In Missouri, 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 Missouri state sources; laws change, so confirm the current statute before you tint.
| Window | Darkest Legal (VLT MAX) | Reflectivity |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | All sun-screening devices prohibited — except labels/stickers and the factory tint band: the section does not prohibit factory-installed tinted glass, its equivalent replacement, or tinting material applied to the upper portion of the windshield that the manufacturer normally tints (§ 307.173.1–.2) | |
| Front side windows | 35% light transmission, ±3% tolerance, in conjunction with safety glazing material | |
| Front reflectance | Luminous reflectance 35% or less, ±3% | |
| Rear side windows | No limit stated — the section's percentage rules reach only the front side windows | |
| Rear window | No limit stated |
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.
- Front reflectance: Reflectivity caps limit mirror-style films. A film can comply on darkness and still be illegal if it reflects too much light.
- 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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Missouri Tint Law Questions
What is the darkest legal tint in Missouri?
For front side windows, Missouri allows tint down to 35% light transmission, ±3% tolerance, in conjunction with safety glazing material — the VLT MAX. Rear windows may allow darker film; check the table above for each position.
What happens if my tint is darker than Missouri 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.