Window tinting law expanded

Anyone who sells or applies vehicle window tints that are darker than current law allows could be found in violation of a new law and subject to a misdemeanor charge.

Though states differ in the degree of tinting allowed, Minnesota prohibits driving a vehicle within state borders with tinting that has a light transmittance of less than 50 percent or a reflectance of more than 20 percent.

Effective Aug. 1, 2010, the law closes a loophole that prohibited driving a vehicle with windows that were too dark, but still allowed for the selling or application of the darker tints. Vehicles with windows that are too dark may still be sold, but not driven, in the state.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed the law, sponsored by Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL-St. Paul) and Sen. Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul), on May 11.

HF2914/ SF2370*/CH304