Q: Can you explain the tint law to me, please? I see so many people with dark tint and others getting pulled over for lighter tint. Please explain.
— Marco from Lansing

A: This is an excellent question, Marco, as law enforcement comes across this violation frequently. Let the Motor Vehicle Code explain. MVC 257.709,

Windshields and windows; prohibitions; states….

(1) A person shall not operate a motor vehicle with any of the following:

(a) A sign, poster, nontransparent material, window application, reflective film, or nonreflective film upon or in the front windshield, the side windows immediately adjacent to the driver or front passenger, or the sidewings adjacent to and forward of the driver or front passenger, except that a tinted film may be used along the top edge of the windshield and the side windows or sidewings immediately adjacent to the driver or front passenger if the material does not extend more than 4 inches from the top of the windshield or lower than the shade band, whichever is closer to the top of the windshield.

(b) A rear window or side window to the rear of the driver composed of, covered by or treated with a material that creates a total solar reflectance of 35 percent or more in the visible light range, including a silver or gold reflective film…..

(3) This section does not apply to any of the following:….

(e) A special window treatment or application determined necessary by a physician or optometrist for the protection of a person who is light sensitive or photosensitive, if the owner or operator of a motor vehicle has in possession a letter signed by a physician or optometrist indicating that the special window treatment or application is a medical necessity.

However, the special window treatment or application shall not interfere with or obstruct the driver’s clear vision of the highway or an intersecting highway.

(7) As used in this section: (a) “Physician” means that term as defined in section 17001 or 17501 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.17001 and 333.17501. (b) “Optometrist” means that term as defined in section 17401 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.17401.

Marco, the easiest thing to remember is to roll the windows up, then measure 4 inches down. That is how much window tint application is allowed, that upper 4 inches. Factory “smoked” windows do not apply.

In the line of duty

Trooper Calvin Jones enlisted in the MSP on Dec. 11, 1950, and was assigned to the Mt. Pleasant Post before transferring to the Blissfield Post. On his first day of patrol as field training officer (FTO) with his new, probationary trooper, Donald Maki, Jones was showing Maki key sections of the patrol area. On M-52, Feb. 10, 1956, they had just stopped a motorcycle when a car with a loud muffler roared past them.

Both troopers jumped back into the patrol car with Jones driving. They were gaining on the car when Jones pulled left to pass a truck hauling a large water tank.

As they were passing, the truck began a left turn, pulling into the path of the patrol car.  Jones tried evasive maneuvers but struck the left rear corner of the truck, killing him instantly.

Maki survived and retired from the department as a sergeant.
J

ones, having served in the Pacific Theater of World War II as a military policeman, became the 18th MSP officer to die in the line of duty.