Montana Window Tint Law

Montana Window Tint Law is one of the most important laws you must know if you are a driver in Montana.

The law states that drivers are not allowed to drive with tinted windows that are too dark. 

In this blog post, we will discuss the specifics of the Montana Window Tint Law and what you need to do to stay compliant. 

We will also provide some tips on choosing the right window tint for your car!

Montana Window Tint Law: How Dark Can Your Tint Be?

Montana law requires that your windshield allow more than 50% of light in.

You are also entitled to have a non-reflective window tint on the top six inches of your windshield.

The tint has to let over 24% of the light in for the front side windows.

The tint has to let over 14% of the light in for the backside windows.

The rear window can be any dark.

Montana also doesn’t allow cars to have red, yellow, or amber-colored tints on their headlights or taillights.

Tips On How To Choose The Right Window Tint For Your Car 

Now that we’ve gone over the Montana window tint law, let’s discuss some tips on choosing the right window tint for your car and how to tint car windows.

When choosing a window tint, it is important to consider the following factors: 

• The Climate In Which You Live – If you live in a hot climate, you will want a darker tint so that your car doesn’t get too hot.
• If you live in a cold climate, you may want a lighter tint so that your car doesn’t get too cold.
• The Amount Of Privacy That You Want – If you want a lot of privacy, you will want to choose a darker tint.
• If you don’t mind people being able to see into your car, you can choose a lighter tint.
• The Look That You Want – Some people prefer the way that their car looks with a darker tint, while others prefer the way that their car looks with a lighter tint.
• The Cost – Tinting your windows can be expensive, so make sure to factor in the cost when making your decision.

What If You Get Pulled Over For Having Illegal Window Tint?

If an officer believes your window tint is too dark, they will ask you to roll down your window so they can measure the light transmittance.

If your car windows are found to be illegal, you will be issued a warning and given a chance to fix the problem.

You will have to remove the illegal film and replace it with legal film.

You may also have to pay a fine if you are caught driving with an illegal window tint more than once.

So it’s important to know Montana’s window tint law before you get behind the wheel!

Window Tint Darkness In Montana

Visible light transmission (VLT) measures how much light is transmitted through your car’s windows.

Montana window tint law permits a certain degree of darkness for different kinds of windows.

Windshield: You are eligible for using non-reflective tint that’s over the AS-I line of the manufacturer.

Front Side Windows: The tint has to let over 24% of the light in.

Back Side Windows: The tint has to let over 14% of the light in.

Rear Window: The tint can’t be more reflective than 28%.

Tints are reflective if you can’t see through them from the outside, and Montana law says that tints on your rear window have to be less than 28% reflective.

Many states have a two-tiered system when it comes to car window tinting, with different regulations for passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles.

Montana has such a system, and the darkness of tinting is measured by the percentage of visible light transmission (VLT).

For passenger vehicles, Montana window tint law permits a VLT of up to 50% on all windows.

This means that up to half of the light that hits the window can pass through it.

There are no other restrictions on passenger vehicle window tints in Montana.

This means that there are no rules about how reflective the tint can be, or what colors can be used.

For commercial vehicles, Montana window tint law permits a VLT of up to 35% on all windows.

This is a significantly lower amount of light that is allowed to pass through the window, and as a result, commercial vehicles with tinted windows will appear much darker than passenger vehicles.

There are also restrictions on how reflective commercial vehicle tints can be.

The law states that tints must not be more than 20% reflective.

This means that when light hits the window, only up to 20% of it can be reflected back.

Window Tint Reflection In Montana:

Montana doesn’t allow for any window tinting that has a reflective quality.

This means that you can’t have a metallic film on your windows and you can’t have a mirrored appearance.

However, you are allowed to use a non-reflective tint as long as it is over the AS-I line of the manufacturer.

 For Passenger Vehicle

Front Side Window: Reflection must not exceed 35%.

Back Side Window: Reflection must not exceed 35%.

For MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle)

Front Side Window: Reflection must not exceed 35%.

Back Side Window: Reflection must not exceed 35%.

