Massachusetts tint rules at a glance
- Front side windows
- 35%
- Minimum VLT, film and glass together
- Back side windows
- 35%
- Minimum VLT, film and glass together
- Rear window
- 35%
- Minimum VLT, film and glass together
- Windshield
- A transparent strip across the top 6 inches only, and it may not reach into the driver's direct forward view.
- Reflectivity
- Film on side and rear windows may reflect no more than 35% of visible light.
- Medical exemption
- Yes, with documentation
- Sticker or certificate
- Not required
- Two outside mirrors
- Required when the rear window is tinted
- Penalty
- Fine up to $250; after a third or later conviction the Registrar may suspend the license for up to 90 days (MGL c.90 s.9D).
VLT is the share of light the glass lets through, film and glass together. Source: M.G.L. c.90, s.9D, checked Nov 5, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the statute before tinting.
Massachusetts regulates window tint through M.G.L. c.90, s.9D. Below: the minimum visible light transmission (VLT) for each window, the windshield rule, what counts as too reflective, who can get a medical exemption, and how an officer checks a car at the roadside.
Legal tint limits in Massachusetts
- Front side windows: at least 35% VLT.
- Back side windows: at least 35% VLT.
- Rear window: at least 35% VLT.
VLT is measured through film and glass together. Factory glass already blocks some light, usually landing between 70% and 80% VLT before any film, so a roll sold as "35%" on a window that started at 75% ends up darker than 35% once installed. Officers meter the finished window, not the box the film came in.
Windshield
A transparent strip across the top 6 inches only, and it may not reach into the driver's direct forward view.
Federal standard FMVSS 205 sets the baseline for the glass itself: the windshield and front side windows of a new car must transmit at least 70% of visible light. State law decides what film may be added afterwards, which is why the windshield rule is usually a strip above the AS-1 line rather than a percentage.
Reflective and colored film
Film on side and rear windows may reflect no more than 35% of visible light. No film colors are singled out.
Medical exemptions
Massachusetts allows darker tint with a medical exemption. A Massachusetts physician certifies photosensitivity, the RMV Medical Advisory Board approves, and the Registrar issues a sticker that must be affixed to the driver's side window.
Stickers, mirrors and enforcement
No sticker or certificate is required for legal tint. If the rear window is tinted, the car must have outside mirrors on both sides. Fine up to $250; after a third or later conviction the Registrar may suspend the license for up to 90 days (MGL c.90 s.9D).
In practice
Massachusetts applies one 35% VLT floor to every side and rear window with no separate SUV rule, and the film may also reflect no more than 35% of visible light. The RMV sets the measurement procedure and its compliance statement is prima facie evidence in court, so meter readings matter. Any tint behind the driver requires two outside mirrors. Out-of-state registered vehicles and licensed livery cars (not taxis) are exempt, and medical waivers go through the RMV Medical Affairs board rather than a doctor's note alone.
Sources
Checked Nov 5, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the statute before tinting.
Common questions about tint in Massachusetts
Is 35% tint legal on front windows in Massachusetts?
Yes. 35% is the darkest Massachusetts allows on front side windows: the glass and film together must let at least 35% of visible light through. Anything darker fails a meter check.
Can I tint my windshield in Massachusetts?
A transparent strip across the top 6 inches only, and it may not reach into the driver's direct forward view. Film below that line is not permitted for ordinary drivers.
Does Massachusetts allow darker tint for medical reasons?
Yes, with documentation. A Massachusetts physician certifies photosensitivity, the RMV Medical Advisory Board approves, and the Registrar issues a sticker that must be affixed to the driver's side window.
What happens if my tint is too dark in Massachusetts?
Fine up to $250; after a third or later conviction the Registrar may suspend the license for up to 90 days (MGL c.90 s.9D).
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