Maryland window tint laws (2023)

Darker Legal Car Tint in Maryland

• windshield:35% non-reflective VLT tint is allowed on the AS-1 line or the top 5 inches of the windshield
• Side front windows:Must allow more than 35% light in
• Rear side windows:Must allow more than 35% light in
• Rear window:Must allow more than 35% light in

Darker legal shade for SUVs and Vans in Maryland

• windshield:35% non-reflective VLT tint is allowed on the AS-1 line or the top 5 inches of the windshield
• Side front windows:Must allow more than 35% light in
• Rear side windows:Any dark window tint can be used
• Rear window:Any dark window tint can be used

Notice:The accuracy, completeness, adequacy or currency of the content is not guaranteed or guaranteed. We are not lawyers or a law firm and do not provide legal advice. We recommend that you consult a lawyer or other appropriate professional if you require legal advice.

Adding tint to your vehicle's windows is the most cost-effective way to make your car safer for you as a driver and to protect your vehicle's interior from sun damage. Automatic window tinting makes it easier for you to see the road by reducing sunlight and headlight glare, and by blocking hot infrared light that can heat and break down automotive materials and dangerous ultraviolet light that causes discoloration and cracks on inside.

Maryland's vehicle window tint rules allow for a large amount of window tint to be added to most private vehicle windows, so you can achieve the level of privacy, style, and sun protection you desire. But any tint that falls outside of Maryland window tint laws can carry strictly enforced penalties, so you'll need to have a good understanding of Maryland car tint rules to make sure you don't get ticketed.

Because different tint laws apply to different types of vehicles in Maryland, we'll look at Maryland car tint laws and the state's tint laws for larger vehicles (SUVs, vans, and vans, for example) in sections separated.

Read on for Maryland's window tinting laws, but first a quick explanation of the terms: VLT is short for "visible light transmission" and essentially means how much light a window lets in—that is, how dark it is. window. The higher the VLT number, the brighter and more transparent the window, and the opposite as well, so a 99% VLT is essentially bright, while a 1% VLT is so dark that all but the most dim lights bright lights are blocked and cannot be seen. through. Make sure the window tinting on cars in Maryland meets the state's VLT standards, as police and inspectors can use devices to test VLT on the spot and issue tickets whenever a violation of the VLT is detected. polarization law.

Maryland Auto Window Tinting Rules

Private cars in Maryland may have window tint applied to the windshield up to the manufacturer's AS-1 line, which is a thin strip of windshield about five inches below the top of the glass. If the AS-1 line is not marked, use five inches as a guide. Many cars come with a factory-applied windshield tint, but if yours doesn't, be sure to follow Maryland tint laws and use only non-reflective tint with a maximum darkness of 35% VLT applied.

(Window tinting laws are the same in Maryland for cars, vans, SUVs, and vans when it comes to windshields, as you may note.)

In Maryland, window tint laws limit tinting on all other windows to a VLT of 35% or lighter; 35% visible black light transmission. This also applies to the rear window (sometimes called the rear windscreen) of all cars, this glass is also limited to 35% darkness VLT. However, it is worth noting that this shade is dark enough to add privacy to the vehicle and also enhance the styling of the car.

Under current Maryland law, reflective, mirrored, or metallic-look window tints are not allowed on any automobile window.

Maryland Window Tint Laws for Trucks, Vans, and SUVs

As noted, Maryland's windshield tint rules for light trucks, trucks, and SUVs are identical to those for cars, with 35% non-reflective VLT tint allowed up to the AS-1 line of the windshield. The other windows have specific regulations, so let's go through them step by step.

In Maryland, the front side windows of larger vehicles may be tinted up to 35% VLT, and this tint must be non-reflective and non-metallic in appearance.

The rear side windows of a larger vehicle in Maryland can be tinted in any shade of darkness, including a full privacy shade that completely blocks the view of the vehicle. This allows complete anonymity of the passengers inside the vehicle and also ensures maximum heat reduction and UV blockage. Again, only non-reflective tint can be used on the rear windows.

When it comes to the rear windshield of pickup trucks, SUVs, and trucks, Maryland law also allows any non-reflective window tint to be applied. Be sure to have the Maryland window tint installer (or yourself for a DIY window tint application) trim the tinting to fully reveal the rear brake light in the window.

Maryland Automobile Window Tint Regulations

Maryland's car window tinting laws were first passed in 1995 and have changed from time to time ever since and are always subject to future updates, so it's a good idea to stay on top of the regulations.

There are several rules beyond simple VLT ratings and reflectivity restrictions that you must follow in Maryland. One is simple: if you have a rear window that is tinted to any degree, then working dual side mirrors are required. (This is, of course, a standard for any reasonable controller, but it's still notable as far as tonality goes.)

In Maryland, as in many states, it is prohibited to use red, amber, or yellow window tint colors or any shade or shade close to them. All other window tint colors are allowed.

Any window film sold and/or installed in Maryland must come from a window film manufacturer who certifies that the film they sell complies with Maryland law, so check with your installer or dealer (for window tint). do-it-yourself car window) to ensure you are using an approved product. shade. And while stickers proving the legality of window tinting in Maryland aren't required, authorities recommend using these cling films anyway to prove the tinting is legitimate.

Maryland tint laws allow special medical tint exemptions for window tinting if a person can demonstrate a need for a darker tint than is normally allowed based on health issues. See your doctor if applying for an exemption, and keep proof of your exemption from the Maryland tint law with the other essential documentation for your vehicle.

Fines for tinting car windows in Maryland

Any violation of Maryland's tinted glass laws is treated as a non-criminal traffic violation (a civil infraction, for example) and comes with a fine and a Safety Equipment Repair Order (or SERO) that is tracked by the state. period of time to remove the offending window tint (and replace it with legal tint if desired) and then have the vehicle inspected and certified by an approved inspection station. If you don't do it in a timely manner, you could receive a larger fine and more serious legal trouble.