Is window tint legal in Michigan? What are the VLT limits?

Michigan's tint rules are set by visible light transmission, or VLT, which is the percentage of light a window lets through. A higher number is lighter. On the front side windows, the law requires more than 35 percent VLT, so a legal front tint is relatively light. The windshield can only be tinted along the top strip, generally the top four inches or down to the AS-1 line marked by the manufacturer. The rear side windows and the rear window have no darkness limit, so those can be tinted as dark as the driver wants.

A few other rules matter. Red and amber tint colors are prohibited. Reflective or mirrored finishes are restricted. Michigan also allows darker front tint for drivers with a documented medical need under a written exemption.

Beyond the law, the type of film matters for how it performs. Ceramic film rejects far more heat than basic dyed film at the same legal shade, and it will not fade to purple over time. That means a Michigan driver can stay within the 35 percent front-window limit and still get strong heat and UV rejection by choosing a quality film. Car Hub installs to the legal standard and explains the options before any film goes on.