Maryland Laws on Tints
The Maryland tinting laws permit a certain amount of darkness (or "visible light transmission") and reflectivity for window tinting on vehicles. For passenger vehicles, dye or metalized tint must have a light transmittance of 35% or higher. Those with medical conditions may obtain a note from their doctor for a 20% light transmittance. Limousines, vans, and cargo vehicles are allowed a tint of up to 5%, which must be reflective or non-reflective, but not metallic . Windshields of all vehicles must have a tint that is 35% or less and windshield strips must be non-reflective, with a maximum shade of 35%. The tinting degree of the driver, passenger, and rear windows is not restricted for any vehicle, so long as the tint is not metallic.
All tint must be certified and labeled. Exceptions to these tinting laws exist for medical purposes and can only be granted by a judge. Additionally, any rear window tint that affects the view of the car behind you must have a side mirror that is adequate in size to see sufficiently.
Permissible Types of Window Film
The state of Maryland recognizes two types of window tints that satisfy vehicle window tinting laws. These films are called tinted and colorless. Tinted window film is nothing more than polyester material that is dyed a certain color. The only protection provided from this film is in the form of color. Colorless window film on the other hand is more sophisticated in its makeup. The colorless window film has several layers of material. Some film rejections of solar energy are as high as 80%. The negatives are for those that live on the ocean front, which is that the film may be affected by the sun’s rays and the wind.
There are several films used by motorists. In this section of my blog I will discuss some of the more commonly used films.
Metalized film, as the name implies, is a colored polyester that has a metal backing. The polyester is dyed and coated with a metallic color. This window film has higher heat rejection capabilities. It works like a mirror deflecting the sun’s rays away from the vehicle occupant. Metalized films come in a variety of shades and colors. Some of the films may be less appealing, because of color fading.
Carbon film is a plastic with a carbon backing. This type of window film is less shiny than our previous example. In most cases it is dyed completely black. It has a more flat appearance. We use the carbon film on vehicles that do not have rear windows. We can install this type of film on glass windows in your home.
The next type of film is the Carbon/Metalized film. This type of film also has a carbon and metallic backing. It provides us with higher heat rejection properties, yet has a pleasing appearance.
All of the films discussed above are manufactured with color additives. The addition of these color additives is to enhance the appearance of each product. I am familiar with over 300 manufacturers of window films. The products most talked about in the community are the night shades. Night shades are dyed black porous materials that do not provide any heat or UV protection.
Illegal Tints & Implications
When window tint doesn’t meet the visible light transmission standards of Maryland law, there can be penalties. Most commonly, officers handle legal window tinting during a traffic stop. They may issue a citation or a warning, and instruct you to correct the tint. The window film shop that tinted your windows must replace the illegal tint at their cost. If they refuse, the officer may issue the fine directly to you.
That said, Colonel Bill Pallozzi, superintendent of the Maryland State Police, warns that the orgone shop will not face penalties if you excessively darken the tint soon after installation and it’s detected in inspections. "It would be confusing to the public if a felony could result in a misdemeanor charge," he tells the StarDem.com.
Although it seems logical that local agencies would use the same tinting standards, Montgomery and Prince George’s County’s agencies have their own tint regulations. The Frederick and Montgomery Police departments have a collaborative program with local tinting shops. Participating retailers use a computer program to test your vehicle and print a receipt. This report verifies that your vehicle’s tint meets the VLT standards for Maryland.
Under Maryland law, motor vehicles are exempt from inspection, however, they must pass safety inspections to register a vehicle or acquire a title. If your vehicle is exempt from inspection by the MVA and is stopped during the monitoring period, the officer may check the window tint and utilize a tint meter to determine the total visible light transmittance. If authorized members of the Maryland State Police or local police departments find that your vehicle is illegal due to window tint failure, you have 30 days to get your tint inspected by any authorized testing center. If your tint passes the tests, you can file a Statement of Compliance (MV-400A) with the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court for the county that issued your vehicle title or registration.
If you continue driving with illegal tint, you may be subject to additional fines and re-inspection fees.
Exceptions to the Tint Law
Exemptions for Factory Tints and Medical tints on Windows in Maryland
Maryland has exemptions in place for certain types of tint on windows. In particular, tinted glass windows that are provided and installed by the original vehicle manufacturer are not covered by the tinting law. This extends to dark glass windows, as factory tinted windows are generally a darker tint than we have ever seen, and they are exempt from the law. Although factory tint is legal, you cannot apply new tint on top of the legal tint. So, if your vehicle has a factory tint that is already perfectly legal, you cannot add another tint film on top without violating the tint laws. In short, factory tint is OK and exempt from the tint laws, but you cannot apply a second tint layer of window film.
