Joshua P. Myers | September 13, 2023 | Car Accidents
Countless vehicle owners choose to tint their car’s windows. Often, it’s for the look, as tinted windows can make a vehicle look more sleek and sophisticated. Also, tinted windows can provide some much-needed protection from the sun and help keep cars cooler in the hot months.
If you wish to tint your windows in Missouri, it’s critical to familiarize yourself with the window tint laws to ensure you avoid any potential penalties.
Are Window Tints Legal in Missouri?
Yes, it is legal to tint your windows in Missouri. However, Missouri law has specific laws regarding window tints.
Like many other states, Missouri regulates window tints because of the dangers of particularly dark tints. When a vehicle’s window tints are darker than what is legal, they could substantially affect a driver’s ability to see, especially at night.
Additionally, dark window tints can be dangerous for outside individuals, like police officers unable to see inside a vehicle.
A driver with illegal window tints faces fines and the risk of causing a car accident.
Missouri Car Window Tint Laws
Before learning about Missouri’s window tint laws, it’s helpful to understand how window tints work.
When it comes to window tints, the smaller the VLT (visible light transmission) percentage, the darker the tint. For example, a 30% tint is much lighter and allows in more light than a 5% tint, which allows in very little light. Usually, window tints range from 5% to 70%.
In addition, you must consider a tint’s reflectiveness. The reflectiveness of a window tint helps reflect and reduce the glare and heat that would otherwise enter the vehicle through the windows. Some window tints have no reflection, while others are highly reflective.
Some states have different specifications depending on the type of vehicle.
Missouri’s window tint laws apply to sedans, SUVs, and vans:
- Front Windshield: A non-reflective tint is allowed above the AS-1 line at the top of the windshield
- Front-Side Windows: No tints darker than 35%
- Back-Side Windows: Any tint
- Rear Window: Any tint
Additionally, front-side windows and back-side windows cannot have a tint reflectiveness of more than 35%.
Other Window Tint-Related Rules Under Missouri Law
If you’re considering tinting your vehicle’s windows, Missouri laws go beyond just the percentage of darkness and reflectiveness.
There are additional rules to keep in mind, including the following:
- Tint Variance: Missouri law allows for a 3% tint variance
- Side Mirrors: If a rear window is tinted, dual side mirrors are legally required
- Restricted Colors: Missouri law doesn’t explicitly ban any color of tint
- Stickers: Vehicles are not required to display stickers to identify legal tinting
- Certificates: Window tint manufacturers do not need to certify the film they sell
Additionally, drivers with medical conditions may be able to legally tint their vehicles’ windows darker. Missouri allows for medical exceptions so long as the driver obtains a detailed prescription from their physician and a permit for the darker tints.
Can Window Tints Have Any Impact on a Car Accident Case?
A driver with illegal tints has a higher chance of causing a collision. If you’re involved in a car crash and believe window tints may have contributed to your accident, discuss your situation with a qualified car accident attorney.vA lawyer can use information concerning the other driver’s illegal tints as evidence to help prove liability and strengthen your case. This can then aid in your pursuit of fair compensation for your accident-related injuries and losses.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in St. Louis, MO
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:
St. Louis, MO Law Office
1430 Washington Ave Ste 225, St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 444-4444
Ladue, MO Law Office
9807 S 40 Dr, St. Louis, MO 63124
Columbia, MO Law Office
28 N 8th St # 502, Columbia, MO 65201
Creve Coeur, MO Law Office
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205, Creve Coeur, MO 63141
