Traffic Violations

MassachusettsTint Ticket — Fines, Penalties & How to Fight It

Got a tint ticket in Massachusetts? Here's what you need to know about fines, what happens in court, and how to prevent future tickets with a medical exemption.

Massachusetts Has Two Separate Tint Enforcement Mechanisms

Unlike most states, Massachusetts enforces tint laws at roadside traffic stops and at the mandatory annual safety inspection. A tint ticket is only one consequence — your vehicle will also fail its next annual inspection, preventing registration renewal until the tint is removed or you obtain a medical exemption under MGL c.90 §9D.

Massachusetts Tint Ticket Fines

First Offense

$250 fine

Civil motor vehicle infraction under MGL c.90 §9D

Repeat Offenses

$250+ fine, mandatory tint removal

RMV hearing may be required; registration impact

Annual Inspection Failure

Vehicle fails annual safety inspection
Cannot renew registration until tint is removed or exemption obtained
Tint removal costs $50–$200, re-inspection $35, re-tinting $200–$500+
This cycle repeats every year without an exemption

Can You Be Pulled Over Just for Tint?

Yes — tint is a primary offense in Massachusetts

Massachusetts State Police, Boston PD, and local departments can pull you over solely because your window tint appears too dark. No additional reason is needed for the stop. Once stopped, they can use a tint meter to measure your VLT and issue a $250 citation on the spot.

Where Tint Tickets Are Most Common

Massachusetts State Police, Boston PD, and local departments issue tint tickets along these high-enforcement corridors:

I-93 (Boston to NH border)

MSP and BPD patrol heavily; highest tint ticket volume in the state

I-90 / Mass Turnpike

MSP Troop E actively enforces from Boston to Springfield

Route 128 / I-95 (Greater Boston)

Heavy suburban traffic; frequent stops by MSP and local PDs

Storrow Drive / Memorial Drive

BPD and Cambridge PD actively enforce in urban corridors

Route 3 / Route 6 (Cape Cod)

Seasonal enforcement spikes in summer months

I-290 / Route 9 (Worcester)

Worcester PD actively enforces tint laws

How Do Police and Inspectors Test Your Tint?

Both roadside officers and annual inspection stations use a tint meter (photometer) to measure the VLT of your windows:

1The officer or inspector places the tint meter on your window
2The device emits light and measures how much passes through
3The reading shows the VLT percentage
4If the reading is below 35% VLT and you have no exemption, a citation or inspection failure results

Tint meters can give varying readings based on calibration, temperature, and film age. This is one ground for contesting a ticket at a clerk magistrate hearing.

How to Fight a Tint Ticket in Massachusetts

Massachusetts tint tickets are civil motor vehicle infractions. You have several options:

Option 1: Pay the $250 Fine

The simplest option. Pay the fine and either remove or lighten your tint to comply with the 35% VLT limit. Remember: your vehicle will still fail its next annual inspection unless you remove the tint.

Option 2: Request a Clerk Magistrate Hearing

In Massachusetts, you can request a hearing before a clerk magistrate to contest the ticket. Challenge the tint meter’s calibration, the officer’s training, or the accuracy of the reading. Bring your tint installer receipt showing the VLT percentage.

RecommendedOption 3: Get a Medical Exemption

The most effective long-term solution. If you have a qualifying medical condition, get a medical exemption under MGL c.90 §9D. Present it at your hearing to potentially have the ticket dismissed AND protect yourself from future tickets and inspection failures.

Prevent Future Tint Tickets & Inspection Failures

A medical exemption costs $225 — less than a single $250 tint ticket — and eliminates both enforcement risks permanently: traffic stops and annual inspection.

$250+

Per tint ticket

Plus inspection failure, removal, re-tinting

$225

Medical exemption

One-time fee. Pass inspection. Legal forever.

Already Got a Tint Ticket?

If you have a qualifying medical condition, getting an exemption now may help you contest your current ticket at a clerk magistrate hearing and ensure you pass your next annual inspection. Apply today.