Montana tint limits at a glance
| Front side windows | 24% |
|---|---|
| Back side windows | 14% |
| Rear window | 14% |
| Windshield | Clear below the AS-1 line; no red, yellow or amber above it |
| Reflectivity | 35% max |
| SUVs, vans and trucks | Multipurpose vehicles, vans and buses: exempt behind the front seat |
Percentages are the minimum visible light transmission with the film installed, including the factory glass. A lower number means darker tint.
Is 5%, 20%, 35% or 50% tint legal in Montana?
This table shows whether a film with each rating is legal on a sedan in Montana. Factory glass blocks some light, so a film reads darker once it's installed.
| Film rating | Front side windows | Back side windows | Rear window |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | Not legal | Not legal | Not legal |
| 15% | Not legal | Likely too dark once installed | Likely too dark once installed |
| 20% | Not legal | Legal | Legal |
| 35% | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| 50% | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| 70% | Legal | Legal | Legal |
'Likely too dark once installed' means the film rating meets the limit, but on typical factory glass the combined reading usually falls under it. Meter the window to be sure.
Choosing a film that stays legal
Assume factory side glass passes about 80% of light.
- Front side windows: 30% film or lighter
- Back side windows: 20% film or lighter
- Rear window: 20% film or lighter
Factory privacy glass on many SUVs already reads well under 30%, so any film added over it will read darker still. Always meter after the install.
Fines and penalties
Montana's tint law doesn't set a specific fine. Amounts are set by the court where the ticket is issued.
Medical exemptions
Contact the Montana DMV or state police for current medical exemption rules before installing darker tint.
The law
Montana's tint rules are set by MCA § 61-9-405. Read the source
This page is a reference for drivers and installers, not legal advice. Enforcement can vary by city and county.
Frequently asked questions
How dark can you legally tint your windows in Montana?
On a sedan, front side windows: 24%. Back side windows: 14%. Rear window: 14%.
Is 20% tint legal in Montana?
Front: Not legal. Back: Legal. Rear: Legal. See the 20% film row.
Is 35% tint legal in Montana?
Front: Legal. Back: Legal. Rear: Legal. See the 35% film row.
Is tint allowed on the windshield in Montana?
Clear below the AS-1 line; no red, yellow or amber above it
Are the rules different for SUVs and trucks in Montana?
Multipurpose vehicles, vans and buses: exempt behind the front seat
Related
Back to the full chart: Window tint laws by state
Neighboring states:
Data set last updated: