Wisconsin Window Tinting Laws: A Complete Guide [2023]

Car window tinting laws in Wisconsin – Are you thinking about getting your car windows tinted in Wisconsin? 

If so, you must be aware of the state’s window tint laws. In Wisconsin, there are various rules and restrictions on how dark your window tint can be, depending on the type of window.

In this article, we’ll break down the Wisconsin window tint law so you know exactly what’s allowed and not. We’ll also discuss the potential consequences of getting your windows tinted illegally.

So whether you’re just curious about the law or ready to start shopping for a tint shop, read on for all the information you need about Wisconsin window tinting laws.

Window tint darkness in Wisconsin

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

Darkest legal tint for Sedans in Wisconsin

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

Darkest legal tint for SUVs and Vans in Wisconsin

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

Wisconsin Window Tinting Laws guide

Window Tint Reflection in Wisconsin

Window tints reflect light, reducing heat and glare. Wisconsin window tint law allows the reflection of a specific window when tinted; you should be aware of this, too.

Tint reflection for sedans:

Front Side windows: The tinting film must not be reflective.
Back Side windows: The tinting film must not be reflective.

Tint reflection for SUVs and vans:

Front Side windows: The tinting film must not be reflective.
Back Side windows: The tinting film must not be reflective.

Wisconsin window tint rules and regulations

Wisconsin has several other significant laws, regulations, and guidelines relating to window tinting. These include:

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

Remember that Wisconsin tinting regulations and laws could differ in your locality or residence. Always make sure to double-check the accuracy of our information with your nearby DMV as well as law enforcement authorities.

Window Tint Violations in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin the state of Wisconsin, a car window tint violation could come with a fine of up to $175. police could issue tickets in succession in case of a stop due to different motives.

The state doesn’t provide “fix it tickets” that will usually be tossed away if you get rid of the tint and can prove that you have done this, so it’s best to get a legally-approved tint from the beginning and avoid paying fines.

Police may use small, handheld devices to check window tint VLT in traffic stops. Therefore, there is always a chance of having your illegal tint discovered and penalized if you have a dark film on the windows of a vehicle, truck, van, or SUV within Wisconsin.

Auto Window Tint Laws in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, the state of Wisconsin, vehicles (meaning passenger cars such as coupes and sedans) as well as MPVs (meaning trucks, vans, and SUVs, which stands the abbreviation for Multi-Purpose Vehicle) all have identical window tinting guidelines as opposed to other states where MPVs and cars are subject to different window tint regulations.

Cars may have tinting of 50 percent VLT or lower on the side windows facing the front, that is, the windows between the driver’s and shotgun passenger’s seat. It is also possible to be rated as dark as 35%VLT for rear side windows and in the back windshield.

The tints on the side windows and the rear window are not reflective, which can reduce the metallic or mirrored tints.

Windshield Tint Rules in Wisconsin

In most states, a small strip of tinted glass along the top of the windshield is a legal requirement in Wisconsin. Vehicles, trucks, SUVs and vans could have non-reflective tinting installed over the glass’ AS-1 line marked with small numbers or letters on the glass. Or, when that line isn’t identified, tinting is permitted as low as five inches lower than the highest point of glass. Window tinting can make driving safer as it reduces sun glare that can enter the driver’s eye, so even if you don’t have tint already installed on your car, you must apply the tint even if it’s not the only tinting available on your vehicle.

Tint Law References:

FAQs Wisconsin Window Tint Laws

What is the legal window tint in Wisconsin?

Window tinting is allowed in Wisconsin with the following restrictions the tint of the window cannot be over 50 percent in the area of the windows. The window’s tint cannot be darker than light blue. Window tints are not allowed to display any kind of advertisement or publicity.

Is 20 tint legal in Wisconsin?

When tinting your car’s window, it is only possible to use 20 percent tint film for the five inches at the top 5 inches of your window. This is in line with Wisconsin laws that govern the state of Wisconsin. There are, however, some exceptions to this policy. If you possess a specific permit or license that permits you to apply another tint over the five permitted colors, you’re allowed to install it.

Is 15 tint legal in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin law allows 15 percent tint on the top 5 inches of a windshield.

Is 5 tint legal in Wisconsin?

When tinting your vehicle’s windows, You can only apply five kinds of tint in the top five inches of the windshield. This is in accordance with Wisconsin laws that govern the state of Wisconsin. There are, however, some exceptions to this policy. If you possess a specific permit or license that permits you to apply an additional tint over the five permitted colors, you’re allowed to install it.

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