Understanding Maryland Windshield Tint Law: What You Need to Know

Basics of Maryland Windshield Tint Requirements

In Maryland, the laws regarding windshield tint are set to balance aesthetic needs with safety concerns. These regulations, which apply to most vehicles on the road, including private cars, commercial, and emergency vehicles, dictate the extent to which tint can be applied to windshields and other windows.
For passenger vehicles, tints in the front windshield must be no more than 30% visible light transmission (VLT) with the exception of a 5 inch strip along the top, which may be any darkness. For SUVs and vans, tints in the front windshield are restricted to a maximum of 35% VLT with the same 5 inch strip permitted along the top. The rear window tint is also limited to 35% VLT, and the manufacturer tint must be removed before a car is sold.
As for SUV and van windows outside the passenger compartment, they are only required to have a light tint. However, tint cannot be darker than the windshield tint limits.
If you own a car or truck, you’ll want to take note that Maryland law prohibits the use of colored tint – this doesn’t include tint that appears slightly different due to the type of light used in the manufacturing process. If you’re purchasing a new vehicle, keep in mind that Maryland law requires any vehicle loaded with tinted windows to have a sticker showing the tint percentage .
Law enforcement agencies, first responders, and law enforcement personnel are exempt from regulations, but may only use tinted windows if their department requires that a sticker be placed on the car.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tinted windows offer many advantages including UV ray protection and reduced driver fatigue and glare, however, they can make it hard for police officers to see into vehicles during traffic stops. Officers are required to prioritize their safety while determining whether a driver is compliant with the law and tint restrictions are placed on visibility.
Some people choose to install tinted windows for aesthetic reasons, but the tint obscures vision, making it dangerous to see out and ignore potential hazards. Others look for tinted windows because they prefer the temperature control provided by the tinted windows since it helps keep their car or truck cooler. Lawmakers aim for a balance between the right to privacy and ensuring that women and police officers are safe during vehicle stops.
The rationale for having laws on how dark and the types of tint that can be used is to ensure that while citizens are getting the benefits of tinted windows, they are also not putting other people’s safety at risk. Tinted windows do offer many benefits, but Maryland lawmakers believe that safety takes precedence over aesthetics when it comes to approved tint levels.

Permissible Tint Percentages in MD

In Maryland, windows in cars, trucks and SUVs come with tint already installed. But the tint brands and shades are merely a small slice of the entire window glass. When it is an after-market tint film, it is added by a window tinter. If it is manufactured into the window, the tint shade percentages vary by vehicle make and model.
Maryland law specifies that window tint must meet certain criteria, including legal tint percentages. But many states, including Maryland, exclude the windshield. In fact, the Maryland law is more specific on the windshield than most other states. Maryland is another state that doesn’t require a sticker for the tint supplier to place on the glass. Other states require a sticker to show all legal tint, location, and the company. But the tint companies are required to retain their invoices for one year in case a law enforcement officer or inspector has questions about too low of tint. Here are the legal tint percentages in Maryland: The windshield is allowed to have a maximum of 5 percent tint. This means the shade is very light. Most states that allow 5 percent require a non-reflective strip on the windshield for the top six inches. The front side windows may have only 35 percent tint. The back side windows may have any tint darkness made. The rear window glass may have any tint darkness made. All vehicles registered in Maryland must be inspected to verify the light transmittance and color of the film installed on the vehicle’s windows. A certificate bearing the MD requirements, as well as the tint supplier’s name and phone number, must be kept in the vehicle. Compliance with these requirements will allow for the tint to be reported as being compliant.

