Wisconsin Window Tint Laws Today

The car window tinting laws were enacted in Wisconsin in 1996. The Wisconsin State Legislature regulates the laws.

In this article, we provide and explain the window tint laws for cars in the state of Wisconsin (WI).

The information on this article is based on the latest news and in accordance with the regulations provided by the authorities at Wisconsin State Legislature and the Window Film Association in March 2020.

Wisconsin Window Tinting Laws

Window tinting, glazing, or sunscreening for cars and multipurpose vehicles have valuable applications apart from sunlight protection such as privacy and security of drivers and select passengers and shielding due to medical conditions.

The window tint of your car window can be understood by the Visible Light Transmission, abbreviated VLT. It is defined as the percentage of light that a window tint film permits to pass through your car windows.

A higher VLT means more light passes through the window, while a lower VLT allows a lower amount of light.

The percentage of light allowed through your window tint in Wisconsin is specific and different for the type of your car, be it a passenger vehicle or a multipurpose vehicle.

Tint Darkness for Sedans

Here are the tint darkness laws for sedans in Wisconsin.

Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line of the windshield. The AS-1 line extends from the letters AS-1, found on most vehicle windshields and runs parallel to the top of the windshield.
Front Side Windows: Minimum 50% of the outside light must be allowed inside. In other words, the windows are allowed up to 50% VLT or tint darkness.
Rear Windows: Minimum 35% of the outside light must be allowed inside.
Back Side Windows: Minimum 35% of the outside light must be allowed inside.

Tint Darkness for SUVs and vans

The following are the tint darkness laws for SUVs and vans in Wisconsin.

Windshield: Non-reflective tint is permitted above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line of the windshield.
Front Side Windows: Minimum 50% of the outside light must be allowed inside.
Rear Windows: Minimum 35% of the outside light must be allowed inside.
Back Side Windows: Minimum 35% of the outside light must be allowed inside.

Windows Tint Reflection Laws in Wisconsin

Window tints can be modified with a reflective effect. This type of tint, which is permitted in some states, reflects the incoming light on the window and reduces the glare and heat generated inside the vehicle.

Tint Reflections for Sedans

The following are the tint reflection laws for sedans in Wisconsin.

• Front Side Windows: The window tints cannot be reflective.
• Back Side Windows: The window tints cannot be reflective.

Tint Reflections for SUVs and vans

The following are the tint reflection laws for SUVs and vans in Wisconsin.

• Front Side Windows: The window tints must not be reflective.
• Back Side Windows: The window tints must not be reflective.

Other Window Tint Rules in Wisconsin

The following are some additional laws to be followed in Wisconsin regarding the installation of side mirrors, manufacturer certificates, stickers, etc.

Side mirrors: Left and right side mirrors are required for the vehicle if the rear windows are tinted.
Certificates: Certification of the tinted film by manufacturers is not required in Wisconsin.
Stickers: In Wisconsin, any sticker or label to identify certified tinting is not required.
Medical Exceptions: Wisconsin provides medical exemptions for special tints. Please see Exceptions to Window Tinting Laws.

Color Rules Related to Window Tints in Wisconsin

You may modify your car’s windows with a colored tint. Some states restrict the colors that you can use.

The state of Wisconsin does not restrict any colors as tints. All tint colors are allowed.

Exceptions to Window Tinting Laws in Wisconsin

Exemptions for special window tints are allowed for medical reasons in many states.

Special tints are provided to the drivers and passengers with medical conditions that require them to be protected from the sun’s direct rays while driving.

The exemption provided to the owner of the vehicle or the owner’s immediate family member. The windows must allow more than 35% visible light, and the films should not be reflective.

The certification from a licensed physician or a Christian Science practitioner is required when applying for an exemption.

A written recommendation from them is necessary in the vehicle. This document must contain the name of the patient and the vehicle number.

The specific film must be removed on the sale of the vehicle, the temporary condition expires, or the person leaves the household.

Penalty for Breaking Wisconsin Window Tinting Laws

Failure to comply with the above laws as a motor vehicle operator will result in a standard fine of $175.30.

Summary

We hope we answered your doubts regarding window tint films for vehicles in the state of Wisconsin.

If you have more questions or valuable input, please do not hesitate to comment below or email us.

While we continually update our website, we encourage you to keep up to date with the latest laws by contacting your state department of transportation or department of motor vehicles.

Check Laws of other states here>