Massachusetts was one of the first states to introduce tint laws back in 1985. They were the third of the fifty states to introduce window tint laws for vehicles. The laws and regulations can be confusing, especially as they vary from each state. Below we have compiled a list of all the rules and regulations we can find for Massachusetts to help you understand how dark your tint should be! The laws and regulations can be confusing, especially as they vary from each state.
Massachusetts State Automotive Window Tinting Rules
How dark can window tint be in Massachusetts?
Tint VLT: Windshield: non-reflective tint is allowed on the top six inches of the windshield or the AS-1 line, whichever comes first.
Tint VLT: Front Side Windows: must be no darker than 35%.
Tint VLT: Back Side Windows: must be no darker than 35%.
Tint VLT: Rear Window: must be no darker than 35%.
How reflective can window tint be in Massachusetts?
Tint Reflection: Front Side Windows: up to 35% reflective tint is allowed.
Tint Reflection: Rear Side Windows: up to 35% reflective tint is allowed.
Other Massachusetts automotive tinting rules and regulations
Restricted colors: there are no restricted colors for tint in Massachusetts.
Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required if the back window is tinted.
Certificate Requirements: film manufacturers do not need to certify their films before they are sold in Kansas.
Sticker Requirements: stickers are recommended on windows that have been legally tinted, but it is not a legal requirement.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: fines for first-time offenders. If you fail to rectify the tint, there will be further fines or driving suspensions too.
Massachusetts Tint Law Reference
https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section9D
https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-tinted-glass-waiver-for-your-vehicle
Exterior Window VLT Tint
How Much Does Car Window Tinting Cost in Massachusetts State?
Car window tinting costs vary across Massachusetts. Depending on your location, the dealership, and how many windows you want to tint, you can have the work done at an affordable price or quite an expensive cost. It’s vital to shop around to find the best deal for you.
Consult a few dealerships to get quotes for their prices or do some research online. Be sure to set a budget and stick to it as closely as possible. In some cases, it’s cheaper to travel out of town to have the tinting done. In these cases, consider the cost of travel when deciding your budget.
How Does Car Window Tinting Work?
When you tint a window, a lightweight film is applied to the inside pane of the glass. It is not applied to the outside of the glass. This is to protect the tinting from wear and tear, flying debris, and harsh sunlight.
The first layer will be a strong polyester laminate which should improve the performance of the windows. The polyester is a transparent film.
The next film will have tinting agents like metals and dyes, which create the shading effect. This is the layer that blocks UV rays to protect your skin from overexposure to harsh sunlight.
What Is The Best DIY 35% Tinting Product?
With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to find a tint that will actually work well on your car, especially if you buy it online. We have done a lot of research to figure out the best tinting product to apply to your vehicle yourself, and we recommend using the MKBROTHER.
Why Is This The Best?
We praise MKBROTHER so highly because of their easy-to-apply directions, their 99% UV blocking, and their scratch-resistant materials.
The MKBROTHER has a strong tint which allows in visible light but rejects the heat of the sun and the UV rays up to 99% while still sticking to the 35% restriction. This blocking doesn’t create a glare which means you won’t be distracted by the moving sunlight. The lack of glare also means that your vehicle’s interior won’t be affected by the sun rays, allowing it to stay showroom-ready for longer.
As the film is not made from metal fragments, you don’t have to worry about the tinting blocking any of your technology which normally relies on signaling.
How To Apply To Your Car
The tint is made of an adhesive film, which means all you need to do is apply the tint to the car’s window, with no special equipment on hand.
First, you need to clean the glass on your car to remove any impurities. Next, you want to cut the film to match your car’s window size. We would advise that you check their sizing section before buying, as you will want more than enough to cover your window.
After that, you can pull one corner of the tint’s protective layers to expose the adhesive. You will be given a spray solution. Spray this solution onto the adhesive side of the film and onto the inside of the window you are planning on tinting. At this point, depending on your state, you would apply the legalization sticker.
Lastly, you should place the film onto the window with the adhesive sides connecting. Then flatten out any bubbles which may have occurred in the process. If you have left any film on the edge of the window, you can cut it off with an extractor knife.
Pros & Cons Of DIY vs Professional Fitting
There is an obvious reason for doing a DIY fitting instead of hiring a professional, and that’s the price. DIY tinting is so much cheaper that it is definitely worth considering. This can help you either save money or allow you to buy better quality film without the higher charge that the professional will ask for.
However, there is a reason why professionals charge these higher prices. It’s because creating a seamless installation isn’t always easy. If you put the tinting on incorrectly, it won’t last as long, nor will it protect you as much as it should.
Medical Exemption
There are medical exemptions to these tinting regulations listed above. You need to submit an application form that a licensed physician has signed. To be medically exempt and have your windows tinted darker, you must be the vehicle owner or the main operator of the vehicle if it is leased.
You can also get waivers if you are permanently photosensitive or photographic. These waivers apply when sunglasses cannot correct these conditions. The forms are available from the DMV or can be accessed online too.