As you navigate the roads of Maine, you’re not alone in wondering if your vehicle’s windows meet the state’s tinting laws – after all, as the saying goes, “you can’t see the forest for the trees.”
But unlike the idiom, window tinting restrictions are no trivial matter. Maine’s regulations are in place to guarantee safe driving conditions, and violating them can come with a hefty price tag. So, what exactly are the rules of the road in regards to window tinting in Maine, and how can you avoid getting caught in the dark?
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Window Composition and Treatment
In terms of window composition and treatment, Maine’s window tinting laws regulate various aspects.
You should know that a window can’t be composed of, covered by, or treated with a material that’s overly reflective.
As regards the front windshield, it must allow a certain level of light transmittance, with different requirements for sedans and SUVs/vans.
Side windows and rear windows, on the other hand, can have a light transmittance of less than 35% net of glass and material.
Additionally, certain windows, such as the front windshield, front door window, or window at either end of a rear passenger seat, can’t contain 2-way glass.
Automotive Window Tint Simulator
Move the slider above to see how dark the tint will look. Usually, the actual tint will appear with 0-5% variation than what you see here.
Exceptions to Window Tint Laws
In terms of window tinting laws, you’ll find that there are certain exceptions that apply.
For instance, certificates or papers required by law to be displayed on your window are exempt from tinting restrictions.
Additionally, you’ll find that police-granted exceptions, as well as specific paper requirements, also fall under these exceptions.
Certificate Exemptions Applies
Certain situations exempt you from complying with window tint laws. You don’t need to worry about window tint laws in specific circumstances.
- You’re exempt from displaying a certificate or other paper required by law, such as a certificate of exemption.
- Labels attached to windows showing prices, estimated mileage, and other federally mandated information are also exempt.
- Additionally, you’re allowed to have sun-screening or window-tinting material above the AS-1 line in the top portion of the windshield.
Moreover, the Chief of the State Police can grant exceptions for certain motor vehicles.
Paper Requirements Exceptions
Beyond the exemptions we’ve already discussed, there are additional exceptions to window tint laws related to paper requirements.
In Maine, certain documents are exempt from window tinting laws. For instance, you don’t need to worry about the law if you need to display a certificate or other paper required by law on your window.
Additionally, the label showing the price, estimated mileage, and other federally mandated information on a window is also exempt.
Moreover, sun-screening or window-tinting material above the AS-1 line in the top portion of the windshield is allowed.
These provisions guarantee that you can comply with other laws and regulations without violating Maine’s window tinting law.
Police Granted Exceptions
In addition to exempted documents and sun-screening materials, Maine’s window tint laws also provide exceptions for motor vehicles under specific circumstances.
You may be wondering who’s the authority to grant these exceptions. The answer is the Chief of the State Police.
The Chief has the discretion to grant exemptions on a case-by-case basis, and these exceptions are subject to certain rules and procedures.
- The Chief’s exceptions don’t apply to certain provisions of the window tint laws, such as the requirement for a light transmittance certificate.
- Vehicles granted an exception are still subject to inspection and verification to guarantee compliance with the terms of the exception.
- The Chief may establish specific documentation and information requirements for granting exceptions.
Light Transmittance Certificate Requirements
Your window tint installer will typically provide a light transmittance certificate, which serves as proof that your newly tinted windows meet the state’s minimum visible light transmittance requirements. This certificate certifies the film’s VLT (Visible Light Transmission) percentage, ensuring compliance with Maine’s window tinting laws.
| Window Type | Minimum VLT % |
|---|---|
| Front Windshield | 70% |
| Front Side Windows | 50% |
| Rear Side and Rear Windows | 35% |
| Multi-Purpose Vehicles | 35% |
Violations and Penalties for Non-Compliance
If you’re caught driving with illegally tinted windows in Maine, you’ll face the music: a traffic infraction that comes with a fine of at least $100.
This is a serious violation of the state’s tint laws, and non-compliance comes with penalties.
- Fines can add up: If an authority figure chooses to assess a fine for each illegally tinted window, the cost can quickly surpass the price of getting legal window tint installed.
- No certificate, no exception: If you can’t produce a light transmittance certificate, it’s presumed that your vehicle doesn’t meet the requirements.
- Fraud won’t be tolerated: Knowingly causing a light transmittance certificate to be issued for a non-compliant vehicle is also a violation of the law.
