With summer fast approaching, it is natural to consider tinting your windows when the hot sun is beating down on your vehicle and making it nice and toasty inside and is reflecting off the road, making it difficult to drive without glasses on. However, if your vehicle is registered in the state of Michigan, you need to make sure that any tint job you have done to your vehicle abides by state laws.
#1 Pay Attention To The Solar Reflection Rate
When you have your windows tinted, you need to pay attention to the solar reflection rate of the tint that you want to use. This number lets you know what percentage of the sunlight that hits the vehicle is reflected away from the vehicle and what percentage is absorbed into the vehicle.
According to Michigan Vehicle Code 257.709, any tint you have on your vehicle cannot exceed a 35% solar reflectance rating. If the rating is higher, you could be fined and lose points on your license.
#2 Skip Your Windshield & Front Side Windows
The state of Michigan wants to be able to see into your vehicle, which means that you are not allowed to tint either your windshield or both of your front side windows on either the driver or passenger side. On those windows, you are only allowed to tint the top four inches of the window. This measure is taken from either the shade band or the top of the windshield.
Essentially, you can add a little tint at the top of the windshield and front side windows to keep the sun out of your eyes, but you can't shade the entire window without putting yourself at risk of violating Michigan Vehicle Code 247.709.
#3 Go As Dark As You Like With Rear & Back Side Windows
When it comes to your rear window and back side windows, you can tint them as dark as you like. You can go with a light smoky tint that allows others to still see into the vehicle, or you can go with a dark limousine tint that prevents others from looking into your vehicle from those windows. Just make sure that the solar reflectance ratings is at or about 35% for the color of tint that you choose.
If you want to tint your windows in Michigan, keep in mind that you are only allowed to freely tint the rear and back side windows; the front windshield and front side windows can only have tint on the top 4 inches. If you don't follow these guidelines, you could face a penalty if pulled over by the police, as well as have a few points added to your license, which could raise your insurance rates and have additional consequences. Make sure your tint follows the law so that you can enjoy your tint without any legal repercussions. If you want to learn more about the topic of home window tinting, check it out here.
Share4 May 2016
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