.
Yes, Michigan law provides an exemption in the case of an exemption by a physician in a letter stating the need of special tinting (e.g., photosensitivity). Nevertheless, you still should not lose a good visibility and have the documentation.
Why the Laws are Somewhat Different in Michigan.
Some states dictate tinting of windows simply through minimum percentage of Visible Light Transmission (VLT) (e.g., “front side windows have to permit at least 70% of light to pass through them). Michigan, in turn, focuses on placement (not less than 4 inches) and reflectivity (not greater than 35 percent) of numerous windows. This difference means:
Michigan You may have very dark rear-window tint (with mirror rule).
The emphasis is well on avoiding blocked sight and powerful mirror-type movies, as opposed to specifying a single VLT figure per window.
It provides increased flexibility towards rear privacy but has tougher regulations to the forward visibility of the driver.
Discovering this difference is useful when you compare the rules that are in Michigan with other states.
Conclusion
In Michigan (or driving past it) it is important to know and apply Michigan tint laws, which allows you to reap the advantages of tinted windows (privacy, UV/heat protective, glare reduction) and still not be fined or stripped of installing tints. To recap:
On the front windshield: a non reflective strip of not less than 4 inches is permitted on the top. On front side windows: tinting limited to upper 4 inches only– below tinting should be done out of glass. On back side windows and rear window: there must be no darkness, but reflectance must be less than 35 percent, and must have side mirrors. No silver, gold mirror film permitted.
There are medical exemptions that are to be recorded.
Select your film, and installer; keep records; and have your tint checked every now and then.
By being aware and observant, you will be able to drive safely, confidently and lawfully. In case you are having your vehicle tinted, just remind the installer: We are installing under the Michigan Vehicle Code SS 257.709. For more Window tint law click here.
