IS MY MOD LEGAL?

Headlight & Taillight Tint in Missouri

Illegal

Smoked or tinted film on headlights and taillights is illegal in Missouri. 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 Missouri. 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. Lamps must comply with their approval conditions as to focus and rated candlepower; taillights must show red visible at 500 feet. 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

Missouri law prohibits any tinting, covering, or alteration of headlights and taillights that reduces light output or changes the color from white/amber (headlights) or red (taillights)

Statute

Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 307.040, 307.045, 307.075

Read the statute →

Frequently Asked Questions

Are headlight & taillight tint legal in Missouri?
Smoked or tinted film on headlights and taillights is illegal in Missouri. 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 Missouri?
Film permitted: No. Headlight color: white. Taillight color: red. Source: Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 307.040, 307.045, 307.075.
Are there exceptions for headlight & taillight tint in Missouri?
Missouri law prohibits any tinting, covering, or alteration of headlights and taillights that reduces light output or changes the color from white/amber (headlights) or red (taillights)

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