Upgrading your vehicle with window tint offers valuable protection against glare, UV rays, and interior heat. However, installing film that is too dark can result in traffic stops, inspection failures, and minimum fines of $100.
To help you modify your vehicle legally, this guide breaks down Maine’s Visible Light Transmission (VLT) limits, answers common questions about specific tint percentages, and explains exactly how to apply for a medical exemption.
What Are the Legal Window Tint Limits in Maine?
Maine law regulates window tint based on Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which is the percentage of light that passes through the combination of the glass and the film. The lower the VLT percentage, the darker the tint.
Unlike some states that have different rules for sedans versus SUVs, Maine’s current regulations are straightforward and apply to the position of the window relative to the driver.
| Window Location | Legal VLT Limit in Maine | Additional Rules |
| Windshield | Non-reflective film only | Allowed only on the top 5 inches (above the AS-1 line). |
| Front Side Windows | 35% VLT | Must allow at least 35% of light through. Reflective or mirrored tint is prohibited. |
| Back Side Windows | Any darkness | Unlimited tint is allowed behind the B-post (driver’s seat) if the vehicle has dual outside mirrors. |
| Rear Window | Any darkness | Unlimited tint is allowed if the vehicle has dual outside mirrors. |
Note: No specific tint colors are explicitly banned in Maine, but reflective materials are not allowed on front windows.
Is 5% Tint Legal in Maine?
A common question among drivers is whether a 5% VLT (often called “limo tint”) is legal. The answer depends entirely on which window you are tinting:
- No, 5% tint is illegal on front side windows. Your driver and front passenger windows must allow at least 35% of light to pass through.
- Yes, 5% tint is legal on the rear and back side windows. Maine allows unlimited tint darkness for any windows behind the B-post, provided your vehicle is equipped with exterior mirrors on both the left and right sides.
Getting pulled over for applying 5% tint to your front windows will result in a traffic infraction, and repeated offenses can end up on your Maine driving record.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Tint Exemption in Maine
Maine recognizes that some individuals suffer from photosensitivity, lupus, melanoma, or other conditions that require them to be shielded from direct sunlight. If you have a qualifying condition, you can bypass the 35% VLT limit on front windows by applying for a medical waiver.
How to Get the Maine Tint Exemption Form
To get authorized, you must submit an official Application for Window Tint Medical Exemption to the Maine State Police Traffic Division.
- Download the Form: Access the medical exemption form via the Maine State Police website.
- Visit Your Medical Provider: You must have a Maine-licensed physician, physician assistant, certified nurse practitioner, or optometrist certify your condition on the application.
- Submit the Application: Mail the completed form to the Maine State Police Traffic Division in Augusta. (Unlike vehicle registrations, you do not need to schedule a DMV Maine appointment for this; it is handled strictly by the State Police).
- Carry Your Certificate: Once approved, the Chief of the State Police will issue an exemption certificate. You must keep this document in your vehicle at all times to present during traffic stops or annual inspections.
Similar to obtaining a Maine handicap placard for mobility issues, a tint waiver ensures your medical needs are legally accommodated while on the road.
Maine Window Tint Installation and Compliance Rules
Whether you are looking for professional window tinting in Augusta, Maine, or visiting a shop in Portland, always verify that your installer uses certified film.
Maine law requires installers to provide you with a compliance certificate stating the VLT percentage of the installed film. Keep this receipt in your glovebox alongside your registration. If you are customizing a new vehicle and currently driving with Maine temporary plates, make sure your tint complies with state law before your first official state inspection, as illegal tint is an automatic failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
The completed medical exemption form must be mailed to the Maine State Police – Traffic Division / Motor Vehicle Inspection Unit at 20 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0020.
Yes. The medical waiver is tied to both the patient and the specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The official form includes a “Change of Vehicle” checkbox specifically for this purpose.
Your medical condition remains valid, but your vehicle documentation must be up to date. Be sure to process a Maine change of address so that if law enforcement runs your plates or checks your waiver, your residential information matches their system.
No. Even with a medical waiver, Maine restricts windshield tint to the top 5 inches (or above the AS-1 line). A waiver allows for darker front side windows, but full windshield tint remains illegal for safety and visibility reasons.
Conclusion
Understanding Maine’s legal tint laws ensures you get the privacy and UV protection you want without risking fines or failed inspections. Stick to the 35% limit on your front windows, utilize the unlimited darkness allowance for your rear windows, and follow the proper State Police protocol if you require a medical exemption.
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