Other Montana Window Tint Rules And Regulations:

• If you have medical reasons for why you need a certain type of tinting, then you are allowed to apply for a waiver from the Montana Highway Patrol. 
• You are not allowed to have any stickers on your windows that promote alcohol or tobacco. 
• You can’t have any words or pictures that are illegal. 
• You can’t have any tinting material that is metallic, mirrored, or reflective in any way on your windshield. 
• You are not allowed to have a windshield sun visor. 

Montana has very specific laws when it comes to window tinting, so be sure to know all the rules before you get your car tinted.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and you don’t want to get pulled over and have to pay a fine because of something that could have easily been avoided.

To get more information you can read our detailed guide: How Many Spark Plugs Does A Diesel Have?

Exceptions To The Montana Window Tint Law

There are a few exceptions to the Montana window tint law.

If you have a medical condition that makes it difficult to drive in sunlight, you may be eligible for an exemption.

You will need to get a letter from your doctor detailing your condition and why you need an exemption.

You will also need to get a signed affidavit from a licensed Montana tint installer.

If you are a law enforcement officer, you are also exempt from the Montana window tint law.

You will need to show your badge and ID to the installer when you get your windows tinted.

There are a few other exceptions to the Montana window tint law, including vehicles that are used for business purposes and vehicles that are used for agricultural purposes.

If you think you may qualify for one of these exceptions, you will need to get a signed affidavit from a licensed Montana tint installer.

If you are caught driving with illegal tinting, you may be fined.

The amount of the fine will depend on how dark your tinting is.

For a first offense, you may be fined up to $100.

For a second offense, you may be fined up to $500.

And for a third or subsequent offense, you may be fined up to $1000.

In addition to the fine, your driver’s license may be suspended for up to 30 days.

 Montana window tint law is designed to protect drivers, and make sure that everyone on the road can see clearly.

How Do You Get A Medical Exemption For Window Tint In Montana?

Montana residents who have a medical condition that requires the use of a sun visor, sun shield, or other devices to reduce direct exposure to sunlight may apply for a medical exemption permit.

The medical exemption permit allows the vehicle owner to operate their vehicle with window tinting that does not meet Montana’s legal standards.

To obtain a medical exemption permit, the applicant must submit a completed Montana Window Tint Exemption Permit Application Form to the Montana Department of Justice.

The application form must be signed by a licensed physician who attests that, due to a medical condition, the applicant needs to operate their vehicle with window tinting that does not meet Montana’s legal standards.

The Montana Department of Justice will review the application and, if approved, will issue a Montana Window Tint Exemption Permit.

The permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance and may be renewed upon submission of a new application form signed by the applicant’s licensed physician.

Benefits Of Window Tint In Montana:

There are many reasons why you might want to tint your car windows.

Perhaps you live in a sunny climate and want to reduce the amount of heat and UV rays that enter your vehicle.

Or maybe you just want to add a bit of privacy and style to your ride.

You can also check out our article on how to ride a motorcycle in the rain.

Whatever your reasons, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of window tinting before making a decision.

On the plus side, window tint can help keep your car cool in hot weather, reduce glare, and protect your upholstery from fading.

It can also deter would-be thieves from breaking into your vehicle.

You might be wondering what happens if my drive shaft breaks while driving, we have a detailed guide for you.

On the downside, window tint can make it more difficult to see out of your car at night and in bad weather.

It can also impede your ability to signal to other drivers with your blinkers.

Montana has some of the most lenient window tinting laws in the country, which allows for a great deal of customization when it comes to your vehicle.

Window tint can offer a number of benefits, including:

Reduced Glare From The Sun: 

This is especially important for Montana residents who spend a lot of time driving.

Glare from the sun can be very dangerous, and it can make it difficult to see the road.

Window tint can help reduce glare and make driving safer.

Reduced Heat Buildup In Your Car: 

 Montana can get very hot, and the sun can make your car uncomfortably warm.

Window tint can help keep your car cooler by blocking out some of the sun’s heat.

Increased Privacy And Security: 

 Window tint can make it difficult for people to see into your car, which can help deter thieves and protect your privacy.

What Are The Best Alternatives To Window Tint?