Penalties for Tint Law Violations

Violating Maryland’s windshield tint law can potentially result in a fine. And, according to § 22-406(b) of the Maryland Vehicle Law, accumulation of three violations can get the attention of law enforcement. The law states that "the Department shall issue a special alert to be carried by police officers to indicate that the vehicle may be stopped for issuance of a traffic citation." What this means is that if you get pulled over for a minor traffic violation, you could be cited for violating the windshield tint law at the same time, resulting in a fine. If you are pulled over and found to be violating the windshield tint law, law enforcement officers will write you a citation for the offense. Getting pulled over and getting cited for having illegal tint on your windshield could present other problems, however. If you use tinted film on your windshield, it is possible that the Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA) will not classify your vehicle as roadworthy. According to § 13-601(a) of the Maryland Vehicle Law, the law states that a vehicle may not be registered, sold, or operated on the highways in Maryland unless it meets all applicable federal vehicle safety standards and vehicle equipment regulations. In effect, this means that if your vehicle has illegal windshield tint, it could be deemed unfit for road use and, therefore, unable to be registered with the MVA. Vehicles deemed unfit for road use due to illegal windshield tint will have to pass an inspection before being registered, and the vehicle will have to pass periodic inspections to continue to be registered in Maryland. This could mean more time off work, a less convenient vehicle, and plenty of headaches just to continue to own your car.

Measuring Tint Levels

To ensure that your vehicle adheres to Maryland Windshield Tint laws, you need to determine the tint levels of your car windows accurately. This process is quite simple, as long as you have the tools required for measuring window tint.
One of the most common ways to check if your tint levels are correct is by using a tint meter, which is a device that uses a light source to measure the amount of light allowed through your tinted windows. These meters can be purchased from various tool suppliers or auto tech retailers. Additionally, some law enforcement agencies and law offices may offer tint level test as a service, which can help you determine if you are in compliance with the law.
In case you don’t have the tools available to carry out your test, the law offices of Jason Knott offer free tint level tests , making it a convenient and cost-effective option.
Another method for checking your tint levels is simply by looking at your tinted windows in a well-lit area. Place a piece of white paper directly against the window and see how much you can see through it. If you are able to see the paper clearly from outside the car, you may be in compliance with the law.
If you find that your tint levels do not comply with Maryland law, you have a few options. You can opt to have the excess tint removed from your windows, or seek help from a professional window tinting service to have the levels adjusted correctly. However, it is important to give yourself plenty of time to ensure that the tint removal and re-application are completed correctly, as you may be subject to fines or penalties if your window tint does not meet Maryland law.
In summary, keeping up to date on Maryland’s windshield tint laws, as well as understanding how to double-check your tint levels can ensure that you abide by the law at all times.

Exemptions to Tint Laws in MD

As mentioned earlier, medical exemptions are available in Maryland for those who comply with certain restrictions. If you have a medical condition that requires you to have an increased sensitivity to the sun or other rare conditions that require you to be shielded from light, you can apply for a medical exemption from the tint laws. For example, if you have a rare medical condition called xeroderma pigmentosum, the sun’s harmful rays can lead to skin cancer and even death in a matter of years. To receive an exemption, you must take a form to a licensed physician in Maryland. This form must be completely filled out by the physician and submitted to the Maryland Vehicle Administration. Once you submit your form, it is ultimately up to the Administration to give you approval or not.
In addition to having a state-approved note from a licensed physician, you also need to buy a sticker to place on your windshield to indicate that you have a medical exemption. Your physician should provide you with the form that allows you to buy the exemption sticker. Once you have this form in hand, be sure to take it to your local Maryland Vehicle Administration branch so you can pay the fee and receive your exemption sticker. Stickers issued prior to November 6, 1998, do not expire, but anything issued or renewed after that date expires after 5 years from the date of issuance. Of course, since you may notice a change in the amount of light that comes through your glass, you should consult with your physician about any potential changes in your medical condition. Simply because your exemption sticker does not expire more than 5 years does not mean that you can keep it indefinitely. Again, your doctor is legally required to update the exemption as necessary, so be sure to consult with him or her to determine if an updated form is needed. In short, follow your doctor’s recommendations when it comes to your medical conditions—and tint.

Selecting a Compliant Tint Provider

When it comes to complying with Maryland’s windshield tint law, it is crucial to find a provider who understands and abides by the state’s regulations. Seek out a company that specializes in both window tinting and car window tint and has a track record of satisfied customers.
In addition, choosing a company recommended by the window supplier can be helpful in finding an install company familiar with Maryland’s tint law. This dramatically reduces the risk of someone improperly tinting a customer’s windows , which could result in the driver receiving a citation.
Finally, take the time to check the company’s skill level when it comes to installing window tints. Some installers offer certification of window tint installation, which can provide some level of assurance that the installer is properly qualified.