In Maine, legal tint is measured by VLT — the percentage of light the filmed glass lets through. The numbers below are the darkest tint the law allows at each window position, labeled VLT MAX: install film darker than the listed VLT and the vehicle is out of compliance. Figures are compiled from official Maine state sources; laws change, so confirm the current statute before you tint.
| Window | Darkest Legal (VLT MAX) | Reflectivity |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | No darker than the factory glass — §1(B) bars a front windshield "composed of, covered by or treated with a material that reduces the light transmittance through the window more than the original installation window or an original replacement window." No percentage is named. Separately, §2(A)(3) excepts sun-screening or window-tinting material above the AS-1 line at the top of the windshield or, if there is no AS-1 line, along a 5-inch strip at the top of the windshield. | |
| Front side windows | 35% — §1(C): a side window or rear window allowing "a light transmittance of less than 35% net of glass and material" is unlawful. No exception in §2 touches the front side windows. | |
| Back side windows | 35% under §1(C) — but excepted by §2(B): §1(C) (and §1(D)) "do not apply to side windows behind the operator's seat or the rear window of a motor vehicle, as long as the vehicle is equipped with 2 outside rear view mirrors, one on each side, adjusted so that the operator has a clear view of the highway behind the vehicle." | |
| Rear window | 35% under §1(C) — but excepted by the same §2(B) dual-mirror provision as the back side windows. |
How to Read These Numbers
- Windshield: The windshield rule controls the strip at the top of the glass and how far film or a visor band may extend down. Most states allow a non-reflective strip above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
- Front side windows: Front side windows — driver and front passenger — are the most tightly regulated and the ones checked first at a traffic stop or inspection.
- Back side windows: Rear side windows are usually allowed darker than the fronts, and on SUVs, trucks and vans they are sometimes exempt from the passenger-car limit.
- Rear window: The rear window rule often interacts with side mirrors: darker rear glass typically requires dual outside mirrors.
Getting tinted in Maine?
34 shops listed statewide — compare ratings and call for a quote.
Maine Tint Law Questions
What is the darkest legal tint in Maine?
For front side windows, Maine allows tint down to 35% — §1(C): a side window or rear window allowing "a light transmittance of less than 35% net of glass and material" is unlawful. No exception in §2 touches the front side windows. — the VLT MAX. Rear windows may allow darker film; check the table above for each position.
What happens if my tint is darker than Maine allows?
Over-dark tint can draw a citation and, in many states, a fix-it order requiring the film to be removed and the vehicle re-inspected. Laws also change — verify the current statute before tinting.