Tinted Windows

RichM

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
Does anyone know if it is legal to have tinted windows on a commercial truck?
 

ATeam

Senior Member
Retired Expediter
Yes it is.

"Coloring or tinting of windshields and the windows to the immediate right and left of the driver is allowed, provided the parallel luminous transmittance through the colored or tinted glazing is not less than 70 percent of the light at normal incidence in those portions of the windshield or windows which are marked as having a parallel luminous transmittance of not less than 70 percent. The transmittance restriction does not apply to other windows on the commercial motor vehicle."

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/393.60.htm
 

vandriver101

Seasoned Expediter
Every state has its own laws,in Mi
O/O B unit Panther #11514 Since 03/06

HOW DARK CAN WINDOW TINT BE IN MICHIGAN?

Darkness of tint is measured by Visible Light Transmission percentage (VLT%). In Michigan, this percentage refers to percentage of visible light allowed in through the combination of film and the window.

Windshield Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
Front Side Windows Any darkness can be applied 4" inches from the top of the window.
Back Side Windows Any darkness can be used.
Rear Window Any darkness can be used.

HOW REFLECTIVE CAN THE TINT BE IN MICHIGAN?

Similar to sunglass lenses, some tinting film contain metallic elements that help in reflecting incoming light and reducing the glare and heat generated by visible light.

Front Side Windows Must not be more than 35% reflective.
Back Side Windows Must not be more than 35% reflective.

OTHER MICHIGAN RULES AND REGULATIONS

Restricted Colors No colors of tint are explicitly banned.
Side Mirrors No restrictions.
Certificate Requirements Manufacturers of film do NOT need to certify the film they sell in the state.
Sticker Requirements No sticker to identify legal tinting is required.
Medical Exemption State allows medical exemptions for special tint. For more details about the specific terms of the exemption, consult your state law.
 

ATeam

Senior Member
Retired Expediter
That is an interesting window tint site but does it apply to commercial vehciles? I think FMCSR is the better guide in this case since RichM is asking about a commercial truck.
 

greg334

Veteran Expediter
As mentioned the state has the final say so, not the FMCSR.

In Michigan, I have yet to get a straight answer on the question form my different sources. Some say it is not a problem while others point to the existing laws, the full tinting of windows is supposed to be obtained by a medical waiver. It does not matter what the vehicle is, commercial or private.

This, by the way has caused a lot of problems with local LEOS because of falsified documents or false diagnostics of medical conditions by the urban crowd in order to get the tinting legally done.
 

easyrider2697

Expert Expediter
well I will say, from experience, I would rather get a ticket based on the fed regs versus state laws. I got a ticket in Arizona written by fed regs and the ticket was only $65 bucks and got one in my personal vehicle in the State of Alabama and the ticket was $185. Both my big truck and my personal truck have the same tint on them...Limo 5%....big truck been tinted in limo tint for 5 yrs and only one ticket for $65 bucks... sounds like a good trade off for me.
 

kinilu57

Expert Expediter
Got DOTed this week. Tinting on Commercial Vehicles is not state by state. Applies the same to ALL of them regardless the state. I specifically asked. I got a violation for it being just on the side windows and vents. He could of ticketed me for $166. I was in OK. He pulled me over just because I was plaquarded. Actually, he was pretty nice about it. Our's is coming off as soon as we get home. Cindy and Brian 500L
500L
 
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