Maryland Car Window Tinting Laws
Driving down the Mid-Atlantic highways during scorching days can be a daunting task, but it becomes more bearable when your car’s windows are tinted. Tinted windows provide several benefits, including reducing glare, heat, and UV rays from the sun, and providing privacy.
However, not all window tints are allowed on Maryland roads. Here is everything you need to know about the Maryland car window tinting laws.
Darkness Requirements for Sedans
When it comes to Maryland car window tinting laws, sedans or coupes are categorized differently from SUVs or vans. For sedans, the law allows a minimum Visible Light Transmission (VLT) of 35% on the front side windows and the back side windows.
VLT refers to the amount of light that penetrates through the window and is expressed as a percentage. This means that your tint should be transparent enough to allow at least 35% of light into the car.
The rear window may have a different VLT, which is not less than 35%. Windshield tinting is not allowed, except for the top five inches of the windshield.
The tint on this area should not be lower than 35% VLT. It’s essential to note that a tinted windshield lower than 35% VLT can reduce visibility, especially at night or in rainy conditions, putting you and other drivers on the road at risk of accidents.
Darkness Requirements for SUVs and Vans
For SUVs and vans, the Maryland car window tinting laws allow a minimum of 35% VLT on the front side windows, back side windows, and the rear window. The rules also stipulate that when the back seat of your vehicle is down, the tint on any back window should be at least 35% VLT.
The same restrictions on windshield tinting for sedans also apply to SUVs and vans.
Reflection Requirements
Maryland also has regulations for the maximum amount of window reflection, also known as metallic or mirrored appearance. The law allows a certain level of reflection on their windows to prevent drivers from being distracted or blinded by reflections from surrounding objects on the road.
Only glasses that reflect not more than 35% of the total light that enters them are allowed.
Other Maryland Tinting Rules and Regulations
There are a few more things to know about Maryland car window tinting laws. Firstly, it is mandatory to have two bright and clear side mirrors if the tinted rear window is limiting clear visibility behind the car.
Secondly, red, yellow, and amber are the only colors allowed in side and rear window tints, and they should not have a metallic or mirrored appearance. Thirdly, the installer should provide a certificate of compliance indicating that the tint meets the standard levels of VLT, reflection, and colors and has attached a sticker with their information for the law enforcement agencies.
There are exceptions to the Maryland Car Window Tinting laws for medical reasons. If a driver has a medical condition that requires additional protection from the sun, such as a lupus patient, they may apply for a medical exemption from the Maryland department of health.
Such a person should display a medical exemption certificate on the car’s front windshield.
Penalties for breaking
Maryland Car Window Tinting Laws
It is an offense to drive a car with illegally tinted windows in Maryland.
Law enforcement officials are trained to identify the specific VLT levels and reflection percentages. If a driver is found to be in violation of these rules, they may be fined between $70 and over $500, have the car’s registration suspended and impounded, or be required to remove the tint.
The penalties increase for repeat offenders.
Maryland State Overview
Maryland is a state located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, bordered to the south by Virginia, to the west by West Virginia, to the north by Pennsylvania, and to the east by Delaware and the Atlantic Ocean. The state is also neighbored by the District of Columbia.
Maryland has several nicknames, including the Old Line State, the Free State, and the Chesapeake Bay State. Maryland is a small state, measuring only 12,407 square miles, making it the 42nd largest in the US.
However, despite its size, Maryland has over 6 million inhabitants, making it the 19th most populous state and the fifth most densely populated in the nation.
The capital city of Maryland is Annapolis, which has a population of approximately 40,000 people.
However, the largest city in Maryland is Baltimore, with over 590,000 residents. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes, Maryland is a great place to live, work, and visit.
In Conclusion
Whether you are a Maryland resident or just passing through, it’s essential to keep abreast of Maryland car window tinting laws to avoid getting any penalties or fines. Always ensure that your window tinting meets the legal requirements set out by the state, and if in doubt, consult a professional installer.
By following these laws, we can all ensure safer and comfortable driving experience, wherever the road may take us.
Maryland Tint Law References
Window tinting is a popular feature that many car owners enjoy for various reasons, including privacy, protection from UV rays, and reducing heat glare. However, before installing window tints on your car, it is essential to understand the laws around tinting.
Here is a closer look at Maryland tint law references, including the sources, updates, and enactment year.
Source and Update Information
Maryland Tinting laws were first enacted in 1995. The laws have since been updated and amended to keep up with changes in technology and safety concerns.
The latest updates to the laws were made in 2023. These laws are designed to regulate the amount of light that passes through vehicle windows, the color of the tint, and the reflectivity of the window film.
The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene regulates window tinting in the state. Its vehicle safety inspection division oversees inspections of all tinted windows to ensure that they comply with the law.
Maryland’s Departments of State Police and Transportation enforce the tint laws on the road.
Enactment Year
Maryland enacted its first window tinting law in 1995, known as the Maryland Transportation Article 22-406(b). According to this law, car window tinting was prohibited on all passenger vehicles, except for medical exemptions authorized by the department of health and mental hygiene.
However, the law was amended in 1996 to allow window tinting on the rear and back windows of some vehicles. The amendment to the law was made to allow car owners the freedom to install tints on rear windows for several reasons, including privacy, comfort, and reducing heat and glare.
The amendment eased the restriction on window tinting by limiting the window tinting level on the front and rear windows. The law also established certain standards on the amount of light that should pass through car windows.
The 1995 law stipulated that tinting should reduce light transmission on the front windows to no less than 35%, excluding the top five inches. The law also required back windows to have at least 35% light transmission.
Since then, the law has been updated, and window tinting restrictions have been softened for some vehicles, such as SUVs and vans, which are now allowed to have a higher level of darkness.
In Conclusion
The Maryland tint law references outline the laws and regulations governing window tinting in Maryland. These laws are critical because they ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians while on the road by promoting visibility, reducing glare and heat, and maintaining color consistency.
Failure to comply with these laws may result in penalties, fines, or removal of window tints, which can cost you a lot. By following the Maryland tint laws, everyone can enjoy the benefits of window tinting without compromising safety.
In conclusion, the Maryland car window tinting laws are in place to ensure driver safety on the roads while still allowing car owners to enjoy the benefits of tinted windows. Sedans, SUVs, and vans have different darkness requirements, and there are regulations for the window reflection and colors.
Failure to comply with these laws can result in penalties, fines, and impounding of the vehicle. The Maryland tint laws were first enacted in 1995, updated in 2023, and are regulated by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and enforced by the Departments of State Police and Transportation.
By following these laws, we can all enjoy the benefits of window tinting while also promoting road safety.