Window Tint Laws in Massachusetts

Laws change. Verify current requirements with your local DMV/RMV before choosing or installing film. This is not legal advice.

VLT is visible light transmission: lower percentages mean darker windows. A film's labeled shade is not necessarily the finished glass-plus-film reading. The limits below cover ordinary passenger cars unless stated otherwise.

Front side windows: At least 35% VLT under ordinary aftermarket guidance; both outside mirrors required.
Rear side windows: At least 35% VLT under ordinary aftermarket guidance; both outside mirrors required.
Back window: At least 35% VLT under ordinary aftermarket guidance; both outside mirrors required.
Windshield strip: Transparent uppermost six inches only, no encroachment on forward view; RMV requires no tint below AS-1.

Vehicle class and conditions

Measurement basis: Combined glass-plus-film visible light transmission, not the film label alone.

SUV, van and multipurpose-vehicle rear sides: At least 35% VLT under ordinary aftermarket guidance; both outside mirrors required.

SUV, van and multipurpose-vehicle back window: At least 35% VLT under ordinary aftermarket guidance; both outside mirrors required.

Film shade is not finished transmission. Example: 70% glass × 50% film gives about 35%; meter the finished window.
Statutory exception (4) literally uses OR between 35% reflectance and 35% transmission; do not treat this summary as a verbatim quotation or advertise darker film using a reflectance loophole.
No blanket ordinary aftermarket SUV exemption. Federal-compliant original factory glazing is separate. RMV medical waiver does not permit windshield tint below AS-1.

Film shade vs glass-plus-film transmission

A film labeled 35% does not guarantee a legal 35% finished window. The glass already blocks some light. Combined VLT is approximately glass VLT × film VLT: 70% glass with 50% film gives about 35% combined transmission; 70% glass with 35% film gives about 24.5%. Have the finished glass measured with a tint meter.

Windshield and medical waivers

Windshield strip tint must stay above the AS-1 line and within the uppermost six inches, without obstructing the direct forward view. Neither an 8-inch strip nor full-windshield film is automatically legal. A medical waiver does not authorize tint below AS-1.

RMV waiver approval is required; a physician letter alone is not permission. Private passenger vehicle; diagnosed photophobic/photosensitive person owns it or is an insured operator. Original application required. Form requires Massachusetts licensed medical doctor certification, permanent condition, and medical necessity not addressable by polarized tinted sunglasses/other means; subject to review. Waiver covers side/rear windows ONLY, never windshield below AS-1. No invented exempt VLT percentage.

For waivers issued after 1/16/25, RMV sends registration marked Vehicle with Tinted Glass Waiver; keep new registration and waiver in vehicle.

Sources and verification

Official source: RMV guidance and statute. Reviewed 2026-10-29. Laws and agency guidance can change after this review.

Laws change. Verify current requirements with your local DMV/RMV before choosing or installing film. This is not legal advice.