Missouri Window Tint Law Overview
In Missouri, the percentage of tint visible in the film on each window varies for each of the different classes of vehicle. With the same darker visor tint on the windshield as the rest of the windows, there are a few unique details as far as the laws are concerned with tinted windows in Missouri. That percentage is allowed at 35% and must be above the AS-1 line which is the dark line that runs against the windshield at the top to keep it in place and so that it does not touch the rearview mirror. The most specific tint law in Missouri is the requirement that the window tint visible from an automobile’s rear view must have 35% added. For a passenger vehicle, visibility into the rear windows of a sedan, hatchback, or convertible must include at least 35% tinting . With vans or SUV’s that also have different percentages for windows, the tint must also be just as dark and remain at 35%. The difference in class of vehicle can determine if a vehicle will have a tint at the AS-1 line, tint for two windows only, or if no tint is needed at all. That is the case for any window with no drivers and the very back of a vehicle which allows the tint to remain factory tinted only. Another exception found only in the Show-Me State is the requirement for tinted windows in a multi-purpose vehicle. If you have more than nine seats in your van, then a clear color with a light tint of 35% is the maximum allowed in Missouri.
Significance of Window Tint Law
Compliance with tint laws is important for numerous reasons. The first is that, as is the case with any type of law in Missouri, there are set punishments in the event that window tint law is broken. The potential punishment varies depending on why tinting law is broken, including fines in some cases.
However, there are other reasons to ensure that window tint law is not broken. For one, a person who is pulled over by law enforcement authorities will likely have his or her tinted window and/or windshield inspected by an officer to determine whether or not the tint is in compliance with state and local laws. In some instances, an officer may even ask that a person lower his or her window in order to better determine whether or not window tint is in compliance with Missouri tinting law.
Another reason to comply with tinting law in Missouri is to ensure that one’s vision is not impaired while driving. Excessively dark or light tint can reduce one’s visibility of the road while driving at night or during the day, and could potentially cause an accident that is otherwise avoidable.
In addition, tint laws should be adhered to to ensure that the driver is not prevented from seeing a pedestrian crossing the road if tinted windows inhibit his or her ability to see others. Poor visibility as a result of untinted or tinted windows could hinder a person’s ability to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
Furthermore, drivers are bound by the laws regarding tint and tinted windows in Missouri whether or not they are citizens or residents of Missouri. Missouri tint law applies to all people regardless of local, state or national origin; thus, foreign visitors and tourists must also comply with tint laws when traveling within, to, through and from Missouri.
Breaking Missouri tint laws can potentially result in traffic fines and/or penalties. Missouri tint laws should be followed to avoid encounters with law enforcement.
Window Tint Medical Exemptions
In Missouri, there are circumstances that permit individuals to obtain an exemption for darker window tints under certain conditions. This exemption is intended for those who require darker windows for medical reasons. However, being eligible for an exemption does not mean that the tinted windows you desire will be legally acceptable. You must still go through the process of obtaining an exemption, and any window tint must be applied legally to avoid the risk of serious injury or death.
There is no set criteria that a medical condition must fall under to qualify for an exemption. If you have a medical condition, such as light sensitivity, that requires darker windows, it is worth the time to apply for an exemption. If your condition can be verified and you meet the other criteria listed below, your application is more likely to be approved.
If you acquire a medical exemption, you will be required to display a sticker on the driver’s side windshield. The sticker is small and will not obstruct your vision. The sticker must be displayed on the inside of the vehicle on the lower corner of the driver’s side windshield. This sticker should be in plain view of law enforcement so that it is immediately visible if you are pulled over. If you fail to display the sticker, the tinted windows on your car will be illegal, and you may incur legal penalties.
If you wish to obtain an exemption for darker tint window, you must apply through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. There is a $100 application fee, and along with the fee, you must include the necessary documentation as attachments to the form. The original form must be accompanied by a signature from your physician as well as documentation from him or her regarding the underlying medical condition requiring the darker tint. Without the physician’s verification, the application will be denied.
The tint exemption is for the benefit of those who need darker windows for safety reasons. It does not mean that you will be able to apply almost any tint to your vehicle. While there is no specific criteria for acquiring an exemption, it must be for a legitimate medical reason. If you believe that you have a viable case for an exemption, gather your documentation and submit your application.
Measuring Window Tint Levels
Methods for measuring window tint darkness and reflectiveness might vary somewhat among law enforcement, but the Missouri State Highway Patrol uses a small device called a Tint Meter to check compliance. This device is held up to the window and takes a quick measurement. If the device is unavailable (e.g., if the officer is outside of their vehicle and doesn’t have access to their equipment, or if they don’t have the correct device that can measure reflectiveness), stair step indicators are often used.
Stair step indicators (darker on the bottom, lighter on the top) are located in the side windows of your car and can be found in all Missouri-legal window tint cars. If an officer cannot use a Tint Meter to measure your tint, they may ask you to roll down the tinted window and compare the tint to the stair step indicators. If the officer does not believe your tint is Missouri legal, they have the authority to issue a citation for illegal tint .
When measuring transparency, only the front windshield and front windows are measured, but the rear windows and back windshield typically do not need to be checked unless the officer can see the windshield through the front windows (if rear windows are tinted but front windows are not, the officer can usually see the rear windows through the front).
The Tint Meter is generally easier to use, but it may fail to get a reading if the window in question is "fuzzy" (I.e. if it has a considerable dirt layer) or massively scratched. In this case, the officer will need to defer to the stair step levels instead. However, Missouri window tint laws state that drivers should keep their windows, including their tinted ones, clean, so this shouldn’t be an issue once you receive a tint legal certification. But if you ever have your tinted windows cleaned by an automatic car wash, make sure the wash uses softer brushes and mops as the brushes can scratch the film that is on the window and cause uneven tint.
Selecting Compliant Window Tints
When selecting window tints, it is paramount to opt for those that are certified to meet Missouri’s requirements. This means making sure the tints are marked as compliant with state regulations against reflectivity and darkness. When in doubt about a particular tint, the best option is to consult with a professional window tint installer. While the majority of tints available for purchase are compliant, variations certainly exist, and some sellers can be less than forthcoming about the product’s specifications. A professional service that specializes in window tint installation will know exactly which products meet the state’s criteria and can recommend an appropriate tint for your vehicle. If you do purchase tints on the market to apply yourself, you won’t have much recourse if they are found to be in violation of Missouri’s tint law. Be extremely careful to verify that the tint you buy is marked as compliant and, if possible, consult with a local tint installer to confirm the darkness and reflectivity of the chosen tint.
Missouri Tint Laws FAQ
Here are a few questions that we get frequently asked , about window tinting laws:
Q: What do the regulations say about tint darkness and how is the testing done?
A: Under Missouri Law the limit of tint darkness allowed on sedans on all windows is 35% Non-reflective tints are allowed on driving and passenger windows.
Q: What about the front windshield?
A: The law allows the windshield to have a tint that provides at least 70% VLT (Visibility Light Transmission) with no reflection while the sides and rear may be as dark as desired.
Q: Are there any other restrictions or exceptions to the law?
A: All window tint must be applied to the glass by the manufacturer in order to be approved for use. Vendor products applied after manufacture may not be certified for use.
Q: Can you make exceptions if the law hasn’t been updated in the last 10 years?
A: Legislative updates have been reviewed multiple times for both tinted and reflective materials and all passed in their respective aspects.