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HF1243 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Car window glazing requirements exception modified.

Related bill: SF1075

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes amendments to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.71, subdivision 4a, which governs exceptions to vehicle window glazing (tinting) requirements.

Key Changes and Provisions:

  1. Maintains certain exemptions from existing window tinting regulations, including:

    • Glass that has not been altered since its original installation.
    • Factory-installed or OEM replacement windows that comply with federal safety standards.

  2. Medical Exemptions:

    • Allows vehicle window tinting for medical or prescription needs, provided:
      • A valid medical prescription or physician's statement supports the exemption.
      • The prescription specifies whether the condition is temporary or permanent.
      • It defines the minimum light transmittance level necessary for the patient's condition.
      • It includes an expiration date (maximum two years), unless the physician determines the condition is permanent.

  3. Allows Tinted Windows for Specific Vehicle Types:

    • Rear windows of pickup trucks.
    • Rear and side windows behind the driver’s seat in vans.
    • Vehicles used by funeral establishments to transport human remains.
    • Limousines and police vehicles.

  4. Medical Exemptions for Drivers Transporting Others:

    • A driver may rely on a prescription issued to another person if:
      • The prescription is for an immediate family member (parent, child, grandparent, sibling, spouse) or someone for whom the driver acts as a personal care attendant.
      • The prescription specifies up to two vehicles that require tinted windows.
      • The driver possesses a copy of the prescription or physician’s statement while operating the vehicle.

Purpose of the Bill:

This legislation clarifies and expands exemptions for window tinting to accommodate medical needs and specific vehicle use cases while ensuring proper documentation and regulation compliance.

Status: The bill was introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives by Representative Joy and referred to the Committee on Transportation Finance and Policy for review.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 19, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toTransportation Finance and Policy
HouseFloorActionSee Senate file in House

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Additional provisions for glazing materials regarding prescriptions or medical needs.",
        "Clarification on exemptions for specific vehicle types like pickup trucks, vans, funeral vehicles, limousines, and police vehicles."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies requirements for exceptions to window glazing requirements under section 169.71 subdivision 4a.",
      "modified": [
        "Updated language related to vehicles qualifying for medical exemptions, the requirements for prescriptions, and conditions under which certain vehicles can have tinted windows."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.71"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references definitions from section 168.002 related to vehicles qualifying for window glazing exemptions.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification on which types of vehicles are defined under the various subdivisions for exception purposes."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "168.002"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references section 149A.50 in context of licensed funeral establishments regarding window glazing exceptions.",
      "modified": [
        "Adds clarification on how funeral establishments with vehicles used to transport human remains may qualify for window glazing exceptions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "149A.50"
  }
]

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