IS MY MOD LEGAL?

Headlight & Taillight Tint in Massachusetts

Illegal

Smoked or tinted film on headlights and taillights is illegal in Massachusetts. Headlights must emit white light and taillights must show red at the required visibility distance, and tint that dims or discolors them violates those requirements.

Verified against primary sources · August 2026

What the law says

Smoked or tinted film on headlights and taillights is illegal in Massachusetts. Headlights must emit white light and taillights must show red at the required visibility distance, and tint that dims or discolors them violates those requirements. Massachusetts inspection standards specifically reject tinted or obscured lamps. No state expressly permits smoked lamp film; the violation is the loss of required color or visibility distance, which any meaningful tint causes.

Specific Limits

Film permitted
No
Headlight color
white
Taillight color
red

Exceptions & Exemptions

Headlights must emit white or amber light and cannot be covered with tinted material that reduces light output or changes color

Statute

Mass. Gen. Laws c. 90, § 7; 540 CMR 4.00

Read the statute →

Frequently Asked Questions

Are headlight & taillight tint legal in Massachusetts?
Smoked or tinted film on headlights and taillights is illegal in Massachusetts. Headlights must emit white light and taillights must show red at the required visibility distance, and tint that dims or discolors them violates those requirements.
What are the exact headlight & taillight tint limits in Massachusetts?
Film permitted: No. Headlight color: white. Taillight color: red. Source: Mass. Gen. Laws c. 90, § 7; 540 CMR 4.00.
Are there exceptions for headlight & taillight tint in Massachusetts?
Headlights must emit white or amber light and cannot be covered with tinted material that reduces light output or changes color

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