Window Tint Laws in Missouri, are my window too dark?

So, you want to get your windows tinted, but you have no idea how dark your windows are allowed to be. Well, you are in luck, Missouri has pretty relaxed rules about tinting windows. 

Missouri Window Tint Law

One of the most important things to know when it comes to window tint is how it is measured. This determines how much you can tint your windows and whether or not you’ll get pulled over and ticketed for having an illegal tint level.

ln Missouri window tint is measured in VLT or visible light transmission percentage. VLT determines how much light can get through the film and glass. A higher VLT allows more light to pass through, while a lower VLT lets less light in. The lower the VLT, the darker the tint. 

You will also have to have to be aware of where your AS-1 line, as you are not allowed to use reflective tint above the AS-1 line.

So, what is the AS-1 line? 

If you look very closely at your vehicle’s windshield, you will be able to see a hash sign or other markings on the top or bottom corner of your car’s windshield this hash is known as the AS1 line. These marks are often in tiny letters or numerals indicating where the AS-1 line begins. On most vehicles the tintable area runs from the hash mark to the top of your car’s windshield this area is also known as the visor strip for most automobiles.

The mark was designed to distinguish the most transparent kind of glass used on windshields, as well as indicate the maximum tint level that may be put on the windshield.

In Missouri you can tint your windshield, however, you can only use non-reflective tint and it must be above the AS-1 line. Additionally, no window tint on any side or rear window of a vehicle in Missouri may be more than 35% reflective. That said the tint can be any color you want since no window tint colors are currently banned in the state.

Passenger Vehicles vs. Multi-Purpose Vehicles

Passenger vehicles include sedans, coupes, convertibles, station wagons, hardtops, and hatchbacks. Basically, if your standard vehicle is used to transport a single person and/or their family from place to place.

Multi-purpose vehicles include SUVs, pickups, vans, RVs, and minibusses.  Heavy-duty vehicles that can transport both groups of people and materials.

These two groups of vehicles perform different functions, however, unlike in other states, Missouri Law does not have separate regulations for each group. The tint levels that are legal for one are legal for the other.

Medical Exemptions

But what if you want a darker tint that you are allowed to have. Well, there is an exception, the medical exemption. The medical exception allows you have a special level of tint.

To receive a medical exemption you must:

Obtain a  letter or statement from a licensed physician, that specifically states that you need to tint your windows for medical reasons. The letter must include your name, date of birth, and the specific reason why you need to tint your windows. Once you have the statement, take it to your local motor vehicle office and they will issue you an exemption sticker to put on your car. Click for more details on the medical exemption process. 

 Penalties

Window tints provide a wide range of benefits. They reduce UV exposure, keep your upholstery looking like new, shatterproof your windows, increase security, privacy, and safety, and reduce heat.

Despite these advantages, a tint that’s too dark can cause safety issues and can put you on the radar of police officers. If an officer pulls you over and feels that your tint is too dark; they can use a device known as a tint meter to determine how much light passes through a car’s window. If it’s not the right amount, they can ticket you.

Manufacturers, retailers, and installers of car window tint in Missouri are not required to certify that the window film products they offer  meets with state regulation. So proving your cars tint meets tint law is done by using devices that can test tint darkness of the window. This can be done by law enforcement at any time during a traffic stop or vehicle inspection. If your windows fail you may be fined of up to $75 for any window found to be in violation. These fines can be increased for repeat infractions.

Where Can I Get My Windows Tinted in Missouri?

You can trust 618 Dent Guy to darken your windows to legal levels and safely provide you with all the increased confront of a good tint. Get a window tinting estimate or contact us today for more information.