Montana Window Tint Laws

The term Montana Tint Laws refer to the regulations enacted in 1991 and amended in 2007 that pertain to window tints in vehicles within the state of Montana.

These laws establish acceptable levels of window tint darkness and reflection, providing a clear framework for vehicle owners and industry professionals alike.

Regulations Regarding Window Tint in Montana

While car window tinting is entirely legal in Montana, specific rules dictate the darkness and reflectiveness of the tint.

The darkness of the tint is measured by Visible Light Transmission percentage (VLT%).

This value signifies the percentage of light allowed through the window film and glass.

Window	Allowed Tint Darkness	Allowed Tint Reflection
Windshield	Non-reflective tint allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line	–
Front Side Windows	Must allow more than 24% light in	Must not be more than 35% reflective
Back Side Windows (Sedans)	Must allow more than 14% light in	Must not be more than 35% reflective
Rear Window (Sedans)	Must allow more than 14% light in	–

Windshield

For windshields, non-reflective tint is permissible only along the top of the window, above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.

Front Side Windows

The front side windows must allow more than 24% of the light to pass through.

Back Side Windows

For sedans, the back side windows must allow more than 14% light in. However, for SUVs and vans, there’s no restriction on tint darkness.

Rear Window

For sedans, the rear window must also allow more than 14% light, while for SUVs and vans, the tint darkness can be as per the owner’s preference.

Additional Regulations

Beyond the VLT percentage, Montana tint laws include several other aspects, such as reflection, color restrictions, and medical exemptions.

Reflection

A key aspect of window tinting is its ability to reflect incoming light, reducing glare and heat. In Montana, the reflection should not exceed 35% for both front and back side windows.

Medical Exemptions

Montana allows medical exemptions for special tint. For more specific terms of the exemption, consult state law directly.

Color Restrictions

Montana law restricts certain tint colors. Specifically, red, yellow, and amber tints are not allowed.

Side Mirrors

Unlike other states, Montana has no restrictions regarding side mirrors.

Exceptions to Legal Limits

Montana state law recommends but does not require stickers to identify legal tinting.

Penalties for Breaking the Law

Breaking the tint laws in Montana can lead to a misdemeanor, punishable by fines and imprisonment.

Fines

First Conviction: Up to $500. Second Conviction: Higher than the first conviction. Third Conviction: Even more significant.

Other Penalties

Non-compliance may lead to up to six months in county jail.

This comprehensive overview of the Montana Tint Laws should give you a clear understanding of the regulations in place.

FAQs

References:

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

https://www.mt.gov/

https://law.justia.com/codes/montana/2019/title-61/chapter-9/part-4/section-61-9-405/

https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0610/chapter_0090/part_0040/section_0280/0610-0090-0040-0280.html