Maryland Window Tint Law
In Maryland, the car window tinting laws were enacted in 1995 since then they have been very specific as well as strict about their laws in the state. However, there is this one condition more like a prerequisite to the usage of vehicles that says- a person may not drive on any highway in this state any motor vehicle manufactured or assembled after June 1, 1937, and registered in this state, unless the vehicle is equipped with safety glass wherever glass is used in the motor vehicle indoors, windows, windshields, and wings.
In this article, we have tried our level best to keep you aware of all the legal car window tint laws in Maryland which also includes information about how reflective or dark the tint can be. Besides the basic laws, there are other rules and regulations in Maryland that we have mentioned in this article that are not given much importance. Before you think of getting your car windows tinted you must make sure to have read through all the laws and other rules in Maryland.
What Does VLT Mean According To Maryland State Law
VLT(Visible Light Transmission) is the percentage of light allowed by the window tint film to travel through your car windows. The state of Maryland has different legal allowable terms when it comes to VLT.
HIGH VLT=M MORE AMOUNTS OF LIGHT TO TRAVEL THROUGH YOUR WINDOW TINT FILMS.
LOW VLT= LESS AMOUNTS OF LIGHT TO TRAVEL THROUGH YOUR WINDOW TINT FILMS.
For instance, a 76% tint will allow only 76% of light to travel through whereas a 5% tint will allow only 5% of light to travel through the window tint film.
Maryland Window Tint Law: For Passenger Vehicles
- Front Windshield: Non-reflective 35% VLT tint is allowed on the AS-1 line or top 5 inches of the windshield.
- Front-seat side windows: up to 35% tint darkness allowed
- Back seat side windows: up to 35% tint darkness allowed
- Rear window: up to 35% tint darkness allowed
Maryland Window Tint Law: For Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Front Windshield: Non-reflective 35% VLT tint is allowed on the AS-1 line or top 5 inches of the windshield.
- Front-seat side windows: up to 35% tint darkness allowed
- Back seat side windows: Any tint darkness can be used
- Rear window: Any tint darkness can be used
Window Tint Reflection In Maryland
The whole purpose of a window tint is to reduce glare and heat. It can reflect the incoming light. Now, the law in Maryland, when using a tint allows a certain window reflection and that is why you need to make sure you go through this well.
Further, you will see the window tint reflection for passenger vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles. For the sake of your better understanding, we have put it in the form of a table.
| Window Tint Reflection For Passenger Vehicles | Window Tint Reflection For Multi-purpose Vehicles |
| Front side windows need not be metallic or have a mirrored appearance | Front side windows need not be metallic or have a mirrored appearance |
| Backside windows need not be metallic or have a mirrored appearance | Backside windows need not be metallic or have a mirrored appearance |
What are the exceptions to the Maryland law?
Individuals who have medical issues and have to be protected from the sun are exceptions to the tint restrictions. However, when these individuals are asked to pull over by a police officer they need to make sure to show them a written certificate that explains their condition. Most importantly, it has to be from a physician that is legally allowed to practice in Maryland.
Other Maryland Window Tint Law Rules And Regulations
Like mentioned earlier, Maryland does have a few other rules and regulations besides just their basic window tinting laws. It is best if you consider these other rules and regulations as well before you decide on tinting your car windows. The rules go as follows:
- Do I need to have side mirrors in Maryland? You will need dual side mirrors if your back window is tinted.
- Is colored tint illegal in Maryland? Except red, amber, and blue all other colors are allowed in Maryland.
- What are the window tint certification rules in Maryland? The tint film manufacturers need to get their films certified in the state so you must make sure your dealer is using a certified film.
- Do I need a certified sticker from the company installing my window tint in Maryland? The Law in Maryland does not say that it requires a certified sticker for legal tinting but it is best to have a certified sticker between the film and glass on each tinted window.
- Are there any medical exemptions for window tinting in Maryland? For special tint, Maryland does allow medical exemptions.