Maine window tint laws require side and rear windows to allow more than 35% VLT under Code Section 1916 of Title 29-A. A separate rule bans reflective material on vehicle windows regardless of tint darkness or color. A traffic infraction for illegal tint carries a forfeiture of not less than $100. This article covers the mirror exception, the certificate process, and medical exemptions, sourced from the Maine Legislature.
Key Terms Defined
VLT means visible light transmission, the percent of light passing through the glass and film combined, measured as one layer rather than separately. A lower VLT number means a darker window. Reflective material refers to any tint or coating that reflects light outward, which Maine bans outright and separately from the VLT rule. The AS-1 line marks where non-reflective tint may start near the windshield top.
What the Law Says
Maine Code Section 1916 sets two distinct rules for vehicle windows, not one combined rule as many summaries suggest. Code Section 1916 subsection 1 paragraph A bans reflective material on windows outright. Code Section 1916 subsection 1 paragraph C separately requires side and rear windows to allow more than 35% VLT. These are independent legal standards, and meeting one does not satisfy the other under Maine law.
Who It Applies To
The statute applies to vehicles registered and operated in Maine, covering the windshield, front door windows, and rear passenger windows differently depending on window location. The windshield may only carry non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line under Code Section 1916 subsection 1 paragraph B. Front door windows and rear windows fall under the separate reflective material ban and the 35% VLT floor described above, unless a specific exception applies.
Requirements or Elements
Code Section 1916 subsection 1 paragraph D requires 2-way glass on the windshield, front door windows, and rear passenger end windows, meaning occupants see out clearly and a person outside sees in clearly. Code Section 1916 subsection 3 requires a light transmittance certificate for any vehicle with tinted windows. This certificate confirms VLT compliance and is checked during vehicle inspection in Maine.
Penalties or Consequences
A violation of Code Section 1916 is classified as a traffic infraction under Maine law. Code Section 1916 subsection 6 sets the penalty as a forfeiture of not less than $100 for a violation. This is a statutory minimum, not a generic fine amount, and courts may impose this forfeiture on a person found operating a vehicle with tint that does not meet the statutory requirements described above.
Exceptions and Limitations
Code Section 1916 subsection 2 paragraph B allows side and rear windows behind the driver to exceed the 35% VLT floor, but only with two outside rearview mirrors, one on each side, adjusted for a clear rearward view. This dual mirror exception waives only the VLT rule and the 2-way glass rule. It does not waive the reflective material ban, which still applies to every window.
Medical Exemption Process
Code Section 1916 subsection 2 paragraph A subparagraph 4 allows a medical exemption for darker tint than the standard VLT floor permits. A Maine physician, physician assistant, or optometrist must certify the medical need on the application. The Chief of the Maine State Police reviews the application and, if approved, issues a certificate of exemption. This addresses the VLT rule only and does not override the reflective material ban.
Common Misconceptions
A common misconception is that Maine allows any tint color, which is accurate, since Code Section 1916 does not restrict color choice. This does not mean any tint finish is legal, since reflective material is banned regardless of color under a separate paragraph. Another misconception treats the rear window mirror exception as unconditional, when the law requires two outside mirrors before any darker tint becomes legal there.
Inspection and Verification
Maine ties window tint compliance directly to the vehicle inspection process described under Code Section 1916 subsection 3. An authorized tint examiner issues the light transmittance certificate confirming a vehicle’s tinted windows meet the required VLT standard. Laws and enforcement may change, and readers should check official state sources before assuming a specific tint product remains compliant, as outlined further on the Disclaimer page.
This article relies on the Maine window tint statute, Title 29-A Section 1916 for its statutory citations and on the Maine State Police window tint medical exemption application for the exemption process described above. Both sources confirm the figures, exceptions, and procedures explained throughout this guide, and a person considering a medical exemption or facing an inspection question may review either source directly for the complete official text.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Lawwalls publishes informational content only and does not provide legal services or legal advice.
For legal advice about your specific situation contact a licensed attorney in your state. Laws change and vary by jurisdiction. Verify current rules with official government sources or a qualified lawyer.