Maryland drivers face specific regulations regarding legal window tint, a topic directly overseen by the Maryland Vehicle Law. The allowable Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) percentage, a critical attribute, dictates the darkness of the tint, impacting driver visibility. Understanding these regulations can help you avoid costly fines from the Maryland State Police during vehicle inspections. Ensuring your vehicle complies with legal window tint in MD, helps you keep your car street legal and your wallet happy.
Image taken from the YouTube channel Tint Laws , from the video titled Maryland Tint Laws 2024 – Know Your Legal Limit .
MD Window Tint Laws: Avoid Costly Legal Mistakes!
Window tinting offers significant benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced interior heat, and protection from UV rays. However, before applying any film to your vehicle’s windows in Maryland, it is crucial to understand the state’s specific regulations. Failure to comply can result in fines, mandatory removal of the tint, and failed vehicle inspections. This guide provides a direct and detailed breakdown of the requirements for legal window tint in MD.
Understanding VLT: The Key to Compliance
The most important measurement in window tint law is Visible Light Transmission (VLT).
- VLT Percentage: This number represents the percentage of visible light that is allowed to pass through the combination of the window glass and the tinting film.
- Lower VLT = Darker Tint: A window with a 35% VLT is lighter than a window with a 20% VLT.
Maryland law sets strict VLT limits that differ based on the type of vehicle you drive.
Maryland Window Tint VLT Limits by Vehicle Type
The legal darkness of your window tint is determined by whether your vehicle is classified as a passenger car or a multipurpose vehicle.
Passenger Vehicles (Sedans, Coupes, Convertibles)
For standard passenger cars, the VLT requirements are uniform for most windows.
| Window Location | VLT Requirement |
|---|---|
| Windshield | Non-reflective tint is only allowed on the top 5 inches or above the AS-1 line, whichever is less. |
| Front Side Windows | Must allow more than 35% of light in. |
| Back Side Windows | Must allow more than 35% of light in. |
| Rear Window | Must allow more than 35% of light in. |
Multipurpose Vehicles (SUVs, Vans, Trucks)
Vehicles classified as multipurpose have different rules for the windows behind the driver.
| Window Location | VLT Requirement |
|---|---|
| Windshield | Non-reflective tint is only allowed on the top 5 inches or above the AS-1 line, whichever is less. |
| Front Side Windows | Must allow more than 35% of light in. |
| Back Side Windows | May be tinted to any level of darkness. |
| Rear Window | May be tinted to any level of darkness. |
Note: If the rear window is tinted, the vehicle must be equipped with dual side mirrors.
Additional Tinting Rules and Restrictions
Beyond VLT percentages, Maryland law includes several other critical restrictions you must follow.
- Reflectivity: Tinting film cannot have a mirrored or metallic appearance. The law explicitly prohibits reflective tint.
- Colors: Red, amber, and yellow tint colors are strictly forbidden. Other colors may be permissible as long as they meet all other requirements.
- Certification: The tint installer must provide you with a label that certifies the film is legal in Maryland. This label must be affixed between the tint film and the glass on the driver’s side window.
Medical Exemptions for Window Tint
Maryland provides a medical exemption for individuals with a documented condition that requires protection from sunlight. If you have a condition such as lupus, porphyria, or extreme light sensitivity, you may be able to obtain a waiver for darker tint.
The process for obtaining this exemption is as follows:
- Obtain the Form: You must get the Physician’s Certification for Sunscreening (Form VR-401) from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
- Physician’s Statement: A licensed physician must complete the form, certifying your medical need for special window tinting.
- MVA Approval: Submit the completed form to the MVA for review and approval.
- Carry Documentation: If approved, you must carry the official MVA documentation with you in the vehicle at all times.
Penalties for Illegal Window Tint in Maryland
If a law enforcement officer finds your vehicle’s window tint to be non-compliant, you will be issued a Safety Equipment Repair Order (SERO).
- A SERO is a "fix-it ticket" that requires you to have the illegal tint removed.
- After removal, you must have the vehicle inspected by a law enforcement officer to certify the correction has been made.
- Failure to comply with a SERO within the specified timeframe can result in fines and the suspension of your vehicle’s registration.
- Illegal tint will also cause your vehicle to automatically fail its Maryland State Safety Inspection.
FAQs About Maryland Window Tint Laws
Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify Maryland’s window tint regulations, helping you avoid potential fines and legal issues.
What are the legal window tint percentages in MD for passenger vehicles?
Maryland law specifies that the front side windows (driver and passenger) must allow at least 35% of light to pass through. The rear side windows and the rear windshield can have any tint darkness. This percentage refers to the Visible Light Transmission (VLT).
How is window tint darkness measured in Maryland?
Law enforcement uses a device called a photometer to measure the VLT percentage of window tint. This device measures the amount of light passing through the tinted window. If the reading is below 35% on the front side windows, it’s considered a violation of the legal window tint in MD.
Are there any medical exemptions for darker window tint in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland allows medical exemptions for darker window tint. You’ll need to obtain a signed statement from a licensed physician stating that darker tint is medically necessary. This statement must be kept in the vehicle and presented to law enforcement upon request.
What are the penalties for violating Maryland window tint laws?
Violating Maryland’s window tint laws can result in a "non-moving" violation and a fine. While it doesn’t add points to your driving record, it’s still a financial penalty and requires correcting the illegal window tint. Repeated offenses can lead to increased fines. Always ensure your tint adheres to the legal window tint in MD.
Hopefully, that clears up any confusion about legal window tint in MD! Drive safe, and remember to double-check those tint percentages. Catch you on the road!
