Ask a Trooper by Troy Christianson

Question: Can you be cited for illegal window tint if you recently purchased the vehicle through a dealer? Can the auto dealer can be charged with the violation?

Answer: Citations may be issued to you and the dealer that sold you the vehicle with the illegal window tint.

The law states a new motor vehicle dealer, used motor vehicle dealer or motor vehicle lessor may not sell or lease a motor vehicle at retail for registration in Minnesota that does not meet the glazing material requirements.    

The law also includes no person shall sell or offer for sale, or use on any motor vehicle, windows or windshields that are composed of, covered by or treated with material that fails to comply. In addition, no person shall apply or offer to apply, as part of a business transaction, material to motor vehicle windows or windshields that fails to comply.  This states that those people or businesses that apply an illegal amount of tint are also in violation. Those that violate this can be charged with a misdemeanor.

Vehicle requirements

• No vehicle can have any tint to the front windshield.

• Passenger cars are limited to 50 percent on all side and rear windows.

• Pickups, vans and SUVs are limited to 50 percent on the front side windows.

• Pickups, vans and SUVs are not limited on the rear side and rear windows. (Can be less than 50 percent behind the front seat).

• Squad cars, limousines and vehicles used to transport human remains by a funeral establishment are not limited on the side and rear windows.

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober.  Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol, at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901-5848; or email him at Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.

Troy Christianson is a sergeant with the Minnesota State Patrol.