Wisconsin Window Tint Law 2024

Wisconsin window tint laws permit windshield tint only on AS-1 line.

What VLT Means?

VLT Visible Light Transmission is the percent of visible light that gets through your car windows. In other words, the lower the VLT%, the darker the tint gets. For example, 5 % would be a very dark tint. Furthermore, the state of Wisconsin has a different VLT% for front and back windows.

Legal Tint in Wisconsin

Windshield: Non-reflective tint allowed above AS-1 line
Front side windows: 50% VLT
Backside windows: 35% VLT
Rear window: 35% VLT
Front side windows must have more than 50% VLT. Back side windows and rear windshield must allow over 35% of light in (35% VLT).

Car window tinting laws in Wisconsin were enacted in 1996.

Window tint darkness in Wisconsin

The percent of visible light allowed through your car windows is called VLT: Visible Light Transmission. The percentage of light allowed through your film and glass in Wisconsin is very specific and different for sedan cars and SUV cars or vans.

Tint darkness for sedans:

Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
Front Side windows: Must allow more than 50% of light in.
Back Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
Rear Window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.

Tint darkness for SUV and vans:

Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
Front Side windows: Must allow more than 50% of light in.
Back Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
Rear Window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.

Window tint reflection in Wisconsin

Window tint can reflect incoming light and reduce glare and heat.

Wisconsin window tint law permits a certain window reflection when using a tint so make sure you pay attention to this as well.

Tint reflection for sedans

Front Side windows: Tinting film must not be reflective.
Back Side windows: Tinting film must not be reflective.
Tint reflection for SUV and vans:
Front Side windows: Tinting film must not be reflective.
Back Side windows: Tinting film must not be reflective.

Additional Wisconsin Window Tint Laws

Wisconsin does have several other important laws, rules and regulations pertaining to window tinting. They include the following:

Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required in this state if the rear window is tinted below 60% VLT.
Restricted Colors: Wisconsin does not restrict tint colors.
Tint Variance: 3% variance allowed.
Certificates: Film manufacturers don’t need to certify the film they sell in this state.
Stickers: The sticker to identify legal tinting is not required.
Medical Exceptions: Wisconsin allows medical exemptions for darker tint.

Other Window Tint Rules in Wisconsin

A number of other auto tint rules beyond VLT and reflectivity restrictions apply to car tinting in Wisconsin, so read through the section below carefully.

Window tinting on vehicles in Wisconsin is allowed to have a variance of up to 3%, meaning a car, truck, or SUV with 47% VLT on front side windows or 32% VLT tint on rear windows can usually avoid getting an illegal tint citation and ticket.

Any vehicle that has window tint darker than 60% VLT on the rear window must have both side view mirrors in good working order.

Wisconsin tint law does not specifically prohibit any tint colors, however as noted because of the ban on reflective tint, many colors, like silver, gold, and copper, are effectively prohibited.

Window Tint Violations in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, an illegal car window tint violation can come with a ticket assessed at up to $175, and police can issue ticket after ticket if they stop you for differing reasons.

The state does not have so-called “fix it tickets” that are usually tossed out if you remove the illegal tint and prove you have done so, thus it’s best to make sure you get legal tint the first time and avoid fines.

Police can use compact, handheld devices to test window tint VLT during any traffic stop, so you are always at risk of your illegal tint being found out and cited if you have dark window film on a car, truck, van, or SUV in Wisconsin.

Benefits of Window Tinting

Window tinting blocks up to 99% of the UV rays. The car interior cools by 60%.

It also can help protect from ultraviolet radiation and help protect your car’s interior from cracking or fading and looking worn-out.

Another great benefit is the level of privacy, which can prevent someone who walks by to peer inside.

Car Window Tint Cost

In general, the cost may vary; for example, a basic tint for a sedan car using the classic film can cost less than $150 per vehicle.

However, suppose you want a top-quality film such as ceramic window tint. In that case, it can cost up to $400 per vehicle. Of course, all depend on different factors (number of windows, type of tint, warranty).

On the other hand, a cheaper option for professional tinting services is a DIY tint kit, which usually costs less than $100.

Also Read: Will a Misdemeanor Ruin My Life?

FAQ’s

How dark can you tint your windows in Wisconsin?

Windshield: Non-reflective window tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. Front Side windows: Must allow more than 50% of light in. Back Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in. Rear window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.

How do one get a tint exemption in Wisconsin?

The windows are tinted, upon the recommendation of a physician or a Christian Science practitioner treating the owner, or an immediate family member of the owner of the vehicle, by the application of tinting film to the inside of the glazing provided that the combination of the glazing and tinting film permits passage .

How dark is 50 tint?

50% Tint: Applying a 50% tint to your windows forms little to no darkness and blocks only half the light from reaching the inside of your vehicle. However, it’s still excellent for hindering UV rays and heat and increases your vision because you experience less distraction from glares and less strain on your eyes.

What’s the darkest legal tint?

Front Side windows: Aftermarket film must allow more than 88% of light in, or minimum 70% VLT if combined with factory-tinted windows. Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.

What does 70% tint darkness look like?

70% tint for the most part is unnoticeable once installed. If compared side by side to a non-tinted window, you can then tell the difference, but on it’s own it appears clear. 70% tint often a have a bluish hue to them.