Michigan window tint laws
In Michigan, front side windows must have any darkness, back side windows must have any darkness, and the rear window must have any darkness for passenger cars, SUVs, and vans. Medical exemptions are available for darker tint.
Tint darkness limits in Michigan
In Michigan, the amount of light that must pass through your windows is set by statute. Darker film has a lower VLT percentage. The rules below apply to aftermarket window film; factory tint on back windows is usually permitted regardless of percentage.
Sedan — VLT limits
SUV / van / truck — VLT limits
Reflectivity — sedan
Reflectivity — SUV / van
Windshield, mirrors, colors & certification
Windshield
Non-reflective tint is permitted on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
Side mirrors
Dual outside mirrors are required if rear-window tint limits visibility.
Restricted colors
- Red, amber, and other colored tint that resembles emergency or signal lighting is prohibited.
Compliance sticker
A compliance sticker is not required by statute.
Film certification
Film manufacturer certification is not required by statute.
Darker tint with a medical exemption in Michigan
Michigan allows tint on the top 4 inches of the windshield and on the rear side windows only, unless a medical exemption is granted. Aftermarket tint on the front side windows is prohibited.
Who typically qualifies: Drivers with a licensed physician’s certification of a medical condition requiring limited exposure to sunlight.
What you need to apply
- Physician certification of medical necessity.
- Submission to the issuing state agency per current instructions.
- Carry documentation in the vehicle while operating it.
Common mistakes drivers make in Michigan
- Tinting front side windows darker than any darkness.
- Using colored tint that can be confused with signal or emergency lighting.
- Assuming Michigan enforces the same rules as a neighboring state.
Michigan tint law FAQ
Is 5% tint legal in Michigan?
Michigan does not set a numeric VLT limit on sedan front side windows in the way most states do. See the summary above for specifics.
Are SUV and van rules different from sedan rules in Michigan?
No. Michigan applies the same back side and rear window rules to sedans, SUVs, and vans.
Does Michigan offer a medical exemption for darker window tint?
Yes. Michigan offers a medical tint exemption for drivers with a qualifying, physician-certified condition. See the Medical Exemption section for details.
Official references
Sources below are the primary official documents we consulted for this page. If you notice an outdated link or discrepancy, please report it to our editors.
Editor’s notes
Baseline entry. Our editorial team is re-verifying all fields line-by-line against state statute and agency guidance. See our sources methodology page for details.
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