Window tint can provide style, privacy, and protection from sunlight, but in the state of Michigan, applying tint that is too dark or installed incorrectly can lead to legal trouble. One of the most common questions drivers ask is, how much is a tint ticket in Michigan? The short answer is: it depends on the county, the officer, and whether you’ve received prior warnings or citations. But make no mistake—illegal tint can cost you.
This article breaks down the financial penalties associated with illegal tint in Michigan, what constitutes a violation, how to avoid unnecessary tickets, and how a medical window tint exemption can help you legally install darker tint if you medically need it.
What are Michigan’s tint laws?
Before understanding how much a tint ticket might cost, it’s important to know what the law says. Michigan has clear guidelines about how dark you can tint your vehicle windows.
Here are the basics:
- Windshield: Tint is only allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
- Front side windows (driver and passenger): Tint is not allowed unless you have a medical exemption.
- Rear side windows and rear windshield: These can be tinted to any darkness, but if they are tinted, your vehicle must have dual side mirrors.
These rules are enforced by law enforcement officers, especially when they suspect that tint could obstruct visibility or conceal activities within the vehicle.
How much is a window tint ticket in Michigan?
In most cases, a tint ticket in Michigan is treated as a civil infraction—not a criminal offense. The typical fine ranges from $95 to $200, depending on the city or county where the ticket is issued. Here’s how it breaks down:
- First-time offense: Usually ranges from $95 to $130.
- Repeat violations: Can escalate to $150 to $200 or more.
- Additional citations: If you’re cited for other equipment violations at the same time (like broken headlights or reflective tint), total fines may increase.
While a tint ticket may not be as serious as a speeding violation, it can still impact your driving record and result in unnecessary costs if not resolved quickly.
Can a tint ticket affect your insurance?
While a window tint citation is a non-moving violation and generally won’t raise your insurance premiums directly, multiple violations or failure to fix the issue could lead to further consequences. For example:
- Unpaid tint tickets can result in license plate renewal holds.
- Continued non-compliance can escalate fines or lead to equipment violation points depending on local enforcement trends.
- In some areas, if you receive multiple tint violations, it could signal risky behavior to insurance providers.
It’s best to avoid all of that by staying compliant—or obtaining a medical tint exemption if you need additional sun protection.
How do officers determine illegal tint?
Law enforcement uses handheld light meters to check the visible light transmission (VLT) of your window tint. Michigan requires that front side windows allow at least 70% of light to pass through.
If an officer suspects your tint is too dark, they may stop your vehicle and measure the tint on-site. If your tint is found to violate state laws, you’ll be issued a citation and possibly a fix-it ticket requiring you to remove the tint or provide documentation proving it’s medically necessary.
What happens after receiving a tint ticket?
When you receive a tint ticket, you typically have two options:
- Fix the issue and provide proof (known as a “correctable” or “fix-it” ticket): This means removing the illegal tint and showing proof to the local court or law enforcement agency. Often, the fine may be reduced or waived once you prove the correction.
- Pay the fine without removing the tint: You may choose to keep the tint and pay the full fine, but if you’re stopped again, you risk additional citations and increased penalties.
If you have a medical condition that justifies darker tint, you can present a window tint recommendation or prescription from a licensed physician. Michigan law allows medical exemptions, but you must keep proper documentation in the vehicle at all times.
What qualifies for a medical window tint exemption?
Michigan recognizes that some drivers need extra protection from sunlight for health reasons. Individuals with the following conditions may qualify for a medical tint recommendation:
- Lupus
- Photosensitivity
- Melanoma or other skin cancers
- Albinism
- Solar urticaria
- Chronic migraines triggered by light
- Other medically documented light-sensitive conditions
To qualify, you’ll need a signed statement from a licensed physician or optometrist explaining your condition and the medical necessity for sun-screening.
How to get a legal medical tint exemption in Michigan
ForeverTint helps Michigan residents legally obtain an Online Window Tint Recommendation. The process is simple, fast, and fully compliant with state law.
Here’s what to expect:
- Go to https://forevertint.com/select-your-state/ and choose Michigan.
- Review the list of qualifying conditions to see if you meet the criteria.
- Purchase the Michigan service package, which includes a consultation and official documentation.
- Speak with a licensed physician via a short phone call (5–10 minutes—no in-person visit required).
- Receive your signed certificate by email within 24–48 hours.
You’ll then print and keep this certificate in your vehicle. If you’re pulled over, this document serves as legal proof of your exemption and will protect you from being fined for your tint.
What should your exemption documentation include?
Michigan law does not require DMV filing. Instead, you simply need a valid letter or certificate from a medical provider that includes:
- Your medical condition
- Justification for sun-screening
- Whether the exemption is temporary or permanent
- Physician’s full name, signature, and license information
- Date of issuance
ForeverTint ensures all required information is included in every certificate, so you remain protected and compliant with law enforcement.
Get Your Legal Window Tint Today
A single tint ticket in Michigan can cost up to $200—and multiple citations can be even more expensive. But if you need darker tint for medical reasons, you don’t have to risk getting pulled over or fined.
ForeverTint makes it easy to get a legal, physician-approved Online Window Tint Recommendation. Our Michigan-specific service ensures your documentation is valid and legally recognized across the state. With fast turnaround, licensed doctors, and a 100% refund guarantee if you’re not approved, there’s no reason to leave your tint to chance.
Ready To Get Your Legal Tint Exemption?
Visit https://forevertint.com/select-your-state/ and choose Michigan to begin the process today. Protect your health, your car, and your peace of mind—all while staying fully compliant with Michigan law.
