Window Tinting Limited by Missouri Law
Quest for Cool Can Run Afoul of the Law
Everyone wants their ride to be as styling as possible, and window tinting is an easy way do it.
Window tinting services are available at most custom detailing shops and do-it-yourselfers can also undertake the project in their home garages.
Done properly, your window tinting will garner the admiration of your friends and neighbors. However, if you go for that movie star black window look, your tinting might also gain the attention of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Under Missouri law, a car owner can tint the windows behind the driver to as dark as they like, but there are restrictions on how dark tinting on other windows can be.
The law allows windows to the immediate left and right of the driver to be tinted to 35 percent, with a margin of error to plus or minus 3 percent. Except the top portion normally tinted by the vehicle manufacturer, window tinting is not allowed at all for windshields.
The Highway Patrol reminds car owners that window tinting is not checked for compliance during the vehicle's annual safety inspection. It is the owner's responsibility to ensure the tinting is in compliance with the law.
The only way to have darker window tinting on a vehicle in Missouri is to obtain a written prescription for it from a physician. With this prescription, the Highway Patrol will issue a permit for darker window tinting.
The permit to have windows tinted beyond the 35 percent limit must be carried at all times. In addition, a sticker will be affixed to the lower left corner of the windshield and the rear window of vehicle.
Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers are authorized to stop vehicles they believe are in violation of the window tinting limit. They are equipped with tint meters that will gauge the percent of tint on questionable vehicle windows.
If the driver's window tinting permits are not in order and it is determined through the use of the tint meter that the windows are too dark, a citation may be issued.
Having window tinting beyond the 35 percent limit is a class C misdemeanor. The crime is punishable with a jail term of up to 15 days, a fine of up to $300 or both.
Window tinting services are available at most custom detailing shops and do-it-yourselfers can also undertake the project in their home garages.
Done properly, your window tinting will garner the admiration of your friends and neighbors. However, if you go for that movie star black window look, your tinting might also gain the attention of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Under Missouri law, a car owner can tint the windows behind the driver to as dark as they like, but there are restrictions on how dark tinting on other windows can be.
The law allows windows to the immediate left and right of the driver to be tinted to 35 percent, with a margin of error to plus or minus 3 percent. Except the top portion normally tinted by the vehicle manufacturer, window tinting is not allowed at all for windshields.
The Highway Patrol reminds car owners that window tinting is not checked for compliance during the vehicle's annual safety inspection. It is the owner's responsibility to ensure the tinting is in compliance with the law.
The only way to have darker window tinting on a vehicle in Missouri is to obtain a written prescription for it from a physician. With this prescription, the Highway Patrol will issue a permit for darker window tinting.
The permit to have windows tinted beyond the 35 percent limit must be carried at all times. In addition, a sticker will be affixed to the lower left corner of the windshield and the rear window of vehicle.
Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers are authorized to stop vehicles they believe are in violation of the window tinting limit. They are equipped with tint meters that will gauge the percent of tint on questionable vehicle windows.
If the driver's window tinting permits are not in order and it is determined through the use of the tint meter that the windows are too dark, a citation may be issued.
Having window tinting beyond the 35 percent limit is a class C misdemeanor. The crime is punishable with a jail term of up to 15 days, a fine of up to $300 or both.
Published by Chris Post
Chris Post is Managing Editor of The Concordian. He has worked as a freelance writer, professor of Mass Communication and has more than a decade of experience in journalism. A Missouri native, he lives in ru... View profile
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10 Comments
Post a CommentJust received a ticket for window tint on one of the busiest travel holidays of the year (Sun after Thanksgiving). Car was used and already had tint on it. Officer stated it's not part of the vehicle inspection anymore, but really, how are we supposed to know then if it's already on there if it's too dark?!? They counter this by saying it's our responsibility to make sure. Busiest travel day and he has nothing better to do. Getting his quota I guess.
this is stupid!! it shouldnt matter if your windows are dark! its just another way for them to get our money!
Also, I have no AS-1 mark on my window, so i'm allowed 6 inches right?
Where does the front windshield legally begin? I have a strip of tint that is 5.5 inches but there is about a 1 inch strip around the whole window that brings the total over 6 in. But the 1 in. isn't part of the field of vision, right?
MO is the worst state in the country. U must learn this is not a free country. This is NOT the land of the free.
Josh, There is no court date also you do not have to sign the ticket, just mail in the payment. i am getting mine removed this is the 3rd violation this year. I am upset it is over by 10%. I have a really expensive vehical. but this time im tired of paying 107.00. so i am getting it removed. word of mouth every state tropper out in MO is craking down on this. Its sad but oh well!, they have nothing better to do that pull people over.
They should have to issue warnings for compliance, not just tickets. It is cheaper if I'm riding around without my child in proper restraints. I wasn't aware of the law and I purchased my car used in spring of '06. The MST just issed ticket and I wasn't aware. Maybe it should have been more widely published or the insurance companies should have sent out notices. Pleading ignorant obviously was no excuse. Now I'm broke for a month.
I just got a ticket today from Mo HP and the trooper didnt have me sign it, and he didnt put a court date or time on it, will it get thrown out????
MAYN DAZ GAY
I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY I JUST RECIEVED A TICKET FOR MY WINDOW TINTING BEING TOO DARK WHEN THEY DON'T CHECK THAT WHEN THE CAR IS BEING INSPECTED AND IF THEY DON'T CHECK FOR IT DURING INSPECTION THEN WHY AM I BEING ISSUED A TICKET???