Headlight & Taillight Tint in Minnesota
Smoked or tinted film on headlights and taillights is illegal in Minnesota. 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 Minnesota. 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. Taillights must show red plainly visible at 500 feet. No candlepower minimum permitting tint exists in Minnesota law. 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
Headlight tint is allowed only if the headlights still meet minimum light output requirements and maintain white or amber color. Tinted headlights must not reduce light output below statutory minimums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are headlight & taillight tint legal in Minnesota?
What are the exact headlight & taillight tint limits in Minnesota?
Are there exceptions for headlight & taillight tint in Minnesota?
Street-legal headlight & taillight tint picks
Gear that helps you mod without a ticket in Minnesota.
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