Tint Laws in Maine
Maine follows a very straightforward tint law, which requires that you maintain a VLT (visible light transmission) rating of 35 to 70 on the front driver and passenger windows, with no restrictions on the rear. This limitation applies to both the level of tint you apply to your windows, and the level of darkness it features. The back window is permitted to be tinted to varying degrees, while no window on the front of the vehicle (other than the windshield) may be tinted below the maximum legal limit.
The state of Maine has not imposed any rules regarding a manufacturer’s certification for window tinting products, nor reflective tints or colors that may be used. Maine police are issued vehicle tint meters for the purpose of checking the VLT of passenger vehicles on the road, to enforce compliance in the state. Windshields are permitted to have a tinted strip, provided that it does not extend more than five inches over the windshield. Aft of the windshield , vehicles must have a VLT of at least 35 percent on all windows, unless they are exempt. Maine exempts a number of vehicles from the relevant tinting laws here:
Any vehicle that requires the tinting to be tinted more darkly due to a medical condition. Any vehicle registered in the state of Maine until its next change of ownership that features tinted windows removed from window manufacturers.
Any vehicle that has been manufactured for tinted glass.
Tints have been shown to be effective in reducing heat within a vehicle, and can help prevent the cracking of dashboard and other materials. Tints also aid in privacy, which is widely sought after by car owners in Maine and other states with high rates of vehicle theft. The tinting laws are primarily in place to reduce driver distraction and ensure that all road users are safe at all times, but they also must balance this with the owner’s need to use tint to protect their investment against theft.
Legal Tint Percentages for Maine
In Maine, the allowed levels for Window Tinting vary by the vehicle type. The state permits the following:
Passenger Vehicles and Station Wagons
Maine allows tint on the windshields of passenger cars and station wagons, as long as the tint is described as AS-1 tint at the top of the glass and does not have a VLT that’s less than 35 percent. So, for these vehicles, the total light transmission through the tint is limited to 35 percent.
Vans, SUVs and Pickup Trucks
Maine allows tint on the front windshields of SUVs, vans and pickup trucks as long as the tint is described as AS-1 tint and doesn’t have a VLT that’s any lower than 35 percent. The state lets in 20 percent VLT on the front passenger side and driver’s side windows, 50 percent on the back passenger side and passenger side windows and 12 percent on the rear window.
As compared to the laws of other states, Maine’s guidelines are somewhat stricter. For example, a number of states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississipi, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee and West Virginia allow front window tint with 30 percent VLT.
The permitted tint levels in Maine are also relatively strict compared to those permitted in six other Northeast states — CT, MA, NH, NJ, NY and PA.
Exceptions to the Window Tint Law in Maine
While Maine’s window tint law establishes strict regulations for all drivers, there are some exceptions and exemptions to the rule. For example, those with a medical condition that requires them to avoid the sun or use UV rays as part of their treatment may be eligible for an exemption. Medical exemptions are pretty common among those who suffer from certain autoimmune disorders, psoriasis, lupus and eczema. After presenting proper medical documentation to your local BMV branch, you can apply for an exemption with either your front and back windows tinted to a maximum translational light (TSR) of 35 percent or both your front and back windows to a maximum TSR of 20 percent. These exemptions must be renewed every five years.
There are also tint exemptions granted to providers of certain services, such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, school bus drivers, newspaper carriers, carpenters, tour guides, utility workers, taxi drivers, commercial delivery drivers, movers and drivers for non-profit religious organizations. If you provide these or other professional services that render you eligible for an exemption, you will need to fill out an application that your employer must sign, verifying that you are using your tinted windows during the course of your employment.
Many commercial vehicles, such as taxicabs, vans, buses, limousines and large trucks are also eligible for tint exemptions.
Penalties for Noncompliance with Maine’s Tint Law
Failing to comply with the window tint laws in Maine can result in serious penalties for the driver. While certain individuals are permitted to have darker tint on their vehicles, most drivers must comply with some level of tint transparency. Penalties can result if a driver disregards the law and has illegal window tints .
If an individual fails to possess the appropriate level of tint on their windows, law enforcement officers have the right to issue a fine. The penalty will vary based on the number of offences.
Fines incurred by a driver in violation of the tint law include:
- For first offence $100.
- For second offence $250.
- For third and each subsequent offence $500.
Measuring Window Tint: How You Can Safely Do It
To properly measure the VLT percentage of window tint, drivers will need a specialized light meter that can assess levels of transmittance. The most common type of device is a photometer, which uses a series of lights and angles to measure how much light is passing through the window film. To ensure compliance with Maine state laws, drivers should measure all tinted windows in their vehicle.
The procedure involves holding the photometer up to the window at various points, ensuring that the device remains level and in the same spot for each measurement. This consistency helps to verify that the percentage is accurate and not skewed by outside light sources or reflections. It’s also important to take readings on multiple windows to get a comprehensive view of compliance across the car.
The readings from the photometer will indicate the visible light transmission percentage of the windshield, windows, and back seat, which help to determine if the level of tint adheres to Maine law. Drivers can consult the results against the state’s regulations to confirm compliance.
If the photometer indicates that a window is too dark, the car owner may have to seek out professional removal services or remove the tint themselves with a heat gun or steamer. New, legal tint should then be installed.
For the most accurate reading, consulting a professional who has experience with window tint measurement equipment is recommended. Not only will they know how to handle the equipment, but they’ll also be acquainted with the requirements laid out in Maine law.
Choosing Legal Tint
While the effectiveness of window tint is a critical consideration, it is equally important that you adhere to the legal requirements in your state. When choosing a window tint for your vehicle in Maine, consider the following tips:
1. Choose Manufacturer’s Certified Products
Look for manufacturer’s certified window film products that comply with the state’s emissivity and VLT requirements. Certified products come with verification of compliance from the manufacturer, ensuring you don’t unknowingly use a product that does not meet the legal standard. You can find manufacturers that offer such certification on the Window Film Association website.
2. Select VLT Tint
The state of Maine imposes restrictions on how dark window tint can be. Therefore, always choose VLT window tint film that meets the allowable standard of 35% tint or lighter. While falling within the limit, this level still provides considerably increased UV and solar protection and ideal temperature control within your vehicle.
3. Choose Window Tint from a Reputable Source
This is especially important for trucks and SUVs that typically do not have side mirrors or factory windows in the rear . Vehicles with no side mirrors cannot have back windows tinted darker than the front window. Factory windows typically come dark tinted from the manufacturer. If a company sells you aftermarket tint that is darker than the front windows, it is breaking the law.
4. Get Professional Installation
Having certified products professionally installed by a certified installer will help guarantee that you meet the legal requirements for MA window film tint. Certified installers will ensure that they install the film to comply with the VLT percentage requirement and that it goes onto the glass. Some companies may try to sell you a darker grade of film because they are not aware of the law or want to sell you the more expensive product. Request visual confirmation of installation on the glass before leaving the shop.
5. Request Legal Documentation and Guidelines
After installation, request a copy of the installation guidelines, warranty, and any other legal documentation. The film shop should also provide you with documentation clarifying that the window tint or film are certified according to state laws. Any non-adhesion or bubbling problems should be immediately reported to the seller for warranty replacement.