State tint law
Massachusetts window tint law
Laws change and enforcement varies by area. Confirm with the Massachusetts DMV before you install.
How dark can window tint be in Massachusetts?
Darkness is measured as visible light transmission (VLT): the percentage of light that gets through. A lower number means darker tint.
| Window | Cars | SUVs and vans |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield. | |
| Front side windows | Must let in more than 35% of light. | |
| Back side windows | Must let in more than 35% of light. | Must let in more than 35% of light. |
| Rear window | Must let in more than 35% of light. | Must let in more than 35% of light. |
Picked a legal shade? You can tint it yourself with a precut car tint kit from SnapTint, our DIY kit partner.
How reflective can tint be?
- Front side windows
- Must not be more than 35% reflective.
- Back side windows
- Must not be more than 35% reflective.
Other Massachusetts tint rules
- Restricted colors
- No tint colors are banned.
- Side mirrors
- Dual side mirrors are required if the back window is tinted.
- Film certification
- Film manufacturers don't need to certify the film they sell in the state.
- Sticker
- Stickers identifying legal tint are recommended but not required.
- Medical exemption
- Apply in writing to the Registry's Medical Advisory Board with an attestation from a physician licensed in Massachusetts that the owner or driver is light- or photosensitive. If approved, the Registry issues a sticker for the driver's side window.
Enforcement and penalties in Massachusetts
- Enforcement
- Police can stop you for tint alone, and tint is checked at the annual state inspection. Selling or equipping a vehicle with illegal tint is also prohibited. The Registry can test windows, and its statement that the tint complies is evidence in court.
- Penalties
- A fine of up to $250 (M.G.L. c. 90, section 9D). On a third or later conviction, the Registry suspends your license for up to 90 days.
Films of 35% VLT or lighter: legal on every window of a car in Massachusetts. Darker films for the rear windows are in the full collection. All car window film.
Where to find the Massachusetts tint law
These are the laws, rules and other sources we found for Massachusetts. We list all of them rather than picking one, so you can read them yourself and decide. Laws change, so check the current text before you install.
- Statute Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 90 § 9D (opens in a new tab) Massachusetts Legislature
- Statute Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 90 § 9D (opens in a new tab) FindLaw
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