In 1988, Mississippi window tint laws were put into effect and amended in 2006.
Below we discuss all of the information that you will need to know if you are planning on tinting your car windows in Mississippi.
Keep reading to learn more about how reflective your windows can be, how dark you can go, and other rules surrounding the tinting of your vehicle’s windows.
Why do People Tint Their Windows?
There are many different reasons why people chose to tint their car windows.
For safety and protection, you may want to consider tinting your windows if they aren’t already.
Window tinting helps protect the interior of your car.
Over time, the sun can damage your upholstery and fade your leather.
Tinting your windows can increase the life of your interior and keep it looking newer for longer.
Another great benefit of window tinting is that it helps to keep your car cooler in the summer months.
With the amount of sun coming in lessened, you will stay cooler and reduce the amount of A/C that you have to use.
Not having as hot of a car means that you won’t have to run your air conditioning as much as the Mississippi sun.
This, in turn, will save you gas and make your care more energy efficient.
Cars that require less cooling are cheaper and stretch your gas tank longer.
Tinted windows also increase your safety. In the case of a wreck, shattered glass can fly into your car and cause serious injuries.
With tinting, the glass is held together and does not shatter the same way that normal glass does.
It reduces your risk of serious injury caused by glass shards.
Tinted glass also reduces the glare from the sun and allows you to see the road and other obstacles clearly, increasing your safety on sunny days.
Another reason that people choose to tint their windows is because it offers privacy.
If you live in a major city, like Jackson, increased privacy is an important aspect of any car.
It reduces theft and break-ins.
Finally, tinting protects you from harmful UV rays while you are driving.
UV rays are linked to skin cancer, and tinting can help keep you healthy.
Tinting helps protect you and your family from the sun.
How Dark Can My Windows Be in Mississippi?
In every state, there are different limits on how dark you can legally tint your windows.
The amount of visible light that is allowed to pass through your windows is called visible light transmission, or VLT.
The VLT differs in Mississippi based on what type of car you are driving.
If you drive a van or an SUV, these are the legal limits for window darkness:
- Your rear window can use any amount of window tinting – there are no VLT limits.
- Your windshield is allowed a non-reflective tint that is above the AS-1 line provided by your car manufacturer.
- The two front windows can use any amount of window tinting – there are no VLT limits.
- The two back windows can also use any amount of window tinting – there are no VLT limits.
If you drive a sedan, these are the legal limits for window darkness:
- Your rear window must allow at least 28% of light to pass through
- Your windshield is allowed to have a non-reflective tint that is above the AS-1 line provided by your car’s manufacturer.
- The two front windows on your sedan must allow at least 28% of light to pass through.
- The back two windows also must allow at least 28% of the light to pass through.
How Reflective Can My Windows be in Mississippi?
Many people forget to pay attention to the laws that permit certain limits of window reflectivity in Mississippi.
Window tints can reflect light from the outside, which helps keep heat out and reduce glare.
Below are the legal reflectivity limits in Mississippi.
Reflection limits for vans and SUVs:
- The front two side windows can not exceed 20% reflectivity
- The back two side windows can not exceed 20% reflectivity
Reflection limits for sedans:
- The front two side windows can not exceed 20% reflectivity
- The back two side windows can not exceed 20% reflectivity
Other Mississippi Specific Tinting Laws
There are other laws in Mississippi regarding window tinting.
Below we discuss other tinting regulations and what more you need to know.
- All tinting colors are permitted in Mississippi, so you don’t have to worry about tinting color restrictions
- Stickers that certify that your windows have a VLT of 28% or more must be stuck on your windshield at all times.
- There are no restrictions on side mirror tinting.
- The state of Mississippi does allow for medical exemptions for special tint requirements. If you have a condition that requires you to have decreased sunlight while driving, you can be permitted darker tinting. This requires a physician certificate.
- Certificates that confirm you are using certified film are required in Mississippi. You must check with your tinter or dealership to make sure the film they are using is properly certified.
Can You Get Pulled Over For Tint in Mississippi?
If you fail to abide by the Mississippi tinting rules, you can get pulled over and there are penalties.
Drivers that do not follow the laws can be charged fines up to $1000 and up to 3 months in jail.
It is best to know all of the applicable laws and follow them exactly when tinting your windows in Mississippi.