Tinting Laws In Maryland Explained
The rules and requirements regarding window tint on all vehicles are detailed in the Code of Maryland and are enforced by Maryland’s motor vehicle administration. The purpose of window tint laws are to help keep drivers and other passengers, including children and pets, safe while in transit. Also, they are designed to protect and preserve the comfort of every occupant by keeping the inside of the vehicle cooler and the sun’s UV rays out. In addition , these laws help ensure that drivers have a clear view of the road at all times to aid against danger ahead, such as being able to see pedestrians crossing the road. If you disobey window tint laws, you could face a hefty fine for noncompliance, which can be more than annoying. Also, you would have to remove the tint before passing inspection anyway. Accordingly, Maryland’s tint laws are designed to help keep residents safe.
Maryland Tint Levels
Maryland has strict laws in place when it comes to how dark tinted windows can be on different types of vehicles. These laws vary for front and rear windows as well as SUVs and trucks.
For passenger cars, vans, and SUVs, front side windows must allow 35 percent of light in. Sedan drivers also have the option of having a strip of dark film added across the top of the windshield as long as the shade level does not exceed five inches. On rear side windows, both vans and SUVs, and the rear window, all sedans are allowed to have any amount of tinting installed.
Unlike sedans and SUVs, trucks can only have back windows that are tinted. They must allow 35 percent of light in and can have a strip of dark film along the top like sedans. No tinting is allowed on the front side windows or the windshield.
Understanding VLT
A vital factor in determining whether window tint is compliant with Maryland window tint laws or not is something called the visible light transmission or VLT. This is a measurement of how much visible light can pass through the tinted window. The VLT is measured as a percentage, with 0% meaning no visible light can pass through and 100% meaning that as much light as possible can pass through with no tint at all. The higher the number, the lighter/less dark the tint is.
Window tint can have a different VLT on the front windows of a vehicle than the back windows. Certain states such as Maryland and Virginia allow different front side window tints but specifics vary by state.
In Maryland, a tint must be "A" in total VLT, meaning the combined percentage of the front windshield tint and the front side window tint must be 25% visible light transmission or more. For the back window, the visible light transmission combined with the rear window cannot be less than 29.08%. The net tint percentage on the rear side windows of a four-door car or truck must add up to 59.17%.
Penalties For Window Tint Violations
Violation of the tint law is considered a nonmoving violation, and the penalties are substantially lower than the penalties for a moving violation. If traffic stop reveals illegal window tinting, the officer may issue the driver a separate citation. In addition to paying a fine, drivers who receive a citation for violating the Maryland window tint law must also remove the illegal tinting. Drivers will be given a period of time in which to have the noncompliant tinting removed from their window. Failure to have the illegal tinting removed by the deadline, whether they are pulled over again with known illegal tinting on the windows or as a result of a followup traffic stop, is considered an additional violation . In addition to fines, the driver will likely face increased insurance rates as a result of the additional moving violation. While the fine may not be significant, motorists should consider whether or not they want to expose themselves to further legal and financial consequences. Even though the window tint law violations are considered nonmoving, the citation issued may be a moving violation. The amount of the fine varies based on the county or municipality where the citation was issued and whether the person cited receives the citation as a result of a follow-up traffic stop of if the officer issues the ticket based on observation. The difference in fines between followup and initial traffic stops is due to the first circumstance being considered more severe than a followup stop.
Exemptions And Special Cases
Like many laws, there are exceptions to the tint laws in Maryland. One such exception is for medical reasons. If you require darker window tint to alleviate a medical issue, be it sensitivity to light or a skin disorder, you can apply for an exemption from the standard law. Medical exemptions may be granted for the following conditions: If you can provide a doctor’s note or other documentation to support your case, then you may be able to get a medical exemption to the current tint law. To apply for a medical tint exemption, you will need to fill out an application form. This form will ask for you to include all pertinent information about the medical condition that requires you to have darker window tint on your vehicle. Once you have filled out the medical tint exemption for Maryland, you must submit it along with your doctor’s letter to the Maryland State Police Vehicle Safety Inspection Section. They will review the complete application packet and process your exemption accordingly. If granted an exemption, you will receive a sticker that can be placed on the window exempting your vehicle from the current tint laws in Maryland. It is important to keep this sticker on your vehicle as proof of the exemption. Failure to have the medical exemption sticker affixed to your vehicle where visible can result in a fine. There are also special circumstances where a person may need to have a darker tint than is allowed by Maryland state law. For example, in the past, individuals with mental issues, such as schizophrenia and PTSD were allowed to have a darker tint of 35% VLT in their cars. However, this exemption was repealed. Those who are applying for an exemption should read the official tint law to ensure the window tint they want to have on their vehicles is still permitted by law. If you are applying for an exemption, you may want to talk to a Maryland vehicle tint law attorney to see if you fit into any of the exceptions to the general window tint law.
Choosing The Right Tint
When selecting the right tint for your vehicle that complies with Maryland state law, there are several practical suggestions to keep in mind. First, consider the purpose for which you plan to tint your windows. Are you looking for extra privacy, or do you aim to increase protection from UV rays and heat? Understanding your reasons for seeking window tint can help you choose the right type for your needs.
Next, always check whether the tint you are considering for installation meets the requirements set forth by Maryland law . Most reputable installers will be familiar with Maryland’s stringent tint laws and should be able to freely provide guidance on the product you are free to use. Though you may be keen on a particular shade or style of tint, remember that even if it makes your vehicle look stunning, you may not be permitted to install it.
Lastly, for peace of mind that your tint is both applied correctly and is lawful, always have your tint professionally installed. Professional installation not only ensures that all relevant restrictions are observed, but it means that it is less likely to bubble or peel due to improper application.