A Guide to the Tint Laws in Massachusetts
The general regulations for window tinting in Massachusetts are subject to particular provisions. These provisions detail how the vehicle window tinting process can go on, how dark the tint can be, and what codes the windows must adhere to. The laws related to window tinting in Massachusetts are found in Code of Massachusetts Regulations sections 2505.1 and 2505.3.
Section 2505.1 involves the application of the tint and how the automotive windows must be maintained once tinted. As the tint should not endanger the driver or the passengers by creating glare on the windscreen. There are various guidelines pertaining to the placement of the tint on the vehicles, how much of the vehicle is affected by the tint, and where the tint can stop. These guidelines are set out in windshield code 2505.1(10), sections a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, and q.
Section 2505.3 relates to the tint involved with the vehicle. This means that both the front and the side windows can have a particular tint. The tint can be used in either colored form or metallic color. However, there are various restrictions on the amount of light transmittance that can occur within each shade. As well as the color that can be used within the vehicle and for the tint . All these codes are set out under "Glass Applicability" 2505.3(2) sections.
The window tint laws in the state of Massachusetts are relatively similar to what you would see in most places throughout the United States. The window laws specify that no color limit is specified for windshields in all vehicles other than the color red or amber. Vehicles also cannot have any windows except the windshield tinted when the vehicle is registered. This applies to private and commercial vehicles. There is a separate limit on how much of the vehicle can have tinted applied and its light transmissions.
The law allows 35 optical feature light transmittance or more on the front and side windows of all vehicles other than motor homes, which must be 70 all more. On the front windshield, over the AS1 line and down must have 70 optical feature light transmittance or more. On the rear windshield, they can have no more than 20 optical feature light transmittance or more at all times including those vehicles which need tint in their windows for the occupants. All of the tint colors except the color red or amber on the front and side windows of passenger vehicles. Moreover, the color red and amber on the windshield and windshield tinted below the AS1 line of the bus, van, or truck.
The Darkest Legal Tint Allowed on the Vehicle Windows
The darkest legal tint on the front windshield in Massachusetts is limited to the AS-1 line (or the manufacturer’s sticker) that is marked and certified by the manufacturer for windshield placement down to the top 5 inches of the windshield. For the rest of the windshield, the tint must be 35% or above with a +/- 7% variance. The AS-1 line may be located anywhere on the windshield while the manufacturer’s sticker, if not placed on the AS-1 line, must be placed on the driver’s side door frame and not in the driver’s line of sight. If these parameters are followed, the AS-1 line tint on the windshield is permitted and the remaining film on the windshield may be 35%. The tinted portion of the front windshield cannot have any reflective film.
The front side windows must not have any tint which allows less than 35% of light in or has a mirror-like appearance that is more than 20% reflective. The light transmittance must be the same (35%) on both sides. The rear side windows of a passenger vehicle – which is defined as a van, SUV, or other motor vehicles which has a passenger compartment separate from the driver’s compartment which affords access to the passenger compartment and the seating therein from an entry door or trunk compartment – are allowed 35% tint, +/- 7% variance, but can legally go as low as 20%, again with a +/- 7% variance. However, only a window sticker that is 5 inches down or more may be legally tinted to 5% as long as the upper portion of the window complies with the 35% with a +/- 7% variance. The windows of a taxi or livery are permitted to have 35% tint. Commercial vehicles (trucks, moving vans, etc.) that do not contain a partition are allowed to have a tint of 8% with no reflectivity. But on all of these vehicles, the tinted film may be no darker than 20% with a +/- 7% variance for both front and rear windows.
The tint line on the rear window of a passenger vehicle can be 35%, +/- 7% variance. There are currently no Massachusetts laws pertaining to decals or stickers.
Exceptions and Special Permissions
A special exception from the Vehicle Checkpoint system is granted those drivers who have an accepted medical need for dark tint in their vehicle. Only the approved medical professional or doctor can write this exemption. The certification is required to be kept inside the car at all times.
Massachusetts law allows for some exceptions to be able to have different and darker window colors. Some of the reasons allow drivers to have more customization to their vehicles and apply permitted window tinting films that will allow them increased privacy, comfort, and other benefits.
The first exception is for people who have a restrictive medical condition. A licensed Massachusetts physician must apply for the exemption, and the written application is required to be with the owner on any travels outside their domicile.
The tint exemption permits tinted windows on the right and left side, including the driver’s window, as long as there are no more than 35% light transmittance and there are no more than 20% of reflectivity. The window tint darkness on the rear side windows and the rear window can have a darkness level of no more than 6% reflective. This exemption does not apply to any vehicles that are used for hire, such as taxis, limousines, and other livery vehicles.
