The Deepest Legal Shade of Maryland Tint

Overview of Tint Laws in Maryland

In Maryland, the tint regulations for passenger vehicles, trucks and vans are as follows:
Side Windows:
A side window that is to the left or right of a driver must have non-reflective tint applied above the AS-1 line (the line is an area demarcated by the manfacturer and is generally found directly before the windshield wipers) or above the manufacturer’s visible indicators at the top of the windshield.
As to any window on the right or left of a driver, the tint must have light transmittance of 35% or more .
A side window adjacent to a driver can have reflective tint, provided the light reflectance of the tint does not exceed 35%.
A side window adjacent to a passenger must have light transmittance that is greater than 35%.
Back Windows:
A rear window may have any level of tint.
Reflective tint is prohibited on all vehicles.
Windshield:
The windshield must have non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s line or above the manufacturer’s visible indicators.

Visual Definition of the “Darkest Legal Tint”

What Defines the "Darkest Legal Tint" in Maryland for Tint Law Purposes?
Maryland’s law requires specific levels of allowable light to pass through the tint on vehicle windows. This is often referred to as "VLT" or "Visible Light Transmission," and it is what the law uses as a standard for vehicular window tint. It is measured using a special piece of testing equipment, and a state-approved window tint vendor is required to only apply window film that passes %10 VLT or higher for the front windshield and %20 VLT or higher for the side and rear windows.
Different vehicle types have different definitions of "darkest legal tint," and many people often think that the law is the same across the board. This is not true, and the law should be well understood when applying or possessing window tint on a vehicle. The law specifically states the following:
a) Striped or tinted windshield.

– However, a strip of tinted or shaded windshield not more than five inches wide as measured from the top of the windshield.

b) All windows other than the driver’s window on

(1) any bus, multipurpose passenger vehicle or truck with a manufacturers’ rated capacity of 11 persons or more, or
(2) any sedan, except the allowed tint in the back seat windows.

c) Front windshield except as permitted under subsection (a).

(1)(I) Except as provided in subsection [(c)] (2) of this section, any window of a passenger vehicle other than the driver’s window may not be tinted, covered, or treated with any material or device that has a visible light transmission of less than thirty percent (30%) and a reflectivity of greater than twenty percent (20%).

(II) However, the tinting of the window located immediately behind the driver’s window is not subject to the standards set under this subsection (1).

(2) (I) The tinting of the window located in the rear seat of a multipurpose passenger vehicle or passenger sedan shall not be subject to standards on the amount of transmitted light or reflectivity under § 22­409 of the Transportation Article.

(II) Any tinting of the window located immediately behind the driver’s window or on a windshield shall be subject to the requirements of § 22­409 of the Transportation Article.
This means that the tint at issue in Maryland must have a minimum of thirty percent (30%) VLT, no matter what window on the vehicle in question it is applied to.
Exceptions to this rule exist for certain limited circumstances, including for medical or safety reasons upon application to the Maryland State Police, but these are few and far between. Special inspection requirements may apply to the vehicle before an exception is granted, and special stickers must applied to the vehicle upon approval of the exception, depending on the applicant’s needs.

Why Tint Laws Exist

The Reason Behind Tint Laws in Maryland
When it comes to window tint, some people don’t care about the laws or the consequences of getting on the wrong side of the law. Others, however, want to know why Maryland has laws regarding window tint and the need to follow them. It’s also good to know that, while you may think that darker tint enhances your appearance or functionality, the truth is that too dark can compromise the safety of you and others on the road. And that’s exactly what the state has in mind when it legislates window tint.
Locating Your Vehicle At the top of the list of safety concerns is law enforcement officers’ ability to see into your vehicle. The ability to see your front windshield and windows allows them to locate you on the highway, making it less likely they’ll mistake you for someone else. Their ability to see in also enables them to determine whether you’re required to be on the road in the first place. If your vehicle is uninsured, or you have outstanding traffic violations, it’s critical that they understand who you are and whether your car should be on the road. Window tint laws help to ensure that officers can distinguish each driver they stop. As such, it’s important that your tint falls within all legal limits. But the legal limits vary by state. Maryland, for example, limits rear-seat windows to 5 percent, while Wisconsin permits rear windows of 20 percent. This is another reason that having a laboratory test your window tint is so important. If you ever get pulled over for a late-night drive home from work or the grocery store, you need to know that your tint won’t hold up. You don’t want to end up unable to leave the highway because of a minor infraction. Some drivers tint only their front windows for visibility during the day. Under Maryland law, you must be able to see 70 percent of outside light filtered through both your windshield and front windows. That’s another reason to ensure that your lab test report is always accurate. You can’t be sure whether your tint will pass inspection and avoid penalties if you don’t have an independent laboratory confirm the darkness.