There are many reasons why you might want to consider alternatives to window tint.

Perhaps you’re looking for a more affordable option or one that will provide better protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Whatever your reason, there are several great alternatives to window tint that can provide the same level of protection and privacy.

If you’re looking for a way to reduce glare and heat in your home, office, or car, window tinting is a great option.

But what are the best alternatives to window tint?

Window Film

Window film is one of the most popular alternatives to window tint.

Window film is available in a variety of shades and can be applied to both windows and glass doors.

Window film comes in both static cling and adhesive varieties, making it easy to apply and remove.

Blinds

Another alternative to window tint is blinded.

Blinds come in a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, and fabric.

Blinds can be opened and closed to adjust the amount of light that enters a room, making them a great option for controlling temperature and light.

Curtains

Curtains are another popular alternative to window tint.

Curtains come in a variety of materials, colors, and patterns.

Curtains can be hung from a rod or track, making them easy to open and close.

Privacy Film

One popular alternative is to use a privacy film.

This type of film can be applied to your windows and will block out most of the light, helping to keep your home or office cooler in the summer months.

Privacy film comes in a variety of shades and patterns, so you can choose an option that best suits your needs.

Window Shutters

Another alternative to window tinting is to install window shutters.

Shutters can provide both privacy and protection from the sun, and come in a variety of styles to suit any decor.

If you live in an area where hurricanes are common, shutters can also provide extra protection against high winds and flying debris.

Draperies

Finally, draperies are an alternative to window tinting.

Draperies come in a variety of materials, colors, and patterns.

Draperies can be hung from a rod or track, making them easy to open and close.

They can also be left open to allow natural light into the room.

Like window tinting, draperies can reduce glare and protect furniture from fading.

However, they will not reduce heat gain or loss as well as window tinting.

If you’re looking for alternatives to window tinting, there are several great options available.

Privacy film, window shutters, blinds, and curtains can all provide the same level of protection and privacy as traditional window tinting.

Choose the option that best suits your needs and budget, and enjoy the benefits of increased privacy and protection from the sun.

We have another interesting article on: How To Turn Off ABS Light

 FAQs

What Is Montana’s General Window Tinting Law?

Montana doesn’t have a general window tinting law, but there are some specific regulations that apply to certain types of vehicles.

For example, school buses and commercial vehicles must have a certain level of transparency in their windows.

Can I Get Pulled Over For Having Tinted Windows?

Montana doesn’t have any specific laws regulating window tint, so you technically can’t be pulled over solely for having tinted windows.

However, if an officer has a reason to pull you over (for speeding, running a stop sign, etc.), they may also cite you for having illegal window tint.

What Are The Penalties For Having Illegal Window Tint?

If you’re cited for having illegal window tint in Montana, you’ll likely just have to pay a fine.

There is no specific penalty outlined in Montana law for this offense.

Is There Anything Else I Need To Know About Montana’s Window Tinting Laws?

Montana’s window tinting laws are pretty straightforward, but it’s always a good idea to check with your local authorities to make sure you’re in compliance.

Remember, even if Montana doesn’t have a specific law regulating window tint, you can still be cited for it if an officer has a reason to pull you over.

Can I Have My Windows Tinted If I Have A Medical Condition That Requires It?

Yes, you can have your windows tinted for medical reasons as long as you have a letter from your doctor explaining the need for the tint.

Are There Any Other Exceptions To Montana’s Window Tinting Laws?

Yes, there are a few other exceptions to the law, including if you’re a member of law enforcement or if you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license.

Are There Any Other Window Tinting Laws I Should Be Aware Of?

Montana also has laws prohibiting the use of certain types of window film that can make it difficult for law enforcement to see into a vehicle.

Be sure to check with your local authorities to see if any of these restrictions apply in your area.

Conclusion

With our overview of Montana Window Tint Law complete, we hope that this article was helpful and provided you with all the information necessary to stay compliant.

If there are any questions left unanswered by reading through these articles or if something isn’t clear enough for your liking feel free to contact us at any time!

In addition though not solely because it would be awesome to see what type of window tint people living in Montana use on their cars too let’s hear from them below.