Title: Understanding Maine’s Window Tint Laws: What You Need to Know Before Tinting Your Vehicle
While getting your vehicle’s windows tinted can serve many different purposes, it’s important to know that there are laws associated with it here in Maine.
Getting your car windows tinted can help block out UV rays, keep the inside of your car cooler, and add an extra layer of privacy. Some folks also choose tinting for protection against shattered glass in case of an accident, or simply to make their car look more stylish.
With that in mind, how exactly do we know what the legal window tint is in Maine—and why are there laws about it in the first place?
When it comes to figuring out what’s legal for window tinting in Maine, it’s not just a guess — it’s clearly outlined by the Maine Legislature in Title 29-A: Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Chapter 17: Equipment, Subchapter 1: General Provisions. These laws are put in place to promote safety and visibility on the road, and they’re publicly available for anyone to review through official state resources.
Now that we’ve addressed that, let’s dive right into the question: is your window tint legal, and what can be done if it’s not?
According to the Maine Legislature, vehicles registered in Maine cannot have reflective windows, heavily tinted front windshields, or side and rear windows that block more than 65% of light.
Windows in the front and next to rear passengers must allow a relatively clear view both into and out of the vehicle. Exceptions are made for official documents, manufacturer labels, tinting at the top strip of the windshield, and vehicles with medical exemptions granted by the Chief of the State Police.
Additionally, darker tinting is allowed on windows behind the driver and on the rear window if the vehicle has two properly adjusted side mirrors. These rules are meant to keep drivers safe and maintain visibility for law enforcement and others on the road.
Again, the tint on your vehicle’s windows must allow at least 35% of visible light to pass through for it to be considered legal.
Did you know about these window tint laws in Maine? Does your vehicle have any window tint? We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to join the conversation by messaging us on the app.