Tint Law Basics in Missouri
Tint darkness is measured by "visible light transmission" VLT%. This refers to the percentage of visible light allowed through the window film and the vehicle window. Missouri’s law requires that the film installed on a car SUV or van allow more than 35% of the light in through the film in the front windows. In the rear windows and the back window, the film can be installed to any darkness level. A strip along the top of the windshield, known as an "eyebrow" , is permitted at any darkness but must start below the level of the AS-1 line of the windshield at the top and end no further back than the "browline" or intersection of the top of the windshield and the roof line of the vehicle. Aftermarket tinting of windows on trucks, vans and SUV’s is subject to federal law requiring the uppermost five inches of separation between the two windows to be left clear of tint. Missouri law does not allow for any side mirror to be tinted to more than 35% VLT.
The Reason for Missouri Window Tint Laws
Understanding Missouri’s Legal Window Tint Laws
In order to explain why Missouri has window tint restrictions, it’s important to first note that all 50 states have different laws when it comes to window tinting. Missouri window tint laws were likely put in place for a number of reasons, and we’ll cover some of them in this section.
One of the major reasons why Missouri and all other states put window tint laws in place are for safety concerns. When it gets dark, or when the sun is shining hard in the sky, tinted windows make it difficult to see objects around you. This raises the risk of car accidents. Due to safety concerns, law enforcement officers are also unable to determine the legitimacy of window tints. This makes it difficult to determine if a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If all windows are clear, police will be able to tell if a driver is behaving strangely.
When a driver drives at night, they should be able to see objects or details that may not be obvious in the daylight. For example, driver’s should be able to identify the color of another car’s back lights. This is even more crucial if the car making the turn has been stopped at a red light, as the driver will not expect them to turn onto the same road when it’s not their signal to do so. Being able to clearly see other cars helps prevent serious car accidents that could lead to costly property damage or severe injuries.
Essentially, Missouri window tint laws are in place to ensure that drivers can see other cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers clearly. In addition, there also put laws in place so that police officers are better able to determine if any drivers are acting strangely or have been drinking while using their vehicles.
What Happens If You Get Caught With Illegal Tint?
The penalties for not complying with Missouri’s window tint regulations can be quite severe. At worst, a tinted window or windshield could get your car impounded and you charged with a misdemeanor.
First, it’s important to understand that window tint laws are generally regulated by each state. In Missouri, those laws are written into the statute as follows:
- 172. Windshield transparency requirements — civil penalties, exceptions. —
- No person shall sell, offer for sale, install, or attach any window shade, tinting material or other material on the windshield of any motor vehicle which has a light transmittance of less than thirty-five percent. No person shall operate a motor vehicle with any window tinting, reflective or nonreflective, on the windshield that has a light transmittance of less than thirty-five percent. All tinting material applied to the windshield of motor vehicles shall have a VLT of thirty-five percent or higher.
- If the windshield has a visual reflectance of more than twenty percent, no person shall sell, offer for sale, install, or attach material on any of the windows of a motor vehicle which has tinting that is any of the following:
- (1) Reflective;
- (2) Clear or colorless;
- (3) A color that is red, yellow, amber, black, white, silver, or gold.
- All other windows except the windshield shall be provided with window tinting material not having a light transmittance of less than twenty percent, except that tinting material on windows to the rear of the driver’s seat may have a transmittance of not less than fifteen percent.
- A window tinting exemption shall be allowed to persons with a medical condition requiring solar protection which may result in loss of fluids or accumulation of moisture on the skin or any other medically necessary condition as certified by a licensed physician. Each physician certificate shall be carried in the motor vehicle at all times with the operator’s driver’s license. The operator shall also have visible in the passenger compartment of the vehicle a placard which states "MEDICAL EXEMPTION." This placard may be posted on or near the window tinting of the window for which a medical exemption has been given. Such exemptions shall be valid for the life of the operator. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any ambulance, hearse, bus, taxi or limousine.
(L. 1989 H.B. 718, et al. § 2, A.L. 1994 S.B. 658)
So what does that mean for you? In the absolute worst case, if you are stopped, given a citation and then found guilty you face the possibility of the fine. However, a more realistic result if you comply with the law is a warning and a requirement to remove the tint.
