Montana TInt Laws
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Montana Tint Laws
Montana tint laws have been in place since 1991 and were heavily amended and updated in 2007 to align with modern developments in window film technology. Make sure that your car, truck, or SUV has legal window tint in Montana by knowing the VLT % of each tinted window. VLT simply refers to how light or dark a window is. Note that VLT restrictions are different for different types of vehicles. Be sure to review all Montana tint laws in the vehicle diagram below.
Window tint is a wise investment for anyone who cares both about the short term performance and looks as well as the long term value of a vehicle. In Montana car tint adds privacy and style the same day it’s added. It cuts interior heat even on the longest, sunniest days of a Big Sky Country summer day, making your car cooler and more cost effective. Long term, window tint rejects 99% of the UV light that causes interior fading, cracking to upholstery and hard surfaces (and that causes skin damage) so your car will better retain its looks and its resale value.
The question is not whether or not car window tint is a great investment; it’s simply a matter of making sure your auto window tint is legal in Montana so you don’t risk the cost of a window tint ticket that can greatly offset the value of that investment.
Please note: The accuracy, completeness, adequacy or currency of the content is not warranted or guaranteed. We are not lawyers or a law firm and we do not provide legal advice. We recommend you consult a lawyer or other appropriate professional if you want legal advice.
CLICK ON INDICATORS TO VIEW TINT LAWS FOR SPECIFIC WINDOWS
laws for suvs, trucks, & vans
Front Windows
All Vehicles
20% Tint (VLT%)
Rear Passenger Windows
Includes rear window and rear passenger
Any shade of tint can be used for trucks, SUVs, and vans ONLY
Rear Window
Includes rear window and rear passenger windows
Any shade of tint can be used for trucks, SUVs, and vans ONLY
Windshield Visor
ALL VEHICLE TYPES
Any shade of tint can be used from the AS-1 Line up. This is the line extending from the letters AS-1, found on most motor vehicle windshields, running parallel to the top of the windshield.
laws for sedans & coupes
Front Windows
ALL VEHICLE TYPES
Includes Trucks, SUVs, Vans, Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks
24% Tint (VLT%)
Rear Passenger Windows
for Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks
14% Tint (VLT%)
Rear Window
for Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks
14% Tint (VLT%)
Windshield Visor
ALL VEHICLE TYPES
Any shade of tint can be used from the AS-1 Line up. This is the line extending from the letters AS-1, found on most motor vehicle windshields, running parallel to the top of the windshield.
% of Tint or Visible light transmission (VLT) is the measurement used to assess the amount of light passing through a piece of glass. This is the percent of visible light that passes through the film and glass to give you a net transmission percentage. The lower the VLT%, the darker the window.
Law Enforcement uses a tint meter which measures the Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) of window film and glass for illegal tint.
Windshield: Several states allow medical exemptions for drivers or passengers who frequently travel in the vehicle. These exemptions usually require a licensed physician in that state to sign a waiver. Please visit your states .gov site for details.
AS-1 Line: This is the line extending from the letters AS-1, found on most motor vehicle windshields, running parallel to the top of the windshield.
Montana Code section 61-9-429: Window tinting and sunscreening
Click above to download the Nationwide Medical Exemptions Window Tinting Directory.
If you’re driving a truck or SUV built in the last decade, chances are it’s equipped with factory tinted glass on all windows behind the front doors.
Many owners of vehicles like this often choose to only have the front windows tinted to match the back because they believe that they are already set with the rear windows.
UV Protection
While this factory tint improves the looks of the vehicle, and offers rear passengers some privacy, it does very little to help reduce the heat entering through the glass or protect them from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Heat Rejection
The same also goes for heat rejection. Some assume that the level of heat rejection they will on the front glass is already present in the rear glass because of the factory tint. Nothing can be further from the truth. Other than having the tinted look, these windows do very little to stop the heat.
To find out what options you have to protecting your passengers and vehicles interior, click here.