Window tinting serves various purposes, from enhancing privacy to reducing heat and glare inside your vehicle. However, there are legal restrictions on how dark you can tint your car windows in Michigan without facing consequences. Fortunately, for people with certain medical conditions that necessitate increased protection from sunlight, Michigan offers medical window tint exemptions. In this blog post, the ForeverTint experts will take you on a deep dive into Michigan’s medical window tint exemption laws, helping you navigate the process and ensure you comply with state regulations.
The Basics of Window Tinting in Michigan
Before we delve into the medical exemption aspect, it’s important to understand Michigan’s standard window tint laws. These laws are in place to balance the benefits of window tinting with safety concerns including visibility for law enforcement officers during traffic stops. Let’s take a look at Michigan car window tint laws:
- Windshield Tint: The top four inches of the windshield is permitted to have non-reflective tint.
- Front Side Windows: These windows must allow more than 35% of light to pass throug and can only be tinted on the top four inches.
- Back Side Windows: Like front side windows, back side windows must also allow more than 35% of light transmission.
- Rear Window: The rear window can have any darkness of tint.
- Reflectivity: Tinted windows should not be more than 35% reflective.
Medical Window Tint Exemption in Michigan
Individuals with certain medical conditions can apply for a medical window tint exemption in Michigan. This exemption allows for darker window tinting than the standard legal limits. To qualify for this exemption, you must meet certain criteria and follow the prescribed procedures.
Qualifying Medical Conditions: Michigan law doesn’t specify medical conditions that are explicitly eligible for window tint exemptions, but commonly approved car tint exemptions include treatment for:
- Porphyria
- Lupus
- Photosensitive eczema
- Albinism
- Xeroderma pigmentosa
If you have been diagnosed with one of these conditions or another medical condition that your physician or optometrist deems appropriate, you may be eligible for a medical window tint exemption. Let’s take a look at how to get window tint exemption in Michigan.
MI Tint Exemption Application Process
To get a window tint exemption, follow these application steps:
- Obtain a Physician’s Statement: Start by visiting your healthcare provider. They will need to provide you with a statement verifying your medical condition and explaining why window tinting is medically necessary. This statement should be on official letterhead and include the physician’s contact information.
- Complete the Application: Download the Medical Exception Certificate (form TR-67A) from the Michigan Secretary of State’s website. Fill out the form, providing your personal information, add vehicle details, and attach the physician’s statement.
- Pay the Fee: There is a fee associated with the medical window tint exemption application. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, it was $10. However, fee amounts can change, so it’s essential to check the current fee on the Michigan Secretary of State’s website.
- Submit the Application: Mail the completed application and fee to the address specified on the form. Ensure that all required documents are included, such as the physician’s statement and payment.
- Wait for Approval: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for approval. Once approved, you will receive a Medical Exception Certificate.
- Keep the Certificate in Your Vehicle: Once you have the certificate, keep it in your vehicle at all times. Law enforcement may request to see it during traffic stops to verify your exemption status.
Understanding the Certificate
The Medical Exception Certificate is a crucial document that proves your eligibility for a window tint exemption. It should include the following information:
- Your name and contact details
- Vehicle information (make, model, year, and VIN)
- Description of the medical condition
- Physician’s contact information
- Expiration date (these certificates typically have a limited duration)
- Renewing Your Medical Window Tint Exemption
It’s important to note that medical window tint exemptions in Michigan are not permanent. They usually have an expiration date. To continue enjoying the benefits of window tinting beyond the expiration date, you will need to renew your exemption.
To renew your exemption, you will need to follow a similar process as the initial application. Visit your healthcare provider to obtain a new physician’s statement, fill out the renewal application form, pay any required fees, and submit the documents to the Michigan Secretary of State’s office.
Michigan’s medical window tint exemption laws are in place to provide relief to individuals with specific medical conditions that require increased protection from sunlight. Understanding the process and following the necessary steps is essential to ensure compliance with state regulations and avoid potential legal issues. If you or a loved one has a qualifying medical condition, consult with a healthcare provider to begin the application process. Remember to keep the Medical Exception Certificate in your vehicle at all times and renew it before it expires to continue enjoying the benefits of window tinting while staying within the bounds of the law.
For help navigating the system and ensure you’ve got the correct paperwork, let the pros at ForeverTint help. Connect with us to see if you qualify or fill out the 5-minute application today!