Penalties for failing to comply with Missouri’s tint law come with a fine up to $175 and can include – at the very least – being required to remove the tint.
If you are pulled over and ticketed for tinted windows, it’s a good idea to: Look at the ticket. If you were ticketed for something specific, see if it matches up with the tinted windows.
Many police officers might be making an assumption that could be mitigated. In many cases, you are the owner of the vehicle but someone else is behind the wheel and they lack the proper paperwork.
If it was a simple misunderstanding and no fine was issued the first time around, consider yourself lucky and be sure to get that paperwork in order. Otherwise, you may have to pay a fine or worse, remove the tint.
Tint Law Exceptions
If you have a medical condition, there are exceptions the Missouri window tint laws that allow you to go beyond the legal limits for tint. Doctors must certify your medical condition, after which you can apply to the Missouri Department of Revenue for an exemption. The only medical conditions that qualify for the tinted window exemption are: Even if you qualify for an exemption from the law, you must still comply with the rules set out in your exemption. For added protection from law enforcement officers who might stop you otherwise, you may want to legally hang a copy of your exemption from your rear view mirror.
How to Measure Tint
A professional can use a tint meter to measure the percentage of visible light through your window. By pressing the device against the edge of your tinted window, the tinted film can be measured for light transmission. Generally, one measurement per window will suffice, but measurements can be taken on both dark and light colored windows to confirm that the film does not exceed 35% in darkness . There are other methods where the tester would shine a light and read a reflection to determine the amount of light that is getting through. After the tint is applied, the best time to have window tint measured is during an inspection.
Using an Installer That Follows the Law
Following recommendations from trusted sources is the best way to find reputable window tint installers.
Ask your auto dealer, collision shop, auto glass technician, or trusted friend or family member where to find a reputable tint installer. Based on the strength of local word-of-mouth, many will recommend a nearby store that specializes in window films.
You can also call certified dealerships of your car’s manufacturer, or even your car’s manufacturer itself. Some manufacturers approve and/or recommend window films that are sold by dealerships, while others don’t. Either way, factory-affiliated dealers probably know who’s cutting the film for their installations. If they don’t, they should find out for you.
However you choose to narrow down your list of installers, you want to end up with some potential tinting retailers that have been recommended by people with relevant knowledge or experience.
Then, visit tint installers’ websites and/or call them to make sure they offer both the products and services you need, and to find out if their pricing is reasonable.
Look for reviews of the installers you’re considering. Focus on recent reviews and posts. In general, be more concerned about bad reviews than 100% positive reviews.
Finally, pay a visit to installers’ stores (and, if possible, some of their recent installation locations) to make sure the installers take care of their business locations, the materials they sell, and their customers’ vehicles. You may be able to find out if a particular retailer’s employees are certified in their field, and whether the store maintains certifications from tint film manufacturers.
While you may not find a tint installer who follows all the recommendations above, you don’t want to end up with someone who fails all of them. Then again, you probably don’t want to purchase tint film and installation services without checking a few sources, at the very least. As always, use common sense and follow it.
Recent Amendments to Window Tint Laws
As with all laws and regulations, it’s not unusual for tint laws to be adjusted over time. Missouri has seen a few changes in its window tint laws in recent years, and it’s important to stay up-to-date with these developments. In 2019, for example, Senate Bill 42 was enacted, adding new regulations for rear side windows of vehicles. The legislation requires that those windows be tinted no more than 35 percent of light transmittance. Truckers and other commercial vehicle drivers should be aware that tinting regulations are sometimes stricter for commercial vehicles. Additionally, all tint now must be in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Testing Standard Z26.1-2007, or any revision to that standard by the Secretary of State. This testing ensures not only compliance but the safety of vehicle occupants in case of an accident . New reflective tint regulations for the front windshield require that the tint not exceed 25 percent reflectiveness. These updated standards have been effective since January 1, 2020. It is important to note that although state law regulates window tinting, individual cities and municipalities within the state may have additional tint regulations. It is wise to check with your local authorities to ensure compliance with all local laws as well as state laws. If you’re considering installing window tint on your vehicle, make sure to choose a reputable window tinting facility. Your local tint professional will be well-versed in Missouri’s tint regulations and should be able to help you determine the best possible tinting solution for your needs that will also ensure compliance with the law.