Is 35% Window Tint Legal in Minnesota After the 2026 Regulatory Updates?

No, 35% window tint is illegal in Minnesota for passenger vehicles. State statute MN Stat. § 169.71(4)(a) mandates front side windows allow ≥50% light transmittance, while rear windows may be darker but must not exceed 35% reflectance. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety enforces compliance, and violations incur fines up to $135. Local jurisdictions like Minneapolis and St. Paul conduct periodic roadside inspections, with 2026 plans to expand automated enforcement via traffic cameras.


Key Regulations for 35% Window Tint in Minnesota

  • Front Side Windows: Must transmit ≥50% of visible light (VLT). 35% tint fails this requirement, rendering it non-compliant for driver and front passenger windows.
  • Rear Side/Back Windows: Permitted up to 35% VLT but prohibited from exceeding 35% reflectance (mirror-like reflectivity). Medical exemptions require documentation from a licensed physician.
  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed only above the AS-1 line (top 5 inches). Any tint below this line is illegal, regardless of darkness.