MinnesotaOptometrists may document medical needs for tinted vehicle windows
Drivers and passengers may use an optometrist’s statement to document a medical need for tinted windows, and the rule applies to prescriptions issued on or after July 1, 2025.
What it does
Optometrists may document a medical need for tinted vehicle windows. Drivers may rely on a statement for certain relatives or people in their care if it meets the listed requirements.
Argument forDrivers and passengers may be able to use an optometrist’s statement to document a medical need for tinted windows.
Argument againstPeople with a medical need may have to renew their paperwork within two years unless a provider says their condition is permanent.
More detail
An optometrist may issue a statement of medical need for tinted vehicle windows. This applies when the driver or a passenger needs tinted windows for a medical reason. A driver may also rely on a statement for certain relatives or someone in their care. The statement must say whether the condition is temporary or permanent, state the minimum light transmittance needed, and give an expiration date no more than two years after it is issued. It may omit an expiration date if the optometrist says the condition is permanent and none is appropriate. A driver may rely on a statement for someone outside the vehicle only if that person is a listed close relative or someone for whom the driver is a personal care attendant. The statement must identify one or two vehicles by make, model, and license plate. The section is effective July 1, 2026, and applies retroactively to prescriptions issued on or after July 1, 2025.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 1Effective date 07/01/2026Latest
- May 12Secretary of State Chapter 89 05/12/26
- May 12Governor Tim Walz's action Approval 05/12/26Major
- May 12Secretary of State, Filed 05/12/2026
- May 12Governor Tim Walz approval 05/12/2026Became Law
- May 11Presentment date 05/11/26
- May 11Presented to Governor 05/11/26To Governor
- May 7Returned from House
- May 6Bill was passedPassed 2nd Chamber
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Lower
- May 6Third readingMinor
- May 4House rule 1.21, placed on Calendar for the Day Wednesday, May 6, 2026
- Apr 20Second readingMinor
- Apr 20Bills identical, SF substituted on General Register
- Apr 16Third reading PassedPassed 1st Chamber
- Vote recorded Third reading Passed. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 16Special Order
- Apr 16Senate file first reading, referred for comparison HF3844
- Apr 16Received from SenateMinor
- Feb 26Second readingMinor
- Feb 26Comm report: To passMinor
- Feb 19Referred to TransportationMinor
- Feb 19Introduction and first readingIntroduced
Transportation