Consumers will need a doctor’s prescription from within the last two years to have certain vehicle windows tinted, under a new law signed April 25 by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
The prescription or statement must specifically state the minimum percentage that light transmittance may be reduced to satisfy the person’s medical needs. Current law states, in part, that a windshield cannot be tinted, nor can material that has a highly reflective or mirrored appearance be used on other windows.
Sponsored by Rep. Tony Cornish (R-Good Thunder) and Sen. Leo Foley (DFL-Coon Rapids), the law exempts the rear and side windows of a police vehicle.
Cornish said police dogs need protection from the heat and victims need privacy in identifying suspects sometimes from the backseat of police vehicles.
Car dealers will also be prohibited from selling or leasing vehicles that do not meet the window tinting requirements.
The law takes effect Aug. 1, 2008.
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