How to Determine Your Tint Level

On a basic level, window tint percentage correlates to the amount of light that the tint allows into your vehicle. For example, a tint that allows 50% of light through would appear to be only slightly tinted, while a tint that allows just 5% of light would appear to be much darker. However, since this is a subject that divides the tinting community, there are those who claim that standard percentages do not give an accurate impression of how dark a shade may look, claiming that something requires to be tested in the real world could look much different than it would once it’s in place on a vehicle.
The Accepted (and Legal) Method
All manufacturers of window film are required to provide a VLT percentage for each of their products so that those interested have a basic understanding of just how dark a certain light shade will be. To put it as simply as possible, VLT, which stands for "visible light transmission", is to window film exactly what tint percentage is. The VLT needs to be brought into conversation when discussing how dark a window tint may look, since it is the term used to display the % of light passing through a film, as well.
These numbers are calculated with a photometric tool known as a spectrophotometer or a photometer. After the film in question is tested with this spectrophotometer, an output indicating VLT percentage appears. The percentage displayed is a directly measurable value that can be used by regulators and law enforcement personnel to visually identify the tint of a given window shade.
When it comes to how to measure your tint at home, agencies such as the Arizona Department of Transportation have used the spectrophotometer to help residents determine if their window tints meet state regulations. In using the device, the owner of the tint will be able to determine whether or not they should have a concern when driving.
Alternative Methods
It is important to note that there are tint meters available to the public; however, there are a number of issues with these as they are not always reliable. Consider some of the issues that tint meters present:
-For one, tint meters are unable to test laminates; therefore, tint meters cannot be used for tinted sunroofs or medical tint exemptions.
-Also, as alluded to above, the material found in some tint meters produces an inaccurate reading if not placed exactly at a 90 degree angle to the window surface; this can lead to serious problems for the user, as a false reading may be considered in violation law.
-Lastly, tint meters were not designed to take measurements on vehicles that have suffered damage shifts in the window frame. Without measuring perfectly straight, the reading may be inaccurate.
So, if tint meters are not reliable, nor are they accurate, why exactly are they sold to the public? Quite simply, it is because they serve as more a deterrent than anything else. If drivers have the option to measure their tint, they will be less likely to attempt to drive around with an illegal percentage.

Tint Fines and Penalties

Once stopped by an officer and found with illegal tint, the officer will often inform the driver of the violation and issue a citation that tells the driver which subsection of the law you are violating (Section 22-412.3 of the MD Transportation Code) and the following penalties:
First offense: Written warning and inspection for compliance with the law. Note: If the inspection is not done and/or you have not made any efforts to fix the window tint to be legal, you will get another citation.
Second offense: Not more than a $500 fine
Third offense: Not more than a $750 fine
Fourth offense: Not more than a $1,000 fine
Even if you have illegal tint, you can take your vehicle to any inspection station or authorized vehicle facility (there are lots of these facilities out there) and have your windows re-tinted to a shade that is legal. The facility will complete the inspection and give you a copy of the pass slip to keep with you. You are supposed to keep the pass slip with the vehicle , but it is always a good idea to keep a copy of your inspection report with your registration or proof of insurance documents in case you are ever stopped. It’s also a good idea to send a copy of the inspection report directly to the Maryland State Police.
If you have been stopped for a tint violation and been issued a ticket, you need to show up on your scheduled court date to pay the fine, unless you have proof that the tint has been fixed or was legal to begin with.
These are some examples of the receipt you get when you correct your tinted windows. The wording and information may vary slightly from the examples, but they all contain this information:
"Failure to have your vehicle windows tinted in accordance with MD Transportation section 22-412.3B(1) is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $25 if fixed prior to first offense. Subsequent offenses are punishable with a suspension of registration privileges, so fix the tint before you’re stopped if you can!"
"Pass Slip from an Official Inspection Station or MVIS Station is valid for 30 days from inspection, Vehicle (VIN #) re-inspected and determined to be in compliance with MD Transportation Article, Section 22-412.3B(1) (individually certified film) Date of Inspection: Select one…"

Permits and Exemptions

Maryland drivers may qualify for a medical exemption, which allows a maximum of two medical window tint exemptions. A doctor’s statement will be required to confirm the medical condition necessitating the exemption for additional windows. The selected window tint may not be darker than 35%, and must be documented in the vehicle. There is no fee for the medical exemption or window tint permit. The exemption also allows for an exemption sticker. If you qualify for a medical exemption, you need to carry a form that shows that you have the exemption. You can download the exemption form here.
Drivers and their passengers can apply for a special tinted window, which requires a fee. One of the following types of window tint must be used: glass film, spray-on, or an opaque material. It must obscure interior vision by more than 70%. During daytime, this tint must be visibly opaque. However, the tint must allow a clear visual image during night hours. These devices have to be certified by the Maryland State Police, if deemed legal under the law. This tinted window will bear a sticker stating that it has been exempted from the Maryland regulations because it is medically necessary. One sticker shall be displayed on the rear window and another on the driver’s side window. The fee for this executive window tint exemption is $25 and will be issued by the police authorities, who maintain the authority to approve or disapprove the application. Not all applications are approved, as the tinted window must still allow for 35% of light to pass through.

