Wisconsin Window Tint Laws (May 2023)

The Wisconsin window tint laws were brought into existence in 1996. Since then the state of Wisconsin has been very specific and strict about the rules they’ve created for its people. The laws can change at any time and that’s why it is important to be aware of what the current Wisconsin window tinting laws are. 

You need to be aware of the laws as well as the rules and regulations in Wisconsin if you are somebody who wants to purchase a car with tinted windows or somebody who wants to tint your car windows. Either way, you don’t want to take a step further only to know that what you’ve done does not meet the laws in Wisconsin. 

We have tried our level best to include all the possible information you need to keep in mind from how reflective or dark the tint can be to the other rules and regulations of window tinting in the state of Wisconsin.

Check out other States Window Tint Law :-

What does VLT Mean?

VLT(Visible Light Transmission) is the light percentage allowed by the window tint film to travel through your car windows. In Wisconsin, there are different legal allowable terms when it comes to window tinting.

In Wisconsin, the amount of light allowed to pass through your window film and glass varies for Passenger vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles. We have decided to break it down for you for the sake of your better understanding. 

The higher the VLT the more amounts of light will be allowed to pass through your window tint film. For instance, a 50% tint will allow only 50% of the light to pass through and a 5% tint will allow only 5% of light to pass through. 

Legal tint limit: Passenger Vehicles

  • Front Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
  • Front seat side windows: up to 50% tint darkness allowed
  • Back seat side windows: up to 35% tint darkness allowed
  • Rear window: up to 35% tint darkness allowed

Legal Tint Limit: Multi-purpose Vehicles

  • Front Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
  • Front seat side windows: up to 50% tint darkness allowed
  • Back seat side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
  • Rear window: up to 35% tint darkness allowed

The light percentage allowed through your window film and glass in the state of Wisconsin is very strict and specific. The tint limits vary for Passenger vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles. 

Tint reflection

The one main reason for having window tints is so that it helps reflect light which then further in the process reduces glare as well as heat. Depending on the vehicle type as well as the type of tint the Wisconsin law allows only a certain level of reflection with a tint.

Tint reflection: Passenger Vehicles 

  • Front side windows: the tint film in Wisconsin should not be reflective.
  • Back side windows: the tint film in Wisconsin should be reflective. 

Tint reflection: Multi-purpose Vehicles

  • Front side windows: the tint film in Wisconsin should not be reflective. 
  • Back side windows: the tint film in Wisconsin should not be reflective.

Other Wisconsin Window Tint rules & regulations 

Besides the basic laws that you have come across already, there are some other rules and regulations that you need to pay good attention to, in order to avoid any form of negative situations. It is important to consider the laws as well as these particular rules and regulations altogether before you decide to get your car windows tinted. These rules and regulations may vary for other states. 

  • Do I have to have side mirrors in Wisconsin? If the back window is tinted then dual side mirrors are completely needed in the state of Wisconsin, or else you will have to face the consequences of not being able to do so. 
  • Is colored tint illegal in Wisconsin? There are no colored tint restrictions in the state of Wisconsin. All tint colors are allowed in the state of Wisconsin. 
  • What are the Window Tint Certification rules in Wisconsin? The tint film manufacturers do not have to certify the film they sell in the state of Wisconsin. 
  • Do I need a certified sticker from the company installing my window tint in Wisconsin? No, there is no need for a sticker from the company installing a window tint anywhere in the state of Wisconsin. 
  • Are there any medical exemptions in Wisconsin for window tint? For darker or special tint, the state of Wisconsin does allow medical exemptions. 
  • What about the tint variances? There is only a 3% tint variance allowed in Wisconsin.
  •  What are the penalties like in Wisconsin? The standard fine for a violation of law is actually $175.30.