In Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin state sources; laws change, so confirm the current statute before you tint.
| Window | Darkest Legal (VLT MAX) | Reflectivity |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | No percentage — § Trans 305.34(6): nothing may be placed or suspended in or on the vehicle or windshield so as to obstruct the driver's clear vision, and no posters, stickers, or other nontransparent material may sit on the windshield other than a certificate or sticker issued by order of a governmental agency. Tinting film (or other nontransparent material) on the inside of the windshield is allowed only on the portion that is both outside the windshield critical area and above the horizontal line delineated by the mark "A" or "A." (the AS-1 line) — § Trans 305.34(6)(c). If the manufacturer affixed no such mark, no tinting film may be attached to the windshield at all. Windshields tinted by the glazing manufacturer as part of the original manufacturing process are also excepted — § Trans 305.34(6)(b) | |
| Vent and front side windows | 50% — film applied to the inside of the glazing: the combination of glazing and film must permit passage of at least 50% of the visible light striking the windows, and the film may not be reflective — § Trans 305.32(4)(b)2. Manufacturer-tinted glazing installed as part of the original manufacturing process is also permitted — § Trans 305.32(4)(b)1. No sign, poster, or other nontransparent material may be on these windows other than a governmental certificate or sticker — § Trans 305.32(4)(a) | |
| Rear side windows | 35% — film applied to the inside of the glazing must let the combination pass at least 35% of the visible light striking the windows, and the film may not be reflective — § Trans 305.32(6)(b). Manufacturer-tinted glazing is also permitted — § Trans 305.32(6)(a) | |
| Rear window | 35% — film applied to the inside of the glazing must let the combination pass at least 35% of the visible light striking the window, and the film may not be reflective — § Trans 305.32(5)(b)2. Manufacturer-tinted glazing is also permitted — § Trans 305.32(5)(b)1. No sign, poster, or other nontransparent material on the rear window other than a governmental certificate or sticker — § Trans 305.32(5)(a) |
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.
- Vent and 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.
- Rear 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.
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Wisconsin Tint Law Questions
What is the darkest legal tint in Wisconsin?
For front side windows, Wisconsin allows tint down to 50% — film applied to the inside of the glazing: the combination of glazing and film must permit passage of at least 50% of the visible light striking the windows, and the film may not be reflective — § Trans 305.32(4)(b)2. Manufacturer-tinted glazing installed as part of the original manufacturing process is also permitted — § Trans 305.32(4)(b)1. No sign, poster, or other nontransparent material may be on these windows other than a governmental certificate or sticker — § Trans 305.32(4)(a) — the VLT MAX. Rear windows may allow darker film; check the table above for each position.
What happens if my tint is darker than Wisconsin 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.