Maine Window Tinting Laws

If you’re a car owner in Maine, it’s essential to know the state’s tint laws.

Enacted in 1997, these laws regulate the darkness of window tints for cars and trucks.

Not following these regulations can lead to significant fines and penalties.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about Maine tint laws, including the regulations regarding window tints, penalties for breaking the law, and the benefits of legal tint.

Regulations Regarding Window Tint in Maine

The Maine tint laws regulate the darkness of window tints for four main areas: windshield, front side windows, back side windows, and rear window.

Below are the specifications:

Area	Legal Limit	Exceptions
Windshield	Top 5 inches or AS-1 line	N/A
Front Side Windows	35% VLT	N/A
Back Side Windows	35% VLT	N/A
Rear Window	No restrictions	N/A

Windshield

For the windshield, tinting is allowed but limited to the top five inches of the glass or to the AS-1 line (the marking on the glass that indicates the maximum allowable tint).

Any tinting beyond this limit is illegal.

Front Side Windows

The front side windows are the windows to the immediate right and left of the driver.

In Maine, the maximum allowable tint for these windows is 35% VLT (visible light transmission).

This means that the tint must allow at least 35% of light to pass through the windows.

Back Side Windows

The back side windows are the windows behind the driver.

Like the front side windows, the maximum allowable tint for these windows is 35% VLT.

However, there are no restrictions on the tinting of the rear window.

Additional Regulations

In addition to the specifications mentioned above, the Maine tint laws have a few additional regulations that car owners must follow.

Reflection

The tint cannot reflect more than 20% of light for any window, except the back window.

Medical Exemptions

Maine tint laws provide for medical exemptions, which allow individuals with certain medical conditions to have darker tints on their car windows. To get a medical exemption, the car owner must get a written certification from a licensed physician.

Color Restrictions

In Maine, the tint color must be neutral, meaning that it cannot be red, blue, or any other color that can interfere with the driver’s vision.

Side Mirrors

If the tint on the front side windows is darker than 35% VLT, the car must have two functioning side mirrors.

Exceptions to Legal Limits

There are a few exceptions to the legal limits of Maine tint laws. For instance, law enforcement vehicles can have tints darker than the legal limits. Similarly, vehicles used for medical purposes, such as ambulances, can also have darker tints.

Penalties for Breaking the Law

Breaking the Maine tint laws can lead to significant fines and penalties. Below are the fines and penalties for first, second, and third convictions:

Conviction	Fine	Other Penalties
First Conviction	$137.50	Removal of tint
Second Conviction	$275	Removal of tint
Third Conviction	$550	Removal of tint
Non-Compliance	Suspension of registration	Removal of tint and fine

Fines

First Conviction

For the first conviction, the fine is $137.50.

Second Conviction

For the second conviction, the fine is $275.

Third Conviction

For the third conviction, the fine is $550.

Other Penalties

In addition to the fines mentioned above, a car owner who violates the Maine tint laws may also have to remove the tint from their car windows.

The car owner may also have to pay for the removal of the tint.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

If a car owner fails to remove the illegal tint from their car windows within ten days of receiving the citation, the state may suspend their registration.

This means that the car owner cannot legally drive their car until they remove the tint and pay the fine.

Maine tint laws regulate the darkness of window tints for cars and trucks.

Breaking these laws can lead to significant fines and penalties, so it’s essential to know the regulations and follow them.

Legal tint can offer several benefits, including reducing heat and glare, protecting your skin and car’s interior, and more.

If you want to get your car windows tinted legally in Maine, make sure to choose a certified and experienced installer who follows the state’s regulations.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maine

https://mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec1916.html