| Maine Tint Laws | |
|---|---|
| Front Windshield | AS-1 or top 5 inches |
| Front Side Windows | 35% |
| Back Side Windows | No restrictions |
| Rear Windshield | No restrictions |
Quick summary: Maine tint laws allow front windshield tinting only on AS-1 line or top 5 inches. Front side windows must have minimum 35% VLT. All windows behind driver can have any darkness.
Last updated on: . Confirmed accurate for 2026. Attorney verified
Maine tint laws primarily regulate the darkness, but also specify other rules and regulations you need to know about such as reflectiveness or color restrictions. All laws are explained further below.
Window Tint Darkness in Maine
Window tint darkness is measured in VLT (Visible Light Transmission) percent. VLT indicates how much light passes through both the film and the glass.
Drag the blue slider above to preview tint darkness. In most real world cases, applied tint will appear 10-20% darker compared to our tool.
See: VLT explained with chart and darkness examples
How dark can your window tint be in Maine?
Here's exactly how much VLT is allowed on your auto window tint in Maine (ME), categorized by passenger and multi-purpose vehicles.
Tint darkness for passenger vehicles:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 5 inches of the windshield or above AS-1 line.
- Front side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
- Back side windows: Any darkness can be used.
- Rear window: Any darkness can be used.
Passenger vehicles include: sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon, hardtop and hatchback vehicles.
Tint darkness for multi-purpose vehicles (MPV):
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 5 inches of the windshield or above AS-1 line.
- Front side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
- Back side windows: Any darkness can be used.
- Rear window: Any darkness can be used.
Multi-purpose vehicles include: SUV, pickup, van, truck, RV, and minibus.
AS-1 line typically extends between 4 and 6 inches parallel to the top of your windshield. AS-1 designation line is typically marked by glass manufacturer on the top edge of your windshield.
Depending on vehicle, your AS-1 strip may already be tinted. In most states windshield tint must not have any reflectiveness, and illegal colors typically include blue and red.
Some state tint laws specify exact number of inches you are allowed to tint on front windshields. Other states define this windscreen area simply as an AS-1 line. Learn more about AS-1 Line.
Federal vehicle ID label found on driver's front door frame will tell you whether your vehicle is classified as passenger or multi purpose vehicle.
- Passenger vehicles include: sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon, hardtop and hatchback vehicles.
- Multi-purpose vehicles include: SUV, pickup, van, truck, RV, trailer, bus and minibus.
In most states vehicles fall under these two categories.
Other Maine Tinting Rules & Regulations:
Other laws, rules and regulations in Maine include the following:
No reflective or mirrored appearance allowed.
Dual side mirrors are required if any side or back window is tinted.
No specific tint colors are against the law.
Law doesn't require tint film manufacturers to certify the film they sell in this state. Instead, tint installers must issue a light transmittance certificate, which must be presented during annual vehicle inspection and to law enforcement during traffic stops.
Stickers to identify legal tinting are not required on windows. Instead, installer's certificate serves as proof of legally compliant tint.
Medical Exemptions
Medical exemptions for darker window tint in Maine are possible and granted by the Chief of the State Police. Exemptions can be granted to vehicle owners or person who usually occupies the vehicle that is adversely affected by sunlight.
The medical exemption form is linked in our resources below. It must be submitted to the Maine State Police Traffic Division address displayed in the form. After approval, the certificate of exemption must be carried in vehicle at all times and displayed to law enforcement officers if requested.
Exact VLT percentage under medical waivers and front windshield tinting is not specified anywhere.
Quick FAQs
Traffic infraction with minimum $100 fine per offense (with some reports or unlisted traffic schedules varying up to about $137–$146 depending on specific administrative fees).
Vehicles with illegal tint may fail state inspection, and law enforcement can require the removal of non-compliant window film.
The last meaningful legislative change to Maine tint laws was made in 2009.
Our website is updated continuously. The latest major change is detailed below:
- November 3, 2026: Updated information on penalties.
- October 28, 2026: Added information on medical exemptions, and penalties.
Our tint laws strictly reference official sources. You are welcome to verify data in official state laws linked below, or get in touch with your local DMV or police department to make sure you are not breaking Maine window tinting laws, rules and regulations.
Our article about Maine tint laws is up to date as of 2026. Last change was made on November 3rd, 2026 (approximately 6 days ago).
You can rest assured our legal experts are immediately notified of changes, and will always update this article with latest legislation when required.
Official law sources:
Maine Statutes Title 29A section 1916: Reflective and tinted glass
Maine Window Tint Exemption Form (.pdf file)
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