Window Tint Darkness Regulations
Now that you’re aware of the penalties for non-compliance, it’s time to focus on the specifics of Maine’s window tint darkness regulations. In Maine, windshield tint darkness is restricted to non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line or top 5 inches. The Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) measures tint darkness, referring to the percent of visible light allowed in through both the film and the glass.
| Window Type | Tint Darkness Regulation |
|---|---|
| Front windshield | Non-reflective tint above AS-1 line or top 5 inches |
| Front side windows | More than 35% of light in |
| Rear window (Sedan) | More than 35% of light in, unless outside rear view mirrors on each side |
Note that sedan cars have different VLT requirements than SUV cars or vans, and there are no restrictions on tint darkness for rear windows of SUVs and vans.
Window Tint Reflection Restrictions
When you’re considering window tint reflection restrictions, you’ll want to know the rules that apply.
In Maine, for example, front side windows must be non-reflective for both sedans and SUVs/vans, and back side windows have similar restrictions for sedans.
You’ll need to understand these reflection rules, including the window tint percentage allowed, to guarantee you’re in compliance and to certify you’re meeting the regulations.
Window Reflection Rules
You should be aware that Maine has specific rules governing window reflection, which vary depending on the type of vehicle and window location.
In terms of window tint reflection, Maine permits it with certain restrictions.
In regard to window tint reflection, Maine permits it with certain restrictions.
- Front side windows: Must be non-reflective for both sedans and SUVs/vans.
- Back side windows: Sedans aren’t allowed to have reflective materials, while SUVs and vans have no such restrictions.
- Reflective materials ban: Reflective materials are banned on front side windows for sedans and SUVs/vans.
Window Tint Percentage
Maine’s window tint percentage regulations guarantee that drivers have an unobstructed view of the road while allowing for some flexibility in window tinting.
As regards your vehicle’s windows, you’ll need to certify they meet the state’s light transmission requirements.
For front side windows, you’re allowed a tint that permits more than 35% of light in, and it must be non-reflective.
The same applies to back side windows, but with an exception for SUVs and vans, which can have reflective materials.
This means you’ll need to select a tint that meets the percentage requirement and reflects accordingly.
Other Maine Window Tint Rules
The vehicle’s windows must also meet specific reflectance requirements to guarantee they don’t pose a hazard on the road.
You’ll need to verify that your window tint doesn’t exceed the allowed reflectance levels.
When it comes to Maine Window Tinting, here are some additional rules to keep in mind:
- Side mirrors: You’re required to have dual side mirrors if your rear window has a tint that restricts over 25% of visible light.
- Reflective tint: You’re not allowed to use reflective tint on your windshield or front side windows.
- Non-reflective tint: You can use non-reflective tint on your rear window and rear side windows, as long as it’s above the AS-1 line.
Additionally, you may be eligible for medical exemptions, so be sure to certify on those if you need them.
State of Maine Information and Resources
As you navigate the specifics of window tinting in Maine, it’s also important to understand the broader context of the state itself. With a population of 1,329,192 and a total area of 35,385 square miles, Maine is a significant state in the New England region. The state has a rich history, with its window tint laws being enacted in 1989 and having undergone changes several times since then.
| Category | Description | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | Augusta | |
| Population | 1,329,192 | As of latest available data |
| Window Tint Laws | Enacted in 1989 | Regulated by Maine Statutes Title 29A section 1916 |
For more information on Maine’s window tint laws, you can consult the official state government website or contact the Bureau of State Police for guidance and resources. Understanding the state’s regulations, including the Maine tint laws and window tint rules, is vital for compliance with Maine law, and it’s essential to stay informed to avoid any potential issues.
Tint Law References and Updates
Staying up to speed with the latest developments in window tint laws is crucial, especially considering the frequency of updates and amendments.
You’ll want to guarantee you’re aware of any changes to Maine’s window tint regulations to avoid running afoul of the law.
- Maine State Legislature: Keep an eye on the state’s legislative website for updates to window tint laws and regulations.
- Maine Department of Public Safety: This department is responsible for enforcing window tint laws, so it’s a good idea to check their website for information on legal window tint percentages and reflective light allowances.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: While focused on commercial vehicles, this organization provides guidance on federal window tint regulations, which can be useful in understanding Maine’s laws.
