Tint Stops in Great Falls, Montana: What Drivers Should Expect

If you live in Great Falls, Montana, and need darker window tint for medical reasons, you have options. Montana law sets strict tint limits, but the state does allow a medical exemption for those who qualify. Here’s what drivers should expect when seeking a medical window tint exemption, how the process works, and what conditions may make you eligible.

Montana Window Tint Laws: The Basics

Montana has clear legal limits for how dark your vehicle’s window tint can be. If you exceed these, you risk a $250 fine. Here are the rules:

• Front side windows: Must let at least 24% of visible light through (24% VLT).
• Back side windows: Must let at least 14% of visible light through (14% VLT).
• Rear window: Must also be at least 14% VLT.
• Windshield: Only non-reflective tint is allowed, and only above the AS-1 line.

If you’re pulled over for illegal tint, the typical fine is $250. Officers use hand-held meters to check your tint’s VLT (visible light transmission). For many drivers, keeping within these limits is fine. But if you have a medical condition that requires extra protection from sunlight, Montana’s medical exemption may help.

Who Qualifies for a Montana Medical Tint Exemption?

Montana allows drivers with qualifying medical conditions to apply for a window tint exemption. The most common reasons are conditions that cause severe light sensitivity or require protection from UV rays. Examples include:

• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
• Migraines triggered by sunlight
• Lupus and other autoimmune diseases made worse by UV exposure
• Albinism and related pigment disorders
• Xeroderma pigmentosum and related rare conditions
• Macular degeneration or cataracts

You can see a full list of eligibility criteria and qualifying diagnoses on the All qualifying conditions page. If you’re not sure whether you qualify, you can check if you qualify or book your exemption online. The process includes a telemedicine consultation with a licensed physician familiar with Montana tint law.

How the Montana Medical Tint Exemption Process Works

The process is clear and straightforward:

1. Book a Consultation: Start by scheduling a remote telemedicine appointment. The one-time fee is $250. If you do not qualify, you get your money back.
2. Physician Evaluation: You’ll connect with a Montana-licensed physician. They review your medical history, condition, and need for increased tint.
3. Receive Documentation: If approved, you get signed documentation for your medical exemption. This paperwork must be kept in your vehicle at all times.
4. Install Tint: With the exemption, you can legally have darker tint than normally allowed by Montana law. The exact darkness and duration will be specified in your documentation, based on your physician’s recommendation.

This remote process works for drivers anywhere in Montana, including Great Falls. To get started, visit Check if you qualify / book your exemption.

Required Documentation and What to Do at a Tint Stop

If you are pulled over for a window tint check, you need to show proof of your medical exemption. Montana law requires you to keep your physician’s signed documentation in your vehicle at all times. This is what officers will ask for at a tint stop.

• The documentation should state your name, the reason for exemption, and specify the duration the exemption is valid.
• If you do not have the paperwork with you, you may be cited and fined, even if you have an exemption on file somewhere else.

Officers in Great Falls are trained to recognize medical exemptions. As long as your documentation is current, signed, and in your vehicle, you should not receive a fine for darker tint. The exemption lasts as long as your physician recommends. Some conditions are lifelong, others may only need a temporary exemption.

Common Conditions That May Qualify

There are many medical reasons to need extra tint. Below are a few:

• Photophobia - Light sensitivity that can cause pain or vision problems.
• Lupus - UV exposure can trigger flares and pain.
• Migraines - Bright sunlight is a common trigger.
• Albinism - Lack of pigment makes eyes and skin sensitive to light.
• Xeroderma pigmentosum - Even small amounts of UV are dangerous.
• Cataracts - Impaired vision may require reduced glare.

Every case is different. You can read more about these and other conditions on the All qualifying conditions page, or see details for specific diagnoses like migraines exemption or lupus exemption.

What Happens If You Are Stopped Without Exemption Documentation?

If you have darker tint but do not have your medical exemption paperwork with you, you are subject to the same $250 fine as any other driver with illegal tint. The law requires you to keep the documentation in the vehicle, not at home or online. If you misplace your paperwork, contact the physician who issued it to get a replacement as soon as possible.

If you are unsure what to do if you are stopped, you can read the frequently asked questions for more on how Montana officers handle tint stops and what to expect during a roadside check in Great Falls.

Tips for Keeping Your Exemption Valid

• Update your paperwork if your medical status changes or the recommended duration expires.
• Always carry the most recent, signed exemption documentation in your vehicle.
• If you change vehicles, update your records with your physician and the tint installer.

A current exemption is the only way to legally have darker tint than the standard limits in Montana. The law is clear on documentation requirements, so check your paperwork regularly.

Where to Get More Information

For more about the medical tint exemption process in Montana, how to book a physician consultation, and what conditions qualify, visit the About Montana Tint Exemption or Blog. If you have a specific condition, the All qualifying conditions page and individual condition guides are helpful. Ready to see if you qualify? Check if you qualify or book your exemption now.