Minnesota Tint Exemption
Secure Online Intake · Independent Clinical Review · Minnesota-Focused Guidance · Requirements Vary

Minnesota Window TintMedical Exemption

Minnesota requires 50% VLT on all side windows — front andback. Winter snow reflects 80%+ of UV directly into your vehicle. For drivers with photosensitive conditions, window tint is a medical necessity — not cosmetic. Under §169.71 subd. 4, only a physician-certified exemption makes darker tint legal.

Office-visit requirements varyIndependent clinical reviewAgency requirements may applyAgency acceptance is not guaranteed
$225

50% All Windows

Front AND back side windows

MN Physician

State-licensed doctor review

after individual review on a variable timeline

Most reviews on a variable timeline

Year-Round UV

Winter snow amplifies exposure

$225

One-time fee

Misdemeanor

Violation on driving record

Privacy-Focused Intake

Application access is limited to the service and care teams.

Stripe-Hosted Checkout

Card details are entered on Stripe and never stored by this site.

Independent Clinical Review

Eligibility and documentation are reviewed by independent, appropriately licensed clinicians; Minnesota requirements vary.

Never Sold

We do not sell medical information or use it for unrelated advertising.

Minnesota's Winter UV Problem: Snow Reflects 80%+ of UV Radiation

Many Minnesotans assume UV isn't a concern in winter. In reality, fresh snow reflects more than 80% of UV radiation back into your vehicle — more than sand or water. Minnesota’s low winter sun angle sends light directly into the driver’s eyes horizontally, bypassing visors entirely. UVA radiation, which penetrates standard auto glass, remains relatively constant year-round regardless of temperature.

For drivers with lupus, photophobia, migraines, or melanoma history, Minnesota’s winter driving environment creates more UV exposure inside the vehicle than most people realize. Window tint is a 12-month medical necessity in Minnesota, not just a summer concern.

Why Minnesota Drivers Need Medical Tint Exemptions

A blanket 50% VLT on all side windows, winter snow albedo amplifying UV into vehicles, high MS rates at northern latitude, diverse Twin Cities communities with elevated autoimmune prevalence, and misdemeanor-level enforcement by Minnesota State Patrol make medical tint exemptions essential for qualifying drivers.

50% All Windows

Blanket VLT Standard

Minnesota applies 50% VLT to front AND back side windows equally. Unlike states that allow darker rear tint, MN’s blanket rule means even moderate tinting (35-48%) is illegal on every side window without a medical exemption.

80%+ Albedo

Winter Snow UV

Fresh snow reflects over 80% of UV — more than sand or water. Combined with Minnesota’s low winter sun angle, UV enters vehicles horizontally. UVA remains constant year-round. Tint is a 12-month necessity, not seasonal.

10,000 Lakes

Summer Water Glare

Minnesota’s 10,000+ lakes create intense summer UV reflection for drivers near waterways. Lake Superior’s Duluth corridor and Twin Cities lake-adjacent highways amplify exposure for photosensitive drivers.

Misdemeanor

On Your Record

Minnesota classifies tint violations as petty misdemeanors ($50–$200 fines). Unlike civil infractions, misdemeanors appear on your driving record and can affect insurance, employment, and CDL status.

How to Get Your Minnesota Tint Exemption Online

DVS requirements should be confirmed. In-person requirements vary. Published guidance may not require a separate state filing, but current requirements should be confirmed for tint exemptions. Your physician-signed certificate is documentation whose sufficiency must be confirmed with the responsible agency.

1

Submit Your Application

Complete our secure online form and upload existing medical documentation from your physician, specialist, or any MN institution — Mayo Clinic, University of Minnesota Health, M Health Fairview, Allina Health, or your community provider.

2

MN Physician Reviews Your Records

A physician licensed in the State of Minnesota reviews your uploaded documentation against the specific requirements of §169.71 subd. 4. Review timing varies by case and documentation completeness.

3

Receive Follow-up After Independent Review

If approved, follow-up documentation may be delivered digitally when independently issued. Print it and keep it in your vehicle for Minnesota State Patrol, Minneapolis PD, St. Paul PD, or any local agency.

Minnesota Window Tint Law Limits

Under §169.71, Minnesota requires 50% VLT on both front and back side windows — a blanket standard that makes it stricter than many states on the back half. The rear window can be any darkness if dual side mirrors are present. No mirrored or metallic tint is allowed. Red, amber, and yellow tint colors are prohibited.

Compare Minnesota to neighbors: Wisconsin requires 50% on front and 35% on back, Iowa requires 70% on front and any on back, North Dakota requires 50%/any, and South Dakota requires 35%/any. Minnesota's blanket 50% on back side windows is stricter than most neighboring states.

Front Windshield

Non-reflective tint allowed above the AS-1 line only

Front Side Windows

50% VLT minimum — same blanket standard as back

Back Side Windows

50% VLT minimum — stricter than most states allow on rear

Rear Window

Any darkness with dual side mirrors

Medical Exemption

Available under §169.71 subd. 4 — removes all VLT limits

Medical Conditions That Likely Qualify in Minnesota

Minnesota's northern latitude produces high MS rates (low vitamin D). The Twin Cities Somali and Hmong communities have elevated autoimmune prevalence. Mayo Clinic and University of Minnesota Health treat the state's largest photosensitive patient populations. These conditions are commonly associated with §169.71 subd. 4 exemption approvals.

Multiple SclerosisLupus (SLE)PhotophobiaMigrainesMelanoma / Skin CancerCataractsGlaucomaDry Eye SyndromeLASIK RecoveryRosaceaPsoriasisKeratoconusVitiligoEczemaAlbinism

Compliant With Minnesota Statutes §169.71

Our exemption certificates are issued by physicians licensed in the State of Minnesota and comply with §169.71 subd. 4. Applicants should verify current requirements with Minnesota State Patrol, Minneapolis PD, St. Paul PD, Hennepin County Sheriff, and all Minnesota law enforcement agencies.

No DVS filing is required. documentation requirements should be confirmed with the responsible agency. Keep it in your vehicle and present it during any traffic stop.

State-focused

Intake and referral support

Independent

Clinical decisions

after individual review on a variable timeline

Review timing varies by case

Minnesota Tint Exemption FAQ

Common questions from Minnesota drivers about the 50% blanket VLT standard, winter UV exposure, Mayo Clinic documentation, MSP enforcement, and the medical exemption process.

UV Doesn't Stop at the Minnesota Border — or in Winter

Snow albedo, lake glare, and year-round UVA radiation make window tint a 12-month medical necessity for qualifying Minnesota drivers. If your physician has documented your condition, apply today and follow current state and agency requirements.

$225· In-person requirements vary · Independent clinical review · Digital follow-up

Start Your Minnesota Tint Exemption Intake

$225· Independent clinical review