Maine Window Tint Laws 2026
Maine's tint rules are in 29-A M.R.S. § 1916. Side and rear windows must allow at least 35% light transmittance, measured net of glass and material, and any reflective material on a window is banned. Side windows behind the operator's seat and the rear window are exempt from the 35% rule when the vehicle has two outside rear view mirrors. Tinted windows need a light transmittance certificate shown at inspection, and a violation is a traffic infraction with a forfeiture of at least $100.
The certificate is the part guides skip: Maine ties tint to the state inspection. If the vehicle has tinted windows that aren't factory-standard replacement glass, the owner must have a light transmittance certificate and show it to the inspection mechanic. If you can't produce it when a law enforcement officer asks, the statute presumes the vehicle does not meet the requirements.
Quick Reference
| Window | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Above AS-1, or 5" strip | No other tint |
| Front door windows | 35% net of glass | No mirror exception |
| Side windows behind the operator's seat | Exempt from 35% | Needs 2 outside mirrors |
| Rear window | Exempt from 35% | Needs 2 outside mirrors |
| Reflective material | Banned | Any window |
| Light transmittance certificate | Shown at inspection | Tinted windows |
How the Limits Work
Under 29-A M.R.S. § 1916(1), it is unlawful to operate a registered vehicle if a side window or rear window is covered or treated with material that allows a light transmittance of less than 35% net of glass and material. "Net of glass and material" means the factory glass counts, so a film that reads 35% by itself can fall below the limit on a meter.
The statute then carves out an exception. The 35% rule and the 2-way glass rule don't apply to side windows behind the operator's seat or to the rear window, as long as the vehicle is equipped with two outside rear view mirrors, one on each side, adjusted so the operator has a clear view of the highway behind the vehicle. That leaves the front door windows as the only side glass held to 35%.
The Windshield
The front windshield may not be covered or treated with a material that reduces light transmittance more than the original installation window or an original replacement window. Sun-screening material is allowed above the AS-1 line in the top portion of the windshield or, if there is no AS-1 line, along a 5-inch strip at the top.
Reflective Film and 2-Way Glass
No window may be composed of, covered by or treated with any reflective material. The mirror exception for rear windows doesn't reach this ban. The statute also requires that the front windshield, front door windows and the windows at either end of a rear passenger seat contain 2-way glass, meaning the occupants have a clear view of the road and a person outside has a clear view of the occupants and interior.
The Light Transmittance Certificate
The owner or operator of a vehicle with tinted windows that aren't replaced in accordance with FMVSS 205, or windows covered by tinting material, must acquire a light transmittance certificate and show it to the inspection mechanic at inspection. The Chief of the State Police may authorize people to examine glazing and issue certificates. If an officer asks for a required certificate and you can't produce it, the vehicle is presumed not to meet the requirements. Installers authorized to issue certificates who are adjudicated of a violation must return all unissued certificates to the Bureau of State Police within 10 days and can't receive new ones for six months.
Legal vs Illegal
Legal
- ✓Front door windows at 35% or lighter, net of glass and material
- ✓Any darkness on rear side windows and the rear window, with two outside mirrors
- ✓A sun-screening strip above the AS-1 line or in the top 5 inches
- ✓Tint backed by a light transmittance certificate
Illegal
- ✗Front door windows below 35% without a medical exemption
- ✗Any reflective material on any window
- ✗Windshield tint beyond the AS-1 or 5-inch strip
- ✗Tinted windows with no certificate to show at inspection or to an officer
Fines and Penalties
A person adjudicated of a violation of the section commits a traffic infraction that must be punished by a forfeiture of not less than $100. The statute also makes it a violation to install non-compliant windows, fail to issue required certificates, alter tinted materials after certification, display a false certificate, or knowingly cause improper certification.
Medical Exemptions
The Chief of the State Police may grant an exception for a motor vehicle where the health of the owner, or a person who usually occupies the vehicle, is adversely affected by sunlight. The Chief may issue a certificate of exemption, which must be displayed when a law enforcement officer requests it. The statute doesn't set a darkness limit or spell out the medical paperwork, so contact the Maine State Police for the current application process.
What Legal Tint Actually Costs in Maine
With the front door windows held to 35% and the rear glass unrestricted when both mirrors are present, a common Maine setup is a moderate film on the fronts and darker film behind. Because tint is checked at the state inspection, ask the installer about the certificate before you pay. Ceramic film is a popular choice for heat and UV rejection and for reducing glare in winter sun and snow.
| Film Type | Sedan | SUV / Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Dyed film | $130 to $250 | $190 to $360 |
| Carbon film | $190 to $310 | $250 to $400 |
| Ceramic film | $220 to $420 | $310 to $570 |
Use the calculator to get an estimate specific to your vehicle before contacting any shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tint Enforcement by City
Portland
Maine's largest city. Statewide rules apply.
Lewiston and Auburn
Androscoggin County, where the same statewide rules apply.
Bangor
Penobscot County, standard statewide rules apply.
Augusta
The state capital. Statewide rules apply.
Biddeford and Saco
York County, standard statewide rules apply.
Related Reading
Window Tint Laws by State
Maine tint law is one piece of a bigger picture. Every state sets its own VLT limits, and they vary more than most drivers expect. Browse the full directory below.
Maine tint law reference: 29-A M.R.S. § 1916, Reflective and tinted glass. Laws can change. Always verify current requirements with the Maine State Police or a licensed inspection station before getting your windows tinted.