How Much Tint Can You Legally Have In Montana?

It's pretty common these days to see cars with tint, and it's not something that is always done after the fact anymore. Sometimes the manufacturer puts tint within the glass and its usually at about 15-20 percent and that's a pretty standard tint.

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Other cases, one will go to a specialty shop and get custom tint put in with film and that can range from light to dark depending on your preferences.

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No matter how dark you like it, is there a limit to what you can legally have on your windows in Montana?

The answer is yes there are rules for what kind percentage and where you can have in on your vehicle.

According to tinting-laws.com, Montana has rules for different types of vehicles:

Tint darkness for sedans:

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
• Front Side windows: Must allow more than 24% of light in.
• Back Side windows: Must allow more than 14% of light in.
• Rear Window: Must allow more than 14% of light in.

Tint darkness for SUV and vans:

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
• Front Side windows: Must allow more than 24% of light in.
• Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
• Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.

Montana also has separate rules for reflective tint, According to tinting-laws.com:

Tint reflection for sedans:

• Front Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.
• Back Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.

Tint reflection for SUV and vans:

• Front Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.
• Back Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.

There are other laws and penalties that tinting-laws.com touch upon in Montana that include other parts of a vehicle, certificates and more.

Other Montana window tint rules and regulations:

• Side Mirrors: No restrictions on side mirrors in Montana.
• Restricted Colors: Red, yellow and amber are not allowed.
• Certificates: Manufacturers of film do NOT need to certify the film they sell in the state.
• Stickers: State law recommends but does not require stickers to identify legal tinting.
• Medical Exceptions: Montana allows medical exemptions for special tint. For more details about the specific terms of the exemption, consult your state law.
• Penalties: Misdemeanor with up to $500 fine and/or up to 6 months in county jail (Montana law 46-18-212).

Exemptions and waivers can also be issued by law enforcement according to Montana code 61-9-428 for special reasons usually for emergency personnel and first responders.