Cars with tinted windows look fancy for sure, but if you live in Maryland, that won’t be a good idea! Thanks to the Maryland tint laws, you cannot use tint film on the windows whenever you want.
But what do these laws say? Well, that’s what we’ll discuss here today.
It was 1995 when the car tinting law in Maryland was proposed. It talks about how dark or reflective your car window tint should be, depending on the state you live in.
We’ve provided all the information you need in this regard over here. Also, there is also some extra information on rules and regulations, which you should obey if you don’t want to get fined.
So yes, it’s pretty crucial that you read the whole article from top to bottom.
Maryland Tint Laws 2023 – Everything You Need to Know
Before you get to know the Maryland window tint laws, you need to learn about the VLT. So before we get into the details, let’s talk about it first!
What does VLT mean according to Maryland state law?
The VLT or Visible Light Transmission indicated the percentage of detectable light that passes through your car’s window.
When the VLT is lower, the window tint will get darker. And higher VLT means that more light will penetrate the windows without any trouble.
For instance, if you install 75% tint on the glasses, 75% light will go through them. And when the tint is 5%, the insides of your car will be way darker!
By the way, We have in-depth content about VLT and window tint percentage for your reference. We recommend checking it out If you want to know the different levels of window tint.
So, what is the legal tint in Maryland- Short name window tint law 2023
The Maryland window tint law is different for each type of vehicle. For passenger and multipurpose vehicles, you have to follow dissimilar rules.
So here are the MD window tint laws for multipurpose and passenger automobiles.
Legal tint in MD– Tint Darkness for Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield
Non-reflective 35% VLT tint is allowed on the AS-1 line or top 5 inches of the windshield. - Front side windows
For front-side windows, 35% tint is allowed according to the Maryland window tint rules. - Backside windows
You can use 35% tint darkness without getting in trouble. - Rear window
On the rear window, the legal tint in Maryland is 35%.
Legal tint in MD– Tint Darkness for Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield
Non-reflective 35% VLT tint is allowed on the AS-1 line or top 5 inches of the windshield. - Front side windows
The law will let you use 35% tinting if it is about the front side windows. - Backside windows
You can use any tint darkness. - Rear window
The same goes here, You can use any tint of darkness.
Window Tint Reflection in Maryland
Using tint on your automobile’s window can reflect the incoming light and reduce the heat. Moreover, the tinted windows also prevent glares.
Well, the window tint Maryland law authorizes some specific window reflection while using a tint. So if you ever think about coloring the glasses, pay attention to this as well.
Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front side windows
In the front side windows, you don’t have permission to use any metallic or mirrored finish. - Backside windows
The same thing goes for the backside windows too. You can’t use any metallic or mirrored appearance on this one as well.
Tint reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front Side windows
You can’t use mirrored/shiny and metallic appearance on this window. - Back Side windows
The drivers don’t have permission to use any mirrored finish.
Other Maryland Window Tint Rules and Regulations You Need to Know
When it comes to window tinting of your vehicle, Maryland is pretty serious about that. You will have plenty of rules and regulations to abide by.
Besides maintaining a specific percentage of the glare on each window, here are some other restrictions you need to follow, even if you want to do a subtle darkening.
Side mirrors in Maryland
If the back window is tinted dual side mirrors are required.
Restricted Color
When someone hears about the tint laws in Maryland, the next question they ask is which color to use on the glass. Well, the law of Maryland doesn’t allow you to use all the colors on the palette; that’s no secret! So which colors can be used?
Red, yellow, and amber are not legal by Maryland law.
You can use gray, green, and bronze car window tint without any issue. Moreover, you have permission to use neutral smoke color too.
Therefore, if you want to use smoke gray window tint, you can do that confidently.
Certificates
Manufacturers of film need to certify the film they sell in the state. Ask your dealer if they are using certified film.
Stickers
Maryland law does not require a sticker to identify legal tinting, but it’s recommended to have one between the film & glass on each tinted window.
Penalties
Traffic offense, plus SERO: Safety Equipment Repair Order requiring certification of tint in inspection station.
