Missouri 2026 Window Tint Laws

Missouri Tint Laws
Front Windshield AS-1 line
Front Side Windows 35%
Back Side Windows No restrictions
Rear Windshield No restrictions
VLT = Visible Light Transmission percent
5% (limo) 85% (factory) 35%

Quick summary: Missouri tint laws allow front windshield tint only on AS-1 line. Front side windows must have at least 35% VLT, and all windows behind driver can have any darkness on all vehicles.

Missouri 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 Missouri

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 Missouri?

Here's exactly how much VLT is allowed on your auto window tint in Missouri (MO), categorized by passenger and multi-purpose vehicles.

Tint darkness for passenger vehicles:

  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer's 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 above the manufacturer's 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.

What is AS-1 line?

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.

Tinted AS-1 line on 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.

Vehicle Classification: Passenger or MPV?

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 Missouri Tinting Rules & Regulations:

Other laws, rules and regulations in Missouri include the following:

Tint Reflectiveness
Must not be more than 35% reflective (3% variance allowed).
Side Mirrors
Dual side mirrors are required only if back window is tinted.
Restricted Colors
No colors of tint are explicitly banned.
Film Certification & Approval
Manufacturers of film do NOT need to certify the film they sell in Missouri.
Stickers & Labels
Sticker to identify legal tinting is not required.

Medical Exemptions

Medical exemptions are allowed for vehicle owners or relatives in second degree living in the same household. Even under medical waivers, front windshields can not be tinted below AS-1 line.

Your vehicle with your doctor’s prescription must be brought to your local Highway Patrol headquarters, where you will be issued a permit. When the permit is issued a sticker will be affixed to the lower left corner of your windshield and a decal will be placed on the rear window or rear bumper.

You must carry the window tinting permit in your vehicle at all times. Exact VLT is not specified by law, instead it must be indicated by your physician on their issued prescription.

Quick FAQs

What are illegal tint penalties and fines in Missouri?

Class C misdemeanor. Exact fines are not specified in laws. A violation of Missouri’s window tint law typically results in a $75 fine plus a $30 administrative fee (totaling $105) for vehicles registered in the state.

Non-compliant window tint can also cause your vehicle to fail its annual state safety inspection, requiring you to remove or replace the film before passing.

How is VLT measured and is there any tolerance?

Visible light transmission (VLT) measures how much visible light passes through a vehicle window. Law enforcement often uses a tint meter device to measure VLT. However, tint meters are not always perfectly accurate, and readings can vary slightly due to the equipment or measurement conditions.

VLT = Visible Light Transmission percent
5% (limo) 85% (factory) 35%

To account for these small differences, Missouri allows a variance of 3% when measuring window tint. As tint meters are not 100% accurate, the tolerance should never be used to apply darker than legally permitted tint.

When were the tint laws last updated?

The last meaningful legislative change to Missouri tint laws was made in 2010.

Our website is updated continuously. The latest major change is detailed below:

  • November 3, 2026: Added specific fine amounts.
  • October 29, 2026: Added more detailed medical exemption information.

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 Missouri window tinting laws, rules and regulations.