Tinted windows make your car cooler; both literally and figuratively. They complete the look of your car and they lower the amount of trapped heat inside the cabin. It’s a much-needed feature in the warm summers of Maine.
They also protect the interior of the car by shielding your seats and dashboard from cracking and warping. Additionally, they prevent lurkers from peeping into your car.
All that said, the use of window tints is regulated. You can’t simply make your car windows as dark as you want. Every state in the United States has different legal tint requirements.
The window tint laws of Maine were proposed and enacted in 1989. In this article, we’ll tell you what these laws are along with some more relevant information.
Is Window Tint Legal In Maine?
You are allowed to tint your car windows in Maine. However, there are certain rules and regulations enforced across the state that must be followed at all times.
The rules for tint darkness, reflectiveness, and placement vary depending on the type of vehicle. It is important to understand and follow the tint laws to avoid getting fined.
Thorough compliance with Maine tint laws will save you from legal ramifications and allow you to enjoy the benefits of tinted windows.
Permitted Window Tint Darkness
In the state of Maine, passenger vehicles like sedans, and multi-purpose vehicles like SUVs and vans have different regulations in terms of acceptable tint darkness.
The unit that measures the amount of detectable light that filters into the car through the window is known as VLT or Visible Light Transmission.
Low VLT% means darker window tint. A higher VLT% means more light can get through the windows. For example, a 15% VLT tint means only 15% of detectable light can pass through the windows.
Let’s take a quick look at the permitted window tint VLT% in Maine.
Sedans
Windshield: Installation of a non-reflective tint is allowed on the upper 5″ of the vehicle’s windshield.
Driver-side windows: 35% VLT is permitted.
Passenger-side windows: 35% VLT is permitted.
Rear window: 35% VLT is permitted.
SUVs and Vans
Windshield: Only the upper five inches of the windshield can be covered in a non-reflective tint.
Driver-side windows: 35% VLT is permitted.
Passenger-side windows: There are no regulations on the driver-side tint darkness.
Rear window: Any percentage of tint darkness is permitted on the rear window.
Acceptable Tint Reflection
Tint reflection is also an important aspect of car tints. It varies from window tint darkness.
While tint darkness determines the percentage of light allowed in, tint reflection determines the amount of sunlight that reflects or bounces off the window.
Tint reflection lowers the amount of heat that enters the vehicle and creates a sleek appearance on the exterior. Unfortunately, the use of reflective window tints isn’t permitted in Maine.
Other Maine Tint Rules You Need to Know
The state also has a few other tint and window rules besides a specific percentage of darkness and glare for each window of the vehicle.
- Side mirrors: Vehicles with tinted rear windows must have dual side mirrors.
- Colored tint: There are no laws restricting colored tints.
- Window tint certification: Tint manufacturers are required to certify the film sold in the state.
- Certified sticker: No sticker is required to certify the legality of the tint.
- Medical exemptions: State law permits medical exemptions for window tints. In case of a medical condition, an application must be put forth to the Chief of the State Police for approval. Once granted, a copy of this exemption certificate must always be present in the vehicle.
- Fine for violations: Violation of the tint rules may result in a $100 fine.
State of Maine Info
Maine is a northeastern state of the United States.
Situated in the New England region of the country, the state has 16 counties with an abundance of forest areas and water bodies.
Its rocky coastline stretches for 3,500 miles. It attained statehood in 1820, becoming the 23rd state in the country.
In terms of area, it is the 12th smallest, and in terms of population, it is the 13th least populous state. It is also the only state to share borders with a single US state.
Population: 1,329,192
Capital: Augusta
Registered vehicles: 383,228
Total lane miles: 46,750
Number of Highways: 2
Tint law references: Maine Legislature