Back in 1995, the state of Maryland implemented car window tinting laws to regulate the use of tint on vehicles. As a responsible car owner, it’s crucial to stay informed about the allowable darkness and reflectivity of tint in the state, which is why I have gathered all the information and documents for you. However, it’s essential to note that there are additional regulations and guidelines on car window tinting that you need to be aware of to avoid any penalties. To steer clear of fines, take a moment to read through the comprehensive details below.
Two crucial factors to keep in mind with auto window tinting in MD are Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Visible Light Reflection (VLR). In this discussion, I’ll explain both concepts, starting with VLT.
1. Legal Window Tint Darkness in MD (VLT)
Window Tint Darkness or Visible light transmission (VLT) is a measure of the amount of light that passes through a film. It’s measured in percentages and can modulate from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted through the film.
Every state has a special legal limitations. Therefore, it’s important to note that the amount of light permitted to pass through tinted car windows in Maryland may differ from other states, as well as between passenger vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles. To avoid any confusion or potential legal issues, it’s crucial to carefully review and understand Maryland’s specific tinting laws. By doing so, you can ensure that your vehicle’s tinting complies with the regulations and avoid any potential fines or penalties. So, take the time to go through the tinting laws in Maryland thoroughly to stay on the right side of the law.
Tint darkness laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Maryland:
Windshield: You can use a non-reflective 35% VLT tint above AS-1 line or on the top 5 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 35% tint darkness
Back Side windows: You can use up to 35% darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use up to 35% darkness for rear windows.
Tint darkness laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) in Maryland:
Windshield: You can use a non-reflective 35% VLT tint above AS-1 line or on the top 5 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 35% tint darkness
Back Side windows: You can use any tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use any tint darkness for rear windows.
2. Legal Window Tint Reflection in MD (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that a window film reflects. In Maryland, car window tinting is also determined by the percentage of visible light reflection (VLR) it provides, which can range from 0% to 100%. If you’re planning on tinting your car windows, it’s essential to keep in mind that a lower VLR percentage indicates less visible light reflection, resulting in greater sunlight obstruction. Along with the darkness and reflectivity, it’s also critical to adhere to the VLR percentage specified by Maryland’s window tint law, so be sure to keep this in mind while tinting your vehicle’s windows.
Tint reflection laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Maryland:
Front Side windows: You can’t use any metallic or mirrored appearance on the front side windows.
Back Side windows: You can’t use any metallic or mirrored appearance on the back side windows as well.
Tint reflection laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and Vans) in Maryland:
Front Side windows: You can’t use any metallic or mirrored appearance on the front side windows
Back Side windows: You can’t use any metallic or mirrored appearance on the back side windows as well.
Other MD Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
In Maryland, the laws and regulations regarding car window tinting are taken very seriously, and failing to comply with them can result in penalties. Besides ensuring that the darkness and glare of your vehicle’s windows adhere to specific percentage requirements, there are several other rules and regulations that you must follow. These are:
Side Mirrors: In MD, it is mandatory that if you have applied tint to your back window, you must also have dual side mirrors installed on your vehicle. This is to ensure that the driver has an adequate view of the surrounding areas while driving, and to improve overall safety on the roads.
Restricted Colors: In addition to the requirement for dual side mirrors, MD also has restrictions on the color of window tint that can be applied to vehicles. According to Maryland law, it is illegal to use tint colors such as red, yellow, or amber on the windows of a vehicle. These colors are considered too distracting and can impede the visibility of other drivers on the road. It’s important to note that the use of these restricted colors can result in fines and penalties, so it’s always best to use only legal tint colors when tinting your vehicle’s windows.
Certificates: In MD, manufacturers of window tint film are required to certify the film that they sell within the state. This means that the film has met the legal standards and requirements set by the state in terms of light transmission, color, and reflectivity. As a vehicle owner, it’s important to make sure that the film you are using is certified, as using uncertified film can result in fines and penalties. To ensure that you are using certified film, you should ask your dealer or the manufacturer of the film if the film is certified for use in Maryland. This will help you avoid any potential legal issues and ensure that your vehicle is compliant with state regulations.
Stickers: While Maryland law does not require stickers to identify legal window tinting, it is still recommended to have one placed between the film and glass on each tinted window. This is because it can serve as an added layer of protection in case of a dispute or if you are pulled over by law enforcement. The sticker typically includes information about the level of tint and the manufacturer of the film.
Medical Exceptions: In Maryland, the law allows for medical exemptions for individuals with a valid letter from a doctor stating that the tinting is necessary for a medical condition. To obtain this exemption, you must have a letter from your doctor that specifically states that you need to tint your windows for medical reasons, including your name, date of birth, and the specific reason why you need to tint your windows. Additionally, you must have this letter with you whenever you’re driving, and present it to a law enforcement officer if they ask for it. It is important to contact the local authorities to check if this type of exemption is available in your state and for more information about the regulations and process required.
Penalties For Non-Compliance: If you are found to be in violation of the state’s window tinting laws in MD, you may face penalties. The specific penalty for violating window tint laws varies from state to state, but in Maryland, it is considered a traffic offense. This means that you may be issued a citation or ticket for the violation. Additionally, you may be required to have your vehicle inspected at a certified inspection station to ensure that the tint on your windows meets legal requirements. This is known as a Safety Equipment Repair Order (SERO) and is a common penalty for violating window tint laws. If you fail to comply with the SERO, you may face additional penalties, such as fines or even impoundment of your vehicle. It is important to be aware of the window tint laws in your state and to comply with them to avoid penalties.
Conclusion
In Maryland, the laws for passenger vehicles permit a non-reflective 35% VLT tint on the top 5 inches of the windshield or above the AS-1 line. The front side windows can have up to 35% tint darkness and the backside and rear windows can have up to 35% tint darkness. For multi-purpose vehicles such as SUVs and vans, the laws permit a non-reflective 35% VLT tint on the top 5 inches of the windshield or above the AS-1 line. The front side windows can have up to 35% tint darkness and the backside and rear windows can have any tint darkness. Additionally, the manufacturers of film must certify the film they sell in the state. Maryland also allows medical exemptions with a letter from a doctor, but using red, yellow or amber tint colors are not legal. Penalties include traffic offense and a Safety Equipment Repair Order requiring certification of tint in an inspection station.
Disclaimer
The information on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or as a substitute for the advice of an attorney. No user of this site, or any other person or entity that may have received this information, shall rely upon the information contained as creating an attorney-client relationship between such user and Car Glass Advisor. The rules and regulations pertaining to car window tint in Maryland may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.