Maryland Window Tint Medical Exemption
In Maryland, the law states that any driver with a medical exemption can tint their car windows to any degree. To get this exemption, you must have a letter from your doctor that specifically states that you need to tint your windows for medical reasons. The letter must include your name, date of birth, and the specific reason why you need to tint your windows. You must also have this letter with you whenever you’re driving, and present it to a police officer if they ask for it.
How to Get Medical Exemption for Window Tint in Maryland?
The process for getting this Maryland Window Tint Exemption Form is fairly simple. You just need to go to your doctor and get a note from them stating that you need the dark tint for medical reasons. Once you have the note, take it to your local motor vehicle office and they will issue you an exemption sticker to put on your car.
Maryland Medical Exemption Requirements
| State | Maryland |
| Statute, regulation, or other sources | MD Code, Transportation, § 22-406 COMAR 29.02.01.11 |
| For whom the exemption may apply | vehicle owner |
| Reason(s) | must be protected from the sun for medical reasons |
| Which windows | |
| Limits on the amount of tint | |
| Certification from medical provider (which type[s] of provider) | a physician licensed to practice medicine in the state |
| Frequency of certification of need | compliance checked at vehicle inspection |
| Document required in vehicle | written certification from physician |
Benefits of Window Tinting
The tint on your car’s window isn’t just a decorative thing; it comes with greater benefits too. So let’s talk about the advantage of coloring your vehicle’s window, shall we?
Prevents the Interior from Fading
While parking our cars, we always look for shades, don’t we? Well, it helps us to maintain the top-notch condition of our car’s exterior.
Likewise, when you use tints on your vehicle’s windows, the interior doesn’t have to face the harshness of the sunlight. Therefore, if you have beautiful leather seats, they are less likely to get damaged!
Blocks UV Rays
You don’t need to get lectured about the harmful effects of UV rays, do you? We all know that applying tons of sunscreen isn’t enough to protect you from damage. And when your car has tinted glasses, you can avert this UV situation pretty gracefully.
Get Better Security
Nothing is worst than people staring at you when you mind your own business in the car. The people in the backseat have to go through this problem more than the drivers. And when you get tinted glasses, you don’t have to go through this annoyance anymore.
Take a Chill Pill
When riding on the hottest summer days, even the AC won’t be enough to cool you down. But if you have tinted windows, you don’t have to worry about sweating anymore!
Cost of Car Window Tint in Maryland
The cost may vary from film to film when it is to tint. For instance, if you want to use a regular classic film for your Sedan, it will cost you up to 150-200 bucks. And when you want something exclusive like ceramic tints, you will need to spend $400 or more!
However, if you don’t have the budget to do the tinting professionally, you can get a DIY tint kit. It will cost you around a hundred bucks, which is a relief!
To know more detail about car tint cost click here.
Maryland, MD Tint Laws FAQ
Is 5% Tint Legal in Maryland?
You can use a 5% tint on the back and rear window of your multi-purpose vehicles. for passenger vehicles 5% tint is illegal.
Is 20% Tint Legal in Maryland?
You can use a 20% tint on the back and rear window of your multi-purpose vehicles. for passenger vehicles 20% tint is illegal.
What is The Darkest legal Tint in Maryland?
35% is the darkest legal tint according to Maryland window tinting laws. For the back & rear windows of multi-purpose vehicles, you can use any tint darkness.
How Much is a Tint Ticket in Maryland?
A tint ticket in Maryland can cost anywhere from $50-$1000. The higher the price, the more severe the tint. The severity of the tint will determine how long it will take for the ticket to be removed from your record.
Secret Tips
How To Pass Inspection With Tinted Windows MD
MD Tint’s law references
Maryland Transportation Code section 22-406: Safety glazing material in motor vehicles
Maryland State Police – Vehicle Equipment FAQs
The Bottom Line
The goal of creating this article was to enlighten you about the Maryland tint laws so you can confidently drive your car through the state. The article you’ve read just now was last updated in 2021. If you think we’ve missed any new information, feel free to contact us anytime you want.
In conclusion, it is important to be familiar with the Maryland window tint laws if you are planning to get your car tinted. While there are some restrictions, the benefits of window tinting make it well worth the effort to follow the guidelines. To learn more about Maryland’s window tinting laws or for assistance finding a qualified installer, visit the website of the Maryland Criminal Justice Information Center.
