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SF1075 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Car window glazing requirements exception modified.

Related bill: HF1243

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to modify the requirements and exceptions related to window glazing materials that are otherwise regulated for vehicles under Minnesota law. The goal is to update and clarify the criteria under which tinted or modified windows on certain vehicles are permissible.

Main Provisions

  • Exemptions for Non-Modified Glass: The bill allows exceptions for glazing materials that have not been modified since their original installation or those that meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 205.
  • Medical and Prescription Needs: Vehicles with drivers or passengers who have medical or prescription needs for tinted windows can be exempt if:
    • They possess a relevant prescription or a physician's statement.
    • The prescription specifies whether the condition is temporary or permanent.
    • The statement indicates the minimum light transmittance reduction required.
    • An expiration date for the prescription or statement is included, unless the condition is indicated as permanent.
  • Specific Vehicle Exemptions: The bill specifies vehicles where window tinting can be allowed, such as:
    • Rear windows and side windows behind the driver's seat on pickup trucks, vans, funeral vehicles, limousines, and police vehicles.
  • Use of Others' Prescriptions: The bill permits a driver to use a prescription issued to a close relative (parent, child, grandparent, etc.) or someone for whom they are a personal care attendant. This requires:
    • The prescription or statement to specify the vehicles that will have tinted windows.
    • The driver to carry the prescription or physician’s statement in the vehicle.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Clarifications are provided for the types of vehicles and conditions under which window tinting is allowed.
  • Allows drivers to rely on others’ medical prescriptions for window tinting under specific family and caregiving circumstances.

Relevant Terms

  • Window Glazing
  • Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 205
  • Prescription or Medical Need Tinting
  • Light Transmittance
  • Funeral Vehicle
  • Limousine
  • Personal Care Attendant

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 26, 2025HouseFloorActionReceived from Senate
February 05, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 05, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toTransportation
February 26, 2025HouseFloorActionSenate file first reading, referred toTransportation Finance and Policy
February 12, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass
March 25, 2025HouseFloorActionCommittee report, to adopt
February 12, 2025SenateFloorActionSecond reading
March 25, 2025HouseFloorActionSecond reading
April 02, 2025HouseFloorActionHouse rule 1.21, placed on Calendar for the Day
February 26, 2025SenateFloorActionSpecial Order
April 02, 2025HouseFloorActionHouse rule 1.21, placed on Calendar for the Day
February 26, 2025SenateFloorActionThird reading Passed

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification on prescriptions or medical needs for window glazing exceptions.",
        "Details on conditions under which a driver can rely on a prescription issued to another person."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies requirements for the exception to window glazing requirements under section 169.71.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustments to allowable glazing materials and conditions under which exceptions apply."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.71"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Definitions related to vehicle types referenced in exceptions for window glazing.",
      "modified": [
        "References made to specific vehicle types based on defined terms in section 168.002."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "168.002"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Licensing requirements for funeral establishments related to window glazing exceptions.",
      "modified": [
        "References to window glazing exceptions applied to funeral establishment vehicles."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "149A.50"
  }
]

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