Updated at: 04-06-2022 - By: Lucas

Window tinting is a good idea for many reasons. It keeps your car cool on hot summer days, protects your car’s interior from sun damage, and hides valuables if someone tries to look through the window.

But tinted windows can also be dangerous, especially at night when you’re driving.

This is why there are limits on how much window tinting can be done in Maryland.

But how much is allