| Wisconsin Tint Laws | |
|---|---|
| Front Windshield | AS-1 line |
| Front Side Windows | 50% |
| Back Side Windows | 35% |
| Rear Windshield | 35% |
Quick summary: Wisconsin tint laws allow front windshield tint only on AS-1 line. Front side windows must have minimum 50% VLT. All windows behind driver can have 35% VLT.
Last updated on: . Confirmed accurate for 2026. Attorney verified
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin?
Here's exactly how much VLT is allowed on your auto window tint in Wisconsin (WI), 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 50% of light in.
- Back side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
- Rear window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
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 50% of light in.
- Back side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
- Rear window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
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 Wisconsin Tinting Rules & Regulations:
Other laws, rules and regulations in Wisconsin include the following:
No reflectiveness allowed.
Dual side mirrors are required if rear window is tinted below 60% VLT.
Wisconsin does not restrict tint colors.
Film manufacturers don't need to certify the film they sell in this state.
The sticker to identify legal tinting is not required.
Medical Exemptions
In Wisconsin, a medical exemption allows you to tint your front side windows darker than the standard legal limit, down to a minimum of 35% visible light transmission (VLT), matching the limit allowed for rear side windows.
Government agencies like DMV or DoT do not issue approvals or provide forms. To obtain an exemption, you must carry a written statement from a treating physician (or Christian Science practitioner). The documentation must contain the patient’s name, specific medical condition justifying the recommendation, whether the condition is temporary or permanent, and the specific vehicle, including make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Even under medical waivers, the front windshield, back side windows and back window may not be tinted beyond legal limits.
Quick FAQs
Violating Wisconsin window tint laws can result in a $175 fine. Repeat offenders can face higher fines.
Wisconsin does not offer a fix-it ticket option for window tint violations; once you are cited, the fine must be paid even if you remove or fix the tint later.
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.
To account for these small differences, Wisconsin 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.
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 Wisconsin window tinting laws, rules and regulations.
Our article about Wisconsin tint laws is up to date as of 2026. Last change was made on November 2nd, 2026 (approximately 1 day 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:
Wisconsin Statutes section 347.43: Safety glass. [PDF file; scroll to section 347.43]
Wisconsin State Legislature – 305.32: Vent, side and rear windows
Wisconsin Administrative Code, Section Trans §305.32 – Vent, side and rear windows
Wisconsin Administrative Code, Section Trans §305.34 – Windshields
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