The Lowdown on Automotive Window Tint in MD: Laws and Penalties

What Are Maryland’s Tinting Requirements?

The rules governing the use of car window tint in Maryland are as follows:
Windshield: Non-reflective tint is permitted above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or above a point four (4) inches above the top of the driver and passenger side windows. A non-reflective tint strip is permitted above this line.
Driver/Passenger windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
Rear Window: Must allow more than 20% of light in.
All reflected materials must be limited to a total reflectance of 20% or less.
Side mirrors: Side mirrors are required if rear window is tinted.
Other Rules:
Colors of film on vehicle windows other than the windshield, which are permitted by state law, are not required. However, any color appearing on the window of the vehicle must allow a minimum of 20% of light to pass through the window .
Transport Companies Licensees may not install metalized or non-metalized window film unless it meets the reflecting and transmission standards established by the MDOT regulations.
Exceptions
MDOT does not require an exemption sticker for the application of window tint to a motor vehicle when: 1) the individual applying for the exemption sticker is certified by a physician or other licensed medical professional to have a medical need for window tint; or 2) the window tint was applied by the manufacture at the time of manufacture for the purpose of reducing ultraviolet light transmittal. However, certain non-passenger vehicles may apply for an exemption sticker with trailer size providing proof from the manufacturer that the window tint on the windshield is manufactured and installed at the manufacturer facility (not aftermarket).

How to Test for Tint Intensity

Car tint darkness is measured with a device called a window tint meter. For the user, it is as simple as holding the device in contact with the window and making sure that it is within the allowed area for measurement. In Maryland, for the rear and back windows, it is the area above the manufacturer’s tint line. There is no restriction on darkness for the rear windows of SUV(s) and vans. The meter will measure and display a percentage that tells the user if the tint is legal or not.
There are two basic brands of tint meters that are readily available to both owners and the police. Tint meters can be purchased online or at an auto body supply store. At the time of this writing, tint meters were available online for as little as $99.00 or at local auto body stores for about $186.00.
In defending against a violation of the tint statute, a lawyer can argue that there are a number of reasons why a tint meter may not be giving the correct percentage. The tint could not be applied properly and not laying flat, or there could be dirt or debris on the surface of the window. The meter is only as good as the person operating it. Proper training in the use of the device can help prevent inaccurate readings.

Penalties for Illegal Window Tint

In Maryland, there can be simply varying degrees of punishment for those who get caught driving around in a vehicle with illegal window tinting. The initial offense starts out with a simple $83.00 fine (which is the original citation cost). However, if you are caught repeatedly getting in trouble for illegal tint, the fine can escalate.
Repeated offenders can be charged with a subsequent fine of $100.00 for the second offense, $150.00 for the third offense, and $250.00 for the fourth offense and any thereafter. Not to mention that you will be ordered to remove the tint and subject to further fines for failing to comply with the tint removal order. A violation of these rules for their tint is considered a civil infraction, which means that you would not get any points added onto your license. However, an exemption can be made and excess points can be imposed if the tint was placed on the windshield of your vehicle.
It is important to know that officers typically do not have to wait until you are stopped in order to pull you over for illegal tint, if they observe that your tint is too dark, they have the right to pull you over immediately. In some cases, an officer will simply issue a citation without ever having to pull you over directly. However, if you happen to be driving around with illegal tint, it is important to know these things as you could be subject to penalties.

Advantages of Having Legal Tint

The benefits of adhering to legal tint guidelines for your car windows in Maryland cannot be overstated. Ensuring that your tint is applied properly and in compliance with local laws can significantly reduce the risk of accidents on the road by allowing for maximum visibility when driving. This enhanced visibility offers a substantial safety advantage, particularly on the busy and often congested roads throughout Maryland.
Furthermore, having legally compliant tint can help to control the temperature inside of your vehicle during the hot summer months. The adhesive qualities of the tint can help to keep your car’s interior at a comfortable level, relieving some of the burden on your air conditioning system and ultimately helping you save money on gas over time .
In addition, following the legal tint limits in Maryland can assist in providing a more peaceful and relaxing driving experience. By blocking out unwanted sunlight and heat, tinted windows help to create a space more conducive to conversation, music, or simply enjoying the scenery outside.
Finally, using window tint is also beneficial for your health. The sun’s rays contain ultra-violet (UV) rays, which can damage your skin even on cloudy days. Having tinted windows can cut down on the amount of UV rays that you’re exposed to while driving, which can help to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer or other skin problems, including premature aging and brown spots.
These advantages to using tint that conforms to legal standards are just a few of the many reasons why it is so important to ensure that you choose the proper level of tint for your vehicle.

Choosing the Right Tint Vendor

When selecting a car tint service in Maryland, it’s crucial to choose one that adheres to the legal guidelines for window tinting in the state. This means selecting a company that uses only the type and level of tint that are permitted by law. Any reliable tinting service will be fully versed in Maryland’s regulations and be able to ensure that your windows are tinted within the legal limit.
The type of tint is just as important as its degree of reflectiveness and rate of visible light transmission. Tint can vary from shades of grey and cool black to other colors and hues. A reputable tint service will not only know the limits of tint that your vehicles’ windows can be tinted and the degree of reflectiveness. The service will also have specific recommendations regarding the type of tint that is both compliant with the law and will suit your particular vehicle’s windows and your personal style preferences .
In addition to having knowledge of Maryland’s laws and regulations as they pertain to window tint and the types of available window tint, any reputable tinting service should be able to offer a warranty on their work and on the tint installed on your car or truck. Since UV rays from the sun can damage cars and trucks, window tint can play a role in protecting the vehicles’ interior from sun damage. Reputable window tinting services offer warranties that range from 1-year limited to lifetime warranties on their workmanship and products.
Additionally, any reputable tinting service you choose should provide you with information regarding the care of your tinted windows. Quality window tinting can play an important part in protecting your vehicle from sun damage, but you’ll need to carefully clean your windows to keep those tint protectors looking good for many years. The ink or other dye used on some tint films can be washed away if you use certain kinds of glass cleaners on them. A reputable window tint service will be able to tell you how to properly clean your tinted windows.