Can We Take a Second to Talk About Window Tinting?

Guys, what I do is here kind of split.Part of what I do is serious news.  Admittedly, I'm not the News Director, so I only cover one beat - local arrests.  Namely the Pettis County Sheriff's Office reports and the Sedalia Police Reports.

And in the news lately, I've seen a huge rash of people getting ticketed for having illegal window tinting.   Basically, people who have their windows and such done to a level that's too dark.

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I kept seeing it over and over again, and I thought, "Dang, surely a local shop wouldn't deliberately put illegal tinting on a car, right?"  After all, there are nine different shops that do it in the Sedalia area.  Surely they wouldn't still be in business if they were doing it wrong?  Well, that's not the problem.

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Self applied tinting kits are the problem, for the most part.  So, if you did a window tinting kit on your own and are worried you might get an expensive ticket, here's what you need to know.

What are the Missouri Vehicle Window Tint Laws?

Noncompliance with state law for window tinting is sufficient cause for a traffic stop, and can result in a non-moving traffic violation. What that translates to in English is, if it even LOOKS a little bit too dark, they've got enough cause to stop you.  And if you're already doing something like speeding a bit, or if your tags are out of date, that's going to be an expensive ticket quick.

So what CAN you do? How dark can car window tint be in Missouri?

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed along the top of the windshield above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
• Front Side Windows: Must allow in more than 35% of light.
• Back Side Windows: Any darkness can be used.
• Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.

What about reflective stuff?  How reflective can window tint be in Missouri?

• Front Side Windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.
• Back Side Windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.

So basically, if you're not sure, call a pro.  Manufacturers of the film you buy to DIY do NOT need to certify what they sell.  So it's up to you to know what's up if it's your vehicle. Now, there are exceptions to certain rules. There are medical exceptions, for example.  But, there is no sticker requirement.

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So I hope that was clear as mud.  Oh, and one other thing, tinted window people.  WE CAN'T SEE YOU.  I know that's kind of the point, but I think some of you forget that.  So when you're sat at the intersection of Grand and Third and you're just sitting there, I can't see you're waving me on.  Because your windows are dark.  So... just remember that.

Ticketingly yours,
Behka