Updated at: 03-06-2022 - By: Lucas

Tinting the windows of your car can make it look better, protect it from sun damage, and even block out harmful UV rays, but there are some limits to this benefit.

These rules are in place to make sure that you and other drivers on the road are safe.

If you want to tint your windows in Massachusetts, you need to know what the state’s rules and regulations are.

If you tint your windows without following the rules, you could get pulled over and get a big fine.

Below, we’ll talk about the laws about window tinting in Massachusetts and how you can follow them.

Window Tinting in Massachusetts

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Window tint cuts down on light coming in and glare. It can also help save gas by lowering the temperature inside the car.

By cutting down on UV rays, you also help keep the inside of your car in better shape.

Some factories give you a basic tint, but it’s usually only on the back windows.

Laws in Massachusetts about window tint help make sure this product is safe for you.

In Massachusetts, laws about window tinting were passed in 1985, and they continue to keep people safe.

The state of Massachusetts has strict rules about how much visible light can get through the windows of cars. VLT keeps track of how much light gets through the window tint.

Less light will get through a tint that is darker.

In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Section 9D explains in detail what to think about when windshields and windows are covered by things that don’t let light through.

We will still talk about some of those things below.

Massachusetts Tint Laws

In Massachusetts, the laws for passenger vehicles are the same as those for vehicles that can be used for more than one thing.

Here are the laws about tinting:

Windshield: The top 6 inches of the windshield, up to the AS-1 line, can have a tint that doesn’t reflect light.

Front and Back Side Windows: Both the front seat side windows and the back seat side windows can only have a VLT of up to 35%.

Rear Window: The driver must be able to see the road and highway behind the car clearly. The rear window can let in no more than 35 percent of the visible light.

Additional Guidelines for Massachusetts Tint Laws

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When you tint your windows in Massachusetts, there are a few more laws to keep in mind besides how much VLT you can have on your car:

Any nontransparent material, window application, or reflective film used to cover the front windshield, side windows, or back operator’s seat cannot make the window opaque from the inside or outside of the car.

You can’t use drapes, louvres, or other special window treatments unless one of the exceptions listed above applies.

Any special window treatment for a motor vehicle that a doctor recommends for the owner’s safety must be in writing and have a sticker on the side window next to the driver that is easy to see. When you register the car, you must keep track of these things.

Based on what the doctors say, the person in charge of registering vehicles must make rules about how to measure the amount of reflective material.

You can’t sell or trade a car that has been changed to fit the needs of the driver, such as by changing the amount of window tint.

Regulations

Here are some helpful things to know about the tint laws in Massachusetts for your car:

If the back window of your car is tinted, you have to have two side mirrors.

In Massachusetts, you can use different colours to tint the windows of your car.

In Massachusetts, manufacturers do not have to certify the film they sell because there are no rules about it.

Medical Exemptions

In Massachusetts, the registry of motor vehicles run by the Department of Transportation does give medical exemptions for window tint.

Some of these exemptions allow for more tinting on the front side windows, back side windows, and back window of the car.

Am I Eligible?

If you are the owner or driver of a motor vehicle and a doctor has told you that you are photophobic or photosensitive, you may be able to get a medical exemption from the standard tint laws in Massachusetts.

You must also have a signed certification from a doctor saying that you are sensitive to or afraid of light.

Fill out the form below if you think you might be eligible. Make sure the form is signed by a licenced doctor before you send it in.

How to Apply for a Tinted Glass Medical Waiver

If you want to apply for a medical waiver and you meet all of the above requirements, you can do so here.

These forms can only be given to people who are permanently afraid of the sun or who have other illnesses that require them to avoid direct sunlight or a lot of UV rays.

Can You Get Pulled Over for Tint in Massachusetts?

If you’re wondering, “Can you get pulled over in Massachusetts for tint?” the answer is yes.

If you don’t follow State laws, you could get pulled over and have to pay a fine of up to $250.

If you get three or more convictions, your driver’s licence could be taken away for 90 days.

It is important to know that the laws about window tinting in Massachusetts can change every day and that the rules and regulations can be different depending on which city or county you are in.

Check with your local DMV to see if the laws have changed.

Final Thoughts

Some people tint the windows of their cars to protect their privacy and safety.

Some people use window tint to block out the sun’s harmful ultra-violet (UV) rays.

Some people like to add window tint to their cars to make them more unique.

No matter what your reason is, make sure you are following the law.

As long as your car’s front, side, and back windows don’t let in more than 35 percent of visible light (VLT) and your non-reflective tint is within the first 6 inches of your windshield, you shouldn’t get pulled over for tinting laws in Massachusetts.