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Be aware of the law when it comes to car window tinting

By Aric Freed and Staff Sgt. Aaron Crawford, Directorate of Emergency ServicesMarch 23, 2023

Missouri law states the front driver and front passenger windows can be tinted to allow just 35 percent of light through the window with a variance of no more than three percent in devices used to verify the percentage. A window that reads less than 32 percent can be cited and raises safety risks, as anything darker deteriorates the peripheral and rear field of vision of the vehicle operator.
Missouri law states the front driver and front passenger windows can be tinted to allow just 35 percent of light through the window with a variance of no more than three percent in devices used to verify the percentage. A window that reads less than 32 percent can be cited and raises safety risks, as anything darker deteriorates the peripheral and rear field of vision of the vehicle operator. (Photo Credit: Photo by Brian Hill, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — As we move into brighter and warmer weather, people like to ensure they can enjoy a comfortable ride in their vehicle. Many drivers will have their vehicle’s windows tinted. While this is a great way to keep your vehicle at a cooler temperature during the day, there are regulations that apply when having tint installed on your personal vehicle.

Missouri law states the front driver and front passenger windows can be tinted to allow just 35 percent of light through the window with a variance of no more than three percent in devices used to verify the percentage. A window that reads less than 32 percent can be cited and raises safety risks, as anything darker deteriorates the peripheral and rear field of vision of the vehicle operator.

A violation of the Missouri tint law carries a $75 fine (plus a $30 administrative fee) for the driver if the vehicle is registered in Missouri. Out of state vehicles must abide by their own state regulations.

The front windshield is also specifically covered in Missouri’s laws, which explain no tint shall be applied to the front windshield below what’s called the AS-1 line. This line is visible on most windshields that are installed by the manufacturer. Anything below that line is a violation of state law and can be cited.

Installing darker or otherwise illegally placed tint on your vehicle’s windows can result in a serious accident, especially if operating the vehicle at night or in any low-light situation. Tinting is also a safety concern for law enforcement officers, who have no idea who or what is inside the vehicle.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, there are medical exemptions to window tint laws. Examples of medical conditions that may qualify under these exemptions are lupus, sunlight allergies, photosensitivity and melanoma.

More information on Missouri window tinting laws is available on the MSHP website.

Abiding by the rules of our roads helps keep travelers safer. Window tinting, while beneficial in many ways, can also be a hinderance if not installed within the limitations of the law. Verification of tint percentage can be completed by the DES Traffic Management and Collision Investigations Section. Call 573.596.1074, or email darrell.a.freed.civ@army.mil, for more information.

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