No, 35% window tint is illegal in Maine as state statute mandates a minimum 70% light transmittance for passenger vehicles. The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles enforces this under 29-A MRSA §1913, aligning with federal safety standards. Local law enforcement, including the Portland Police Department, actively cites violations during roadside inspections.
Key Regulations for 35% Window Tint in Maine
- Light transmittance requirement: Passenger vehicles must allow at least 70% of light through front side windows (29-A MRSA §1913).
- Medical exemptions: Only vehicles with a physician’s certification for medical necessity qualify for darker tints, per Maine DOT guidelines.
- Enforcement protocol: Officers may use a light meter to verify compliance; non-compliant vehicles face fines up to $100 for first offenses.
Maine’s 2026 regulatory review may introduce stricter penalties for aftermarket tint installations, as proposed by the Maine Legislature’s Transportation Committee. Vehicles registered out-of-state must comply with Maine’s standards within 30 days of residency. Commercial vehicles face separate restrictions under 29-A MRSA §1914, requiring 50% light transmittance for side windows. Always verify local ordinances, as municipalities like Bangor may impose additional constraints.