Locations of Legal Tint Installers

Finding Legal Tint Installers for Your Vehicle in Maryland
The best place to start your search for local legal tint installers is by looking online or visiting the window tinting pages of dealership websites. Looking for nearby installers, which are usually listed first in the results, can save you a trip across the state into a less restrictive tint area, or traveling out of state altogether for professional tinting on your vehicle. Online search engines will easily direct you to local legal installers so that you can find them without having a referral. All you need to do is enter in a sample request, such as "window tint installation near me." You can also use search terms like "Maryland tint installer" or "Maryland auto tint for legal tint" to generate results. But before you enlist professional help, make sure that you are specific about what you are requesting. For example, you can ask for someone who can provide you with 35% tint for the front windows, windshield, and rear windows, or the 50% tint legal for a sedan, SUV, or truck. Unless you own a compact car, SUV, or truck, finding someone to tint your windows with the 20% tint maximum for sedans is not going to get you very far at all. If possible, look for a professional who can give you two options, such as 35% and 50%, and then allow you to make a decision on whether you are satisfied with the results. In addition, you can request samples and see if they can provide you with tinted windows that come with a lifetime warranty to avoid needing replacement tint on your vehicle.

Common Tint Questions

Drivers are often left confused with the myriad of laws and regulations that apply to their vehicles. The way to understand rules about window tinting is to become familiar with what is in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR).
Q: Well, how dark is darkest legal tint in Maryland?
A: Well, that depends on where you are applying it. COMAR 11.14.06.01 is a table outlining legal limits in each jurisdiction. This covers all standard windows, side windows, rear windows, and windshields.
Q: Do these dark tint lines mean I can have dark tint?
A: No, COMAR 11.14.06.01 also includes exemptions to the dark tint laws too. You must have a condition or a vehicle that requires an exception to the rules up top. The notable vehicle exceptions are for limousines, hearses, hearse-like vehicles, and ambulances.
Q: What are some conditions?
A: The most common conditions are lung conditions or medical conditions such as Lupus, Sarcoidosis, and cancer. You need an affidavit by a doctor on file and the doctor must have a special license to practice medicine in Maryland. You are automatically denied if you have a certain cancer.
Q: Okay, I have an approved note from the doctor. The cops keep pulling me over and giving me tickets for my tint! How do I avoid that?
A: Keep the doctor’s note on you and make sure the scanner at the police car can read it!
Q: But the doctor says I’m not required to have the note on me in the first place. Why can’t the police honor the doctor’s note?
A: The law states you must have a doctor’s note. And notes don’t have pictures. That’s why the doctor’s note is the compromise to ONLY having tinted windows, which violates the law. You can only see photos on Government issued IDs.
Q: So, I have a new car and get pulled over all the time for "darker than legal tint" violations. The cops call this a "make model year" violation . Does my new car exempt me from any future tint violations?
A: No. Your new car label may only be for aftermarket tints. Come back in one year for an exemption.
Q: Okay, so I also get pulled over for "darker than legal tint, but on the front windows." Why can’t the police honor the factory tint?
A: Because you are in violation. There is only one exemption in COMAR 11.14.06.01 (I) "Factors such as vehicle design, internal vehicle equipment, and any other vehicle manufacturer alterations to the additional sun screening material." All of these things are approved by the manufacturer. They are not approved by the State of Maryland. The law only applies to conventional drivers, not car companies.
Q: Why do I get a safety notice when the police think my tint is too dark, but without that notice, my vehicle wouldn’t even start?
A: Because you aren’t in a commercial vehicle, the police officer can’t impound your vehicle. They are required to let you drive away unless you are going to get a safety inspection. If your car simply won’t start, then you require a safety inspection.
Q: What do they mean by "for aftermarket tints?"
A: Any tint applied after the vehicle leaves its manufacturing process must follow COMAR. If you bought window tint from the manufacturer and it was installed at the factory, it is probably "legal tint." This law was originally designed for commercial vehicles. Commercial vehicles are regularly subject to safety inspections and safety inspections are performed when the car doesn’t work or if the car is years old. Take your car to a MVA Near You for a safety inspection to see what your tint limits are. You can either apply for a safety inspection exemption with the MVA or if your vehicle does not pass the safety inspection, you can take it to a recognized safety inspection organization.