***NOTICE*** We work by DROP-OFF appointment only. For information on times and dates, or to discuss Wisconsin vehicle tint laws, including visible light transmission and window tint regulations, please give us a call.
Wisconsin Tint Laws: Understanding the Regulations
What Does VLT Mean According to Wisconsin State Law?
VLT
Before we delve into Wisconsin vehicle tint laws, it’s essential to understand the term VLT, which stands for “Visible Light Transmission.” VLT refers to the amount of visible light that is allowed to pass through window tint material. In Wisconsin, the window tint regulations specify the minimum VLT percentage that must be maintained for different windows of a vehicle.
A higher VLT means that more light is permitted to pass through the window tint film. For example, a 75% tint will allow 75% of the light to pass through, whereas a 5% tint will permit only 5% of the light, resulting in the 5% tint being a much darker film.
So, what is the legal tint in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, the legal window tint is determined by the minimum VLT percentage that must be maintained across various windows of a vehicle. Let’s explore the tint laws in Wisconsin for different types of vehicles.
Window tinting for passenger cars and station wagons is regulated by state authorities to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. These regulations also help maintain visibility standards on the road.
Here are the general window tinting regulations for passenger cars and station wagons in Wisconsin:
Windshield: According to Wisconsin vehicle tint laws, non-reflective tint is permitted along the top four inches of the windshield. This means the area above the AS1 line (the top four inches) can have tint applied, while the remaining portion of the windshield must remain clear and unobstructed to ensure maximum visibility. Front Side Windows: The window tint regulations specify that tint must allow more than 50% of visible light transmission. This ensures that both the driver’s and front passenger’s side windows maintain an adequate level of visibility, enhancing safety during daytime and nighttime driving. Back Side Windows: For back side windows, the regulations state that tint must allow more than 35% of visible light transmission. These windows, located behind the driver and front passenger, can be slightly darker than the front side windows while still adhering to the minimum visibility requirements. Rear Window: Similarly, the rear window must also comply with the same visibility standards, allowing more than 35% of visible light transmission to ensure proper visibility for the driver. It's important to be aware that these regulations can change, and it's the responsibility of vehicle owners and drivers to stay compliant with the current window tint regulations. Failing to adhere to these laws may result in penalties, fines, or even the need to remove non-compliant window tint.
Tint Laws for Multi-Purpose Passenger and Recreational Vehicles in Wisconsin
Window tint regulations for multi-purpose passenger and recreational vehicles, including SUVs, vans, and similar vehicles, share similarities with those for passenger cars and station wagons, but there are notable differences.
The guidelines for window tinting in Wisconsin vehicle tint laws for multi-purpose passenger and recreational vehicles are as follows:
Windshield: Non-reflective tint is permitted along the top four inches of the windshield. This allows drivers of these vehicles to apply a tint strip at the top of their windshields, as long as it does not obstruct their view and adheres to the specified height limit.
Front Side Windows: Tint must permit more than 50% visible light transmission. Similar to passenger cars and station wagons, the front side windows of multi-purpose vehicles should allow a minimum of 50% visible light transmission to ensure sufficient visibility for the driver and front passengers.
Rear Side Windows: Tint must allow more than 35% of light to pass through. The rear side windows of these vehicles should have a tint that ensures more than 35% visible light transmission, thus maintaining adequate visibility for the driver and rear-seat passengers.
OTHER WISCONSIN WINDOW TINT LAW RULES AND REGULATIONS:
Do I need to have side mirrors in Wisconsin? According to Wisconsin vehicle tint laws, dual side mirrors are only required if your back window is tinted. Is colored tint illegal in Wisconsin? Thankfully, all tint colors are allowed in Wisconsin. What are the window tint regulations regarding certification? Interestingly, manufacturers of film do NOT need to certify the film sold in Wisconsin. Do I need a certified sticker from the company that installs my window tint in Wisconsin? No sticker is required to identify legal tinting. Are there medical exemptions for window tint in Wisconsin? Yes, Wisconsin does allow medical exemptions for special tint based on visible light transmission levels.
Always remember that Wisconsin tint laws can change frequently, and these regulations may be interpreted differently on a city or county basis. We recommend double-checking the information contained on this website with your local DMV or law enforcement agencies for accuracy. This information regarding Wisconsin vehicle tint laws was last updated on January 5th, 2023, and was enacted in 1996. If any information provided is outdated or incorrect, please contact us to correct it. Thank you!
WISCONSIN WINDOW TINT LAW MEDICAL EXEMPTION REFERENCES
Medical exceptions are permitted under Wisconsin vehicle tint laws. A written statement from the treating physician or Christian Science practitioner must identify the patient, the medical condition justifying the recommendation, whether the condition is temporary or permanent, and the vehicle to which the recommendation applies, including the make, model, year, and vehicle identification number. This documentation should be carried in the vehicle at all times.
Exemptions are valid only for front-side windows and must maintain a minimum of 35% visible light transmission.
WINDOW TINT LAWS BY STATE:
Alabama Window Tint Law
Alaska Window Tint Law
Arizona Window Tint Law
Arkansas Window Tint Law
California Window Tint Law
Colorado Window Tint Law
Connecticut Window Tint Law
Delaware Window Tint Law
Florida Window Tint Law
Georgia Window Tint Law
Hawaii Window Tint Law
Idaho Window Tint Law
Illinois Window Tint Law
Indiana Window Tint Law
Iowa Window Tint Law
Kansas Window Tint Law
Kentucky Window Tint Law
Louisiana Window Tint Law
Maine Window Tint Law
Maryland Window Tint Law
Massachusetts Window Tint Law
Michigan Window Tint Law
Minnesota Window Tint Law
Mississippi Window Tint Law
Missouri Window Tint Law
Montana Window Tint Law
Nebraska Window Tint Law
Nevada Window Tint Law
New Hampshire Window Tint Law
New Jersey Window Tint Law
New Mexico Window Tint Law
New York Window Tint Law
North Carolina Window Tint Law
North Dakota Window Tint Law
Ohio Window Tint Law
Oklahoma Window Tint Law
Oregon Window Tint Law
Pennsylvania Window Tint Law
Rhode Island Window Tint Law
South Carolina Window Tint Law
South Dakota Window Tint Law
Tennessee Window Tint Law
Texas Window Tint Law
Utah Window Tint Law
Vermont Window Tint Law
Virginia Window Tint Law
Washington Window Tint Law
Washington D.C. Window Tint Law
West Virginia Window Tint Law
Wisconsin Window Tint Law
Wyoming Window Tint Law
The information regarding window tinting laws provided on this website should not be considered legal advice. Use it as a starting point for your own research, and always confirm the data with your local and state departments. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide the best course of action for your circumstances. We are not lawyers. If you seek legal advice regarding window tint laws and traffic citations for your area, we can refer you to law firms. Understanding both state laws and your local municipal laws is crucial before tinting your car windows. Be aware that despite what a statute may indicate, it doesn’t guarantee that all law enforcement members, lawyers, or judges will be aware of the current regulations. The best approach to prevent traffic citations is thorough research, and while we do our best to keep these pages up-to-date, we sometimes miss updates.
WISCONSIN TINT CODE
Here is the exact Wisconsin Tint Code and how we understand the language of window tint regulations, particularly in relation to Wisconsin vehicle tint laws and visible light transmission.
CUSTOMER PAPER WORK
When you bring in your vehicle for tinting, we will discuss the window tint regulations, including Wisconsin vehicle tint laws, during your visit. Depending on your film purchase, you may also be required to sign a waiver before we can proceed with the tinting process, especially regarding visible light transmission.