Michigan tint law: what is legal on each window

The most common tint question we get is "what percent is legal in Michigan?" The answer surprises people: for the front side windows, there is no legal percentage. Michigan handles tint by where the film goes, not how dark it is.

Everything below comes from the Michigan Vehicle Code, section 257.709. We're a tint shop, not lawyers, so if you have a specific legal situation, check with an attorney. But this covers what you need to know before you book.

The windshield: top 4 inches only

You can put film along the top edge of the windshield, as long as it doesn't come down more than 4 inches from the top, or below the shade band (the AS-1 line) if your windshield has one, whichever is closer to the top.

That strip is worth doing. It cuts glare when the sun is low on your morning or evening commute, and it doesn't block your view of the road.

Front side windows: the same 4-inch rule

This is where most people get caught out. Michigan applies the same rule to the driver and front passenger windows: film is only allowed on the top 4 inches. There is no percentage that makes full front-window tint legal. That includes 50% and 35%.

You'll see plenty of cars around metro Detroit with tinted front windows. That doesn't make it legal, and it's a common reason for getting pulled over.

Rear side windows and rear glass: any darkness

Behind the driver, you have a lot more freedom. Michigan allows any shade on the rear side windows and the rear window, from a light 70% all the way to 5% limo tint.

There are two conditions:

• No mirror-like film. Film on the rear windows can't have a total solar reflectance of 35% or more in the visible light range. Silver and gold reflective films are specifically called out. Modern ceramic films like HITEK Ceramic Black aren't reflective, so this isn't an issue with what we install.
• Two side mirrors. If your rear window is dark enough to block your view, the car needs working side mirrors on both sides. Every modern car has these, but it matters on older vehicles.

The medical exemption

If you're light-sensitive or photosensitive, Michigan allows additional window treatment when a physician or optometrist decides it's medically necessary. You need a letter signed by that physician or optometrist stating the tint is a medical necessity, and you need to have that letter with you in the car.

If you have a medical letter, bring it when you come in and we'll talk through options.

What we recommend for most Michigan cars

For most of our customers, the setup looks like this:

• Rear side windows and rear glass: 20% or 35% HITEK Ceramic Black for privacy and heat control. Some customers go 5% on the rear glass of an SUV.
• Windshield: a legal strip across the top 4 inches.
• Front side windows: left alone, or a legal top strip.

You can preview 5%, 20%, 35%, 50%, and 70% on a real car with our tint visualizer.

Why ceramic film matters even on legal windows

Because the front windows can't be fully tinted in Michigan, the film you put on the rear glass needs to do a lot of the work. Ceramic film rejects far more heat than cheap dyed film at the same shade, so the cabin stays cooler even with clear front windows. It also won't fade, turn purple, or interfere with your phone, GPS, or keyless entry.

We install HITEK Ceramic Black and Ceramic Ultra.

Common questions

Can I get a ticket for factory privacy glass? Factory privacy glass is tinted into the glass itself, not film, and is common on the rear windows of SUVs and trucks.

Is 35% tint legal on front windows in Michigan? No. Michigan only allows film on the top 4 inches of the front side windows and windshield, unless you have a medical exemption.

Is limo tint legal in Michigan? On the rear side windows and rear glass, yes. Michigan allows any darkness behind the driver as long as the film isn't reflective.

What is the medical exemption for tint in Michigan? If a physician or optometrist determines tint is medically necessary for a light-sensitive person, additional tint is allowed. You must carry a signed letter from that physician or optometrist in the vehicle.