Montana Window Tint Laws
Montana allows 24% VLT on front side windows and 14% on car rear windows, with up to 35% reflectance; SUVs, vans and buses are exempt behind the driver.
Montana Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Montana Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Montana vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | Above AS-1 | Above AS-1 |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 24% | 24% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | 14% | Any darkness |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 14% | Any darkness |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in Montana
Operating a vehicle with tint darker than statutory limits is classified as a misdemeanor. Citations escalate significantly upon repeat violations:
First Conviction
Classified as a misdemeanor with a fine up to $100 and/or up to 10 days in jail.
Second Conviction
Fine of up to $200 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
Third Conviction
Criminal citation with a fine up to $300 and/or up to 3 months in jail (within 1 year).
Montana Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
§61-9-405 does not require side mirrors.
Prohibited Tint Colors
No red, yellow or amber material above the windshield's AS-1 line (§61-9-405(4)(a)).
Compliance Certificate Sticker
No compliance label is required. Only exempt vehicles display the department's waiver certificate (§61-9-405(7) and §61-9-428).
Medical Tint Exemptions
Written exemption from the Highway Patrol or local police for medical reasons (statement from a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice nurse), security or protection. It lists the vehicle, the owner, the reason and the validity dates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Montana? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Montana, front side windows must allow at least 24% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow 14%, and the rear window requires 14%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow Any darkness.
Can you tint the front windshield in Montana? +
Under Montana law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: Above AS-1 (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Montana? +
While law enforcement in Montana enforces the state vehicle code (Mont. Code Ann. §61-9-405 (exemption: §61-9-428)), officers generally extend interstate reciprocity to visiting motorists whose vehicles comply with the legal tint statutes of their home registration state. However, if the tint is excessively dark and prevents officers from seeing the driver, you can still be stopped for safety verification.
Is 20% or 5% (limo tint) legal in Montana? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Montana because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 24% VLT. On SUVs, trucks, and vans, 20% or 5% limo tint is legally permissible only on the windows behind the driver (rear sides and back window).
How do police test window tint in Montana, and is there an official tolerance? +
Police officers and state troopers use handheld, certified light meters that slide over the roll-down window to measure total net light transmission. Montana statutes recognize a Not specified. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Montana allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Montana permits medical tint waivers for individuals with certified photosensitivity or UV-reactive conditions (such as lupus or porphyria). An official affidavit signed by a licensed physician must be approved and carried in the vehicle at all times.
Do I need a compliance certification sticker on my windows in Montana? +
A compliance label between the glass is not legally mandated in Montana, but the vehicle must be capable of passing an optical light meter test during routine traffic stops or state inspections.
What are the penalties and fines for illegal window tint in Montana? +
Driving with non-compliant tint is classified as a traffic infraction or misdemeanor. First convictions carry fines starting around $100 plus court costs, typically accompanied by a 'fix-it' compliance order requiring removal or replacement of the illegal film.
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