Window Tint Medical Exemptions for Electric Vehicle Owners in Michigan

Michigan's window tint laws are strict, especially for the front side windows. If you own an electric vehicle (EV) and have a medical need for darker tint, you need to know exactly what the law says and how to get a legal exemption. Not following the rules can get you a $115 fine and, after a second offense, mandatory tint removal. This guide explains how medical exemptions work for electric vehicle owners in Michigan, who qualifies, and what the process looks like.

Michigan Window Tint Laws for Electric Vehicles

The state does not treat electric vehicles differently from gas-powered ones when it comes to window tint laws. All personal vehicles must follow the same rules under Michigan window tint laws and Michigan Vehicle Code MCL §257.709. Here is what you need to know for your EV:

• Front side windows: No aftermarket tint allowed. Only the factory tint is legal here. This means you cannot add any extra tint film, even if it is clear or very light, unless you have a medical exemption.
• Back side windows: Any level of darkness is allowed.
• Rear window: Any level of darkness is allowed.
• Windshield: Tint is allowed on the top 4 inches only, and it must not exceed 35% light reflectance (how shiny it looks from the outside).
• Total light reflectance: No window tint can reflect more than 35% of light.

A first offense for illegal tint brings a $115 civil infraction fine. If you are stopped again, you can get another $115+ fine and you must remove the tint. Michigan police enforce these rules for all vehicles, including Teslas and other EVs. You can see the darkest legal tint on our Darkest legal tint in Michigan page.

What is a Medical Tint Exemption?

A medical tint exemption allows you to use darker tint than Michigan law usually allows. Some health conditions make it necessary for people to limit exposure to sunlight or glare. For these cases, the state offers an exemption if your doctor certifies that you need it. This applies to electric vehicles the same as any other car.

The medical exemption can allow you to tint your front side windows, which is otherwise illegal. Keep in mind, the exemption only covers the person with the medical need. If you sell your EV or someone else drives it, they are not automatically covered by your exemption.

Qualifying Medical Conditions

Michigan recognizes a range of medical and vision conditions that can justify a tint exemption. These include skin diseases, eye conditions, and certain light sensitivity issues. Some common examples are:

• Photophobia (extreme light sensitivity)
• Lupus
• Migraines
• Skin cancer or risk factors
• Albinism
• Psoriasis or other photosensitive skin conditions
• Uveitis
• Lasik surgery recovery

You can see a full list of qualifying conditions on our All qualifying conditions page, or read more about how each one relates to tint needs.

How to Apply for a Michigan Window Tint Medical Exemption

If you need a medical exemption for your EV, you must follow a specific process. The state requires a licensed medical professional or optometrist to certify your need. Here are the main steps:

1. Get a medical note or prescription from your doctor that explains your diagnosis, why you need extra tint, and how it helps your condition.
2. Fill out the Michigan medical exemption form. This form asks for your details, your doctor’s information, and specifics about your EV.
3. Submit the form and supporting documents to the Michigan Secretary of State.
4. Wait for approval. Once your exemption is granted, you will receive paperwork to keep in your electric vehicle at all times.

If you are not sure where to start, our guide on How to get an exemption walks you through every step. You can also download the official form from Exemption form.

Our service handles the paperwork and medical certification for $225. Full details about what is included are at Exemption cost. If you are ready to begin, you can book your exemption now.

What Happens if You Break Michigan Tint Law?

Michigan police do not give warnings for illegal window tint. The first time you are stopped, you will get a $115 fine. This is a civil infraction, not a criminal offense, but it goes on your driving record. A second violation brings another fine and a court order to remove your tint. If you keep breaking the rule, fines can add up and you can lose the right to use your exemption.

For a full list of possible fines and what to expect in court, see Tint ticket fines.

Michigan EV Owners: Special Considerations

Owning an electric vehicle does not give you special privileges for window tinting. However, many EV owners are more sensitive to bright light, especially if their cars have large glass roofs or panoramic windshields. Michigan law still requires you to follow the same process as anyone else for exemptions. Make sure your doctor’s note clearly states how sunlight or glare affects your health, especially given your EV’s features.

Be prepared to show your exemption paperwork any time you are pulled over. Police do not have to accept a verbal explanation about your condition. The exemption must match the vehicle you are driving, so if you switch cars, update your documents with the Secretary of State.

Keeping Your Exemption Legal

If you receive a medical tint exemption, keep your paperwork with you in your EV at all times. Police can ask to see it during any traffic stop. If you lose your paperwork or change vehicles, contact the Secretary of State to update your records. If your medical need changes, your doctor will need to provide updated documentation.

If your exemption expires or is revoked, you must remove any illegal tint right away. Failing to do so can cost you your exemption and lead to higher fines. Double check that your tint shop uses film that stays within the limits your doctor prescribes. Michigan law allows exemptions but does not let you tint the entire windshield or use mirrored or colored films. Always keep your exemption up to date.

Common Questions about Michigan Tint Exemptions

If you have questions about the rules, costs, or who qualifies, see our full Exemption FAQ for more details. Michigan’s rules are strict but clear, and the process is the same for every vehicle, including electric cars. If you’re unsure whether your health condition qualifies, talk to your doctor or check our guides on photophobia, lupus, migraines, and skin cancer. Ready to apply? Book your exemption with our team and we’ll handle the paperwork for you.