The tinting laws also feature exemptions for those who have legitimate medical reasons for needing darker or reflective film on their vehicle windows. These exemptions only apply to the windshield, front side windows, and the rear window . No exceptions or exemptions exist for those individuals who want to have a second layer of tint applied to the windows, and this is plainly prohibited whether or not the tint is for medical reasons. The tinted window exemption for medical reasons does, however, allow you to have tinted front windows or a tinted windshield if you have a documented medical need to have tinted windows for health reasons. That means you must first have a doctor’s note that explains your need for tinted windows and a medical exemption, in addition to the details on where to place the window tint. This is how the medical exemption works in Maryland regarding tint laws.
You must file an application for a medical exemption with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. This form includes a list of possible exemptions for tint alcohol and drug abuse, behavioral health, chronic illness, developmental disabilities, infectious disease, intellectual disability, mental health disorders, and substance abuse. If you don’t fit into any of those categories, then you are out of luck here in Maryland. You simply cannot apply for exemptions unless your reason for the exemption matches to those situations above.
How To Choose A Legal Tint
For Maryland vehicle owners looking to choose a legal tint that complies with state law, there are several options available. The following tips can assist in navigating the process of selecting a tint that adheres to Maryland regulations.
Firstly, selecting a trusted and experienced provider is essential to ensuring compliance with the law. A reputable provider will be well-versed in Maryland’s tinting laws and able to answer any questions upfront, as well as provide documentation of compliance. It is important to ensure that the provider only uses legal tint options for the front windshield and the front two side windows. Additionally, with regard to the back side windows and the rear window, it is the responsibility of the owner of the vehicle to ensure that the tint used on the rear of the vehicle meets the law. Because of this responsibility, it is the owner’s obligation to verify compliance, as well.
It should be noted, however, that some companies may also offer tint that is darker than what Maryland law allows. This should be avoided at all costs, as the penalties for using illegal tint are significant and can result in up to a $90 fine for each offense of illegal tint. Making sure to look only at legal tint options is essential, and ensuring that the provider only sells legal tint can help prevent any unnecessary issues.
Once the tint is in place, Maryland vehicle owners should familiarize themselves with the process for checking their solarscopic tint. Having access to a solarscope compliant with Maryland regulations can assist in doing so. According to state law, the only two devices that are accepted are the QT-2700 and QT-2800 spectrophotometer. It is a good idea to keep one of these devices in the vehicle at all times to be sure that the tint remains in compliance with the law.
Before purchasing tint for a vehicle, it is also important to keep in mind that getting the windows tinted by the provider of choice is the sole responsibility of the vehicle owner. When the window tint is placed and it does not pass inspection, the vehicle owner is responsible for ensuring that it is removed until it is legal. If the window tint does not meet the requirements for traffic safety, the vehicle must be replaced, or the tinted window must be removed. It is for these reasons that the proactive steps of using a reliable tint provider and examining the compliance via a solution should be taken into account.
In summary, choosing a legal tint for a vehicle in Maryland begins with finding a trusted provider to add tint to the front windshield, window side and the windshield of the vehicle. It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to check for compliance, choose only legal options to avoid having to incur the penalties for illegal tint.
What’s Ahead For Maryland Tint Laws
Recent years have seen a number of legislative efforts across the country to modify tint laws, and Maryland has been no exception. Milestone legislation over the years has expanded Maryland’s permissible window tint darkness on the rear windows, and more recently on the front side windows. Efforts remain for the introduction of legislation permitting a tint exemption for individuals with medical conditions.
Technological advancements also promise to play at least a small role in tinting laws going forward. A number of states have begun using tinted cameras in addition to light meters to measure the levels of light coming through auto glass, which has tended to result in tougher enforcement of tint laws . And an electromagnetic window tint developed by a number of companies, which tints at the flick of a switch, is already on the market, although only for automotive side windows at this time, and not the windshield.
There remains, however, an ongoing debate as to whether a broad change in tinting laws is likely in the future. One prominent expert on the topic recently suggested that it is unlikely that states will pass broad legislation permitting darker tint in the absence of an overwhelming effort on the part of a number of manufacturers, or perhaps even tint enthusiasts. In the meantime, states like Maryland and their residents will continue to live under existing tint laws.