Tinting your vehicle’s windows can add an additional aesthetic, protect your vehicle from sun damage, and even block out harmful UV rays, but this benefit also comes with restrictions.
These restrictions are put into place to keep you and other drivers safe while on the road.
If you’re considering tinting your windows in Massachusetts, you must know the rules and regulations that the state requires.
Tinting your windows without following the proper requirements can get you pulled over and land you a serious fine.
Below, we will discuss what you need to know about Massachusetts window tint laws and how you can abide by them.
Window Tinting in Massachusetts
Window tint reduces incoming light, glare, and can even improve fuel economy by reducing interior heat.
By reducing harmful UV rays, you are also helping to keep your car’s interior in better shape.
Some factories provide a base-level tint, but this is usually only provided on the rear windows.
Massachusetts window tint laws help regulate this product to ensure your safety.
Window tinting laws in Massachusetts were legislated in 1985 and continue to keep the citizens safe.
The state of Massachusetts carefully regulates the VLT (visible light transmission) on motor vehicles’ windows. VLT monitors how much light can pass through the window tint.
The darker the tint, the less light will pass through.
Section 9D in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts describes in detail what to consider regarding windshields and windows obscured by non-transparent materials.
Still, we will also touch on some of those topics below.
Massachusetts Tint Laws
In Massachusetts, the laws concerning passenger vehicles are the same as those concerning multi-purpose vehicles.
Those tinting laws are as follows:
- Windshield: A non-reflective tint is allowed on the AS-1 line, which is the top 6 inches of the windshield.
- Front and Back Side Windows: A legal limit of up to 35% VLT is allowed on both front seat side windows and back seat side windows.
- Rear Window: The driver must have a clear view of the road and highway behind the vehicle with no more than 35% Visible Light Transmission on the rear window.
Additional Guidelines for Massachusetts Tint Laws
Aside from the amount of VLT allowed on your vehicle, you will also want to take a few more laws into account when tinting your windows in Massachusetts:
- Any nontransparent material, window application, or reflective film used to cover the front windshield, side windows, or rear operator’s seat cannot make the window non-transparent from the vehicle’s interior or exterior.
- You cannot use draperies, louvers, or other specialized window treatments unless otherwise described above.
- Any special motor vehicle window treatment prescribed by a physician for the owner’s protection must prove the medical reasons in writing and place a noticeable sticker affixed to the side window adjacent to the operator. When registering the vehicle, you must keep this information on record.
- The motor vehicle registrar must establish regulations to measure the percentage of reflective material based on the physicians’ recommendations.
- You cannot sell or trade a vehicle that has been altered to meet the operator’s specific needs with adjustments made to the window tint percentage.
Regulations
Here are some helpful tips to know when considering Massachusetts tint laws for your motor vehicle:
- You are required to have dual side mirrors if the back window is tinted on your vehicle.
- It is acceptable to tint your vehicle’s windows using a variety of colors in Massachusetts.
- In Massachusetts, there are no regulations from the manufacturers on certifying the film they sell.
Medical Exemptions
The Department of Transportation’s registry of motor vehicles in Massachusetts does issue medical exemptions for window tint.
These exemptions can include additional tinting on the front side windows, rear side windows, and rear window of the vehicle.
Am I Eligible?
You may be eligible for a medical exemption from standard Massachusetts tint laws if you, as the owner/operator of the motor vehicle, have been diagnosed as photophobic or photosensitive by a physician.
You must also prove that you are photosensitive/photophobic with a signed certification from a physician.
If you think you may qualify, you can fill out the form below. Be sure to have your licensed physician sign the form before you submit it.
How to Apply for a Tinted Glass Medical Waiver
If you meet the above criteria and are interested in applying for a medical waiver, you can apply here.
These forms can only be issued to permanently photophobic people or those with other diseases in which they must avoid direct sunlight or high exposure to UV rays.
Can You Get Pulled Over for Tint in Massachusetts?
If you’re asking yourself, “Can you get pulled over for tint in Massachusetts?” the answer is yes.
In addition to being pulled over, you could receive up to a $250 fine if you neglect to follow the State laws.
If you receive three or more convictions, this could result in a 90-day driver’s license suspension.
It is essential to know that Massachusetts window tint laws may change daily, and the rules and regulations can vary depending on the city or county you are in.
It is wise to check with your local DMV for updated laws.
Final Thoughts
Some people tint the windows in their cars for privacy and security reasons.
Others use window tint to protect themselves from harmful ultra-violet (UV) rays from the sun.
Some people like to accessorize their car with window tint to make it their own.
Whatever your reason may be, be sure you are following the laws correctly.
As long as your vehicle’s windows have no more than 35% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) on the front, side, and rear windows and your non-reflective tint is applied within the top 6 inches of the windshield; you should not be pulled over for breaking tint laws in Massachusetts.