Ask a trooper: Doctors may issue prescriptions for dark window tint if necessary

Q: What is the big deal about window tint? I just got a ticket, which I’m not happy about, but I also don’t want to take my window tint off! A friend also told me that you can get a doctor’s note to say you can have window tint legally. Is this true?

A: The “big deal” (as you say) is officer safety. That should speak for itself, so I will address the question at hand. Yes, it is true, but restricted. The prescription can be issued only when truly needed.

Basically, it is such that the tint law — specifically M.S.S. 169.71 S4 (b)(2) — does not apply to glazing (tint) materials that are required to satisfy prescription or medical needs of the driver of the vehicle or a passenger if the driver or passenger is in possession of the prescription or a physician’s statement of medical need.

The prescription or statement has to specifically state the minimum percentage that light transmittance may be reduced to satisfy the prescription or medical needs of the patient; and the prescription or statement must contain an expiration date, which must be no more than two years after the date the prescription or statement was issued.

Doctors cannot be arbitrarily issuing these permits without cause. Just asking your doctor for the tint prescription does not cut it. Most doctors will issue very few of these type of prescriptions, and only do so when necessary, for which we are very thankful. You can leave your tint on, and keep risking a citation if you want to, but that sounds like an option that is not a good one for anyone concerned. Thanks for asking.

Sgt. Curt S. Mowers is a regional public information officer for the Minnesota State Patrol.

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