Tint Guide

What Is the Darkest Legal Tint in Michigan?

Here's exactly how dark you can go on each window in Michigan — and how a medical exemption lets you go even darker.

Quick Answer: Michigan Has a Complete Front-Window Ban

Under MCL §257.709, Michigan prohibits any aftermarket tint on front side windows (driver and front passenger). No percentage is allowed — zero. Back side windows and rear window can be any darkness for all vehicle types.

A medical exemption under MCL §257.709(3) is the only way to legally tint front side windows in Michigan.

Michigan Tint Limits by Window

Front Windshield

Top 4 inches only, must not exceed 35% light reflectance

Only non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line (top 4 inches) and must not exceed 35% light reflectance.

Front Side Windows (Driver & Passenger)

NO aftermarket tint allowed

Michigan completely prohibits any aftermarket tint film on front side windows. Even clear UV-blocking film is technically aftermarket and requires an exemption. This is one of the strictest front-window laws in the US.

Back Side Windows

Any darkness (all vehicles)

Both sedans and SUVs/trucks can have any darkness on rear side windows. No VLT minimum.

Rear Window

Any darkness (all vehicles)

Any darkness is permitted. Dual side mirrors are required if the rear window is tinted.

Michigan vs. Neighboring States

Michigan's front-window ban makes it uniquely strict compared to every neighboring state:

State	Front Side	Back Side	Rear
Michigan	No tint	Any	Any
Ohio	50%	Any	Any
Indiana	30%	30%	30%
Wisconsin	50%	35%	35%
Illinois	35%	35%	35%

If you drive into Michigan from Ohio (50% front) or Indiana (30% front), your front tint is immediately illegal.

What Do Different Tint Levels Look Like?

Since Michigan bans all front tint, here's context for what back/rear tint levels look like:

70%

Factory glass (front windows)

50%

Light tint

35%

Medium tint

20%

Dark tint

Limo tint

All of these levels are legal on back and rear windows in Michigan. None are legal on front windows without a medical exemption.

The Only Way to Tint Front Windows: Medical Exemption

Michigan's front-window ban means any aftermarket tint on front side windows is illegal unless you have a medical exemption under MCL §257.709(3). Common qualifying conditions include:

Lupus (elevated in Detroit community)

Multiple Sclerosis (Great Lakes region)

Photophobia / light sensitivity

Migraines

Melanoma / skin cancer

Cataracts (SE Michigan elderly)

What Happens If You Have Illegal Front Tint?

Michigan tint violation penalties

Fine: $115 per violation + court costs (up to $150 total)
No points on license (civil infraction)
Repeat offenses: Mandatory tint removal order ($50–$200)
Record: Appears on driving record, can affect insurance

Michigan has no annual inspection — enforcement is at traffic stops by MSP, DPD, GRPD, and local agencies on corridors like I-75, I-94, and I-96. A $225 exemption costs less than two tickets.

Best Tint Type for Michigan

Ceramic tintis the best choice for Michigan drivers. It blocks 99% of UV radiation, performs well in both summer heat and harsh Michigan winters without bubbling or peeling, and stays within the 35% light reflectance limit under MCL §257.709. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor all have quality ceramic tint installers.

Michigan Bans Front Tint — A Medical Exemption Is Your Only Option

Apply online in 5 minutes. Licensed MI physician certification under MCL §257.709(3). $225 one-time fee.