There are several reasons to tint your car windows, but you want to ensure that you are in line with the laws and regulations regarding tinted car windows in Massachusetts. Luckily, our experts at MTS Customs have you covered. Massachusetts legal tint rules are specific but not complex. Here’s a brief overview of the window tint laws in Massachusetts and the associated regulations for sedans, vans, and SUVs, and why you might want to consider tinted windows for your vehicle.
Windshields
In Massachusetts, the rules for legal tint are the same for sedans, vans, and SUVs. On windshields, non-reflective tint is allowed above the AS-1 line or on the top 6 inches of the windshield. The AS-1 line refers to the area of your windshield that is above your rearview mirror. In most vehicles, it is known as the visor strip. Reflective tint is illegal in most states because of safety reasons. Reflective tint acts as a two-way mirror, and light reflecting off it can endanger other drivers. Tinting the windshield below the AS-1 line can limit visibility and lead to road accidents. Massachusetts does allow exceptions for special tints for medical reasons.
Side and rear windows
The side and rear windows must allow more than 35% of light through to abide by the rules for legal tint in Massachusetts. The rear window can be tinted but not reflective. Both the front and backside windows are allowed to have reflective tint, but they can only be 35% reflective, which means that the window cannot reflect back more than 35% of the light that hits it. A reflective tint is allowed on side windows because there is less of a safety risk for other drivers. Other drivers are more likely to have your windshield or rear window in their direct eye line, which is why a reflective tint on those windows poses a higher safety risk.
Why tint your windows?
There are many reasons why getting tinted windows is a good idea. Here are a few of the benefits of tinted windows:
- Cool down your car. Your car’s cabin gets hot in the summer, whether you’re parked or driving. Reducing the temperature inside your car is more comfortable for you and your passengers, but it can also improve your gas mileage by letting you reduce how high you need to crank your A/C.
- Protect yourself from UV rays. You know that UV rays can damage your skin when you’re outside, but you probably don’t think about it when you’re in the car. Tinted windows reduce the levels of UV rays that make it through your car’s windows.
- Preserve your car’s interior. UV rays can damage your car’s interior, too. They can cause the surfaces inside your like like the seats and dashboard to deteriorate, fade, and crack.
Massachusetts legal tint at MTS Customs
Tinted windows don’t just look cool; they have practical uses, too. MTS Customs is ready to install legal tint in Massachusetts on your car whenever you are. Contact MTS Customs at 978-251-1230 to talk to our experts about Massachusetts legal tint and all your car customization needs.