You may be granted an exemption from tint darkness laws if you have a medical ailment, including:
No driver can use reflective window tints on their motor vehicle, so even at the time of the sale, the windows cannot have the tint excess of 20% reflected light. The tint levels that obstruct vision will not be permitted regardless of the medical condition. When a law enforcement officer pulls a driver over, they will not be cited for violations in tint darkness if there is an exemption in effect.
The tinting exemption only applies to front windshields and the front side windows. The law on tinting regulations does not permit reflective tinting, so no matter the tint darkness existing on the driver’s side, the reflective tint will not allowed. The tinting exemption will apply only for medical conditions and the tint darkness must match the tint of the other windows. There is no special permit for in front side windows, but a special permit is permitted for the windows that are tinted. The tint on the front side windows of the windshield must be no more than 35% for right-side and left-side window tinting.
Every driver also has the ability to apply for a special permit for their vehicle. The permit will allow for the tint darkness exception. The tinted windshield must have a light transmittance of no less than 70%. With the special permit, tint darkness might be permitted for the tint on the rear side window or the rear-window tint darkness.
If you violate the tint laws in Massachusetts you could receive a citation for up to $250 and the tint and film covering must be removed from the auto. Drivers will be given the opportunity to repair the tint darkness so that it conforms to the law. If it is a repair after the tint violation, then the driver will be required to pay a fee of not more than $250 for each offense.
Penalties for Tint Violations
Failure or refusal to permit a police officer to inspect which tint / film you have applied to your vehicle could cost you a fine of up to $500.00. In addition, the windows that are tinted in violation of the law are subject to a penalty of up to an additional $500.00 fine. That does not mean that your total fine will be $1,000.00, but that is the maximum exposure you could have .
In addition to the stated fines, if you have your car or truck inspected and fail to bring the tinted window(s) into compliance with the Massachusetts tint law, your vehicle could potentially fail inspection, and not be allowed on the roads in Massachusetts until the tint / film on the windows are removed or replaced with compliant materials.
If you do not remove the non-compliant materials and choose to drive your vehicle anyway, you could be exposed to additional fines, as you will be violating the law in more than one way.
Helpful Tips on Complying with the Tint Laws
To ensure compliance with Massachusetts tint laws, there are a few pieces of practical advice that you should follow. First and foremost, all window tint should be professionally installed by an experienced mechanic. Any mistakes made during installation by an amateur could result in the tint being too dark or otherwise unusable. Additionally, you may find that the tint comes off far easier if it is not attached properly.
Beyond this, you should also keep an eye on your tint, particularly on any windows that get rolled down often. While less likely, any major changes in temperature can cause the tint to become loose – so you may need to lower the windows to check them periodically. If you or your family members have any trouble with the tint, such as with visibility or degradation of the tint, get to the mechanic right away to have the problem fixed.
Finally, before any long distance trips, make sure to inspect your tint beforehand. This is especially true for limousines, since they are known for having darker tint that is subject to extra scrutiny. Even if the tint is perfectly legal, police officers acting in bad faith may ask people to roll down their window in order to check the tint levels, which is an abuse of authority. By monitoring the tint of your car, you can help discourage such behavior by allowing them to see that your tint is legal from the start.
With this knowledge, you’ll be able to avoid most issues associated with window tint in Massachusetts. Be sure to consult with a professional mechanic for additional assistance.
Importance of Tinting Laws
The windows of your car or truck are not just a design feature. Your windows are a necessary safety and driving measure that need to be functional at all times. That is exactly why Massachusetts has strict window tinting laws.
The government has a vested interest in keeping our roads as safe as possible. From drunk driving in Massachusetts to car registration, there are literally thousands of laws that are designed to keep our state’s roadways as safe as possible. From motorcycle helmets to seat belts, every law has a reason for being in place.
Window tinting is no different. Massachusetts tinting laws has both safety and legal reasons behind it . At the end of the day, vehicle windows have an important function—they allow for visibility of the driver and passengers. When those windows are tinted, they are being covered for a good reason.
Massachusetts window tint laws were put in place due to factors which include (but are not limited to):
All of these factors play an important role in automotive safety for the vehicle itself, nearby vehicles, and pedestrians. While window tinting can be a good thing to have, it can also block your view of the road. This can include nearby vehicles, pedestrians, or even signals. While we all know that ingesting prescribed drugs can be dangerous and even illegal while driving, many do not fully understand how tinting can be just as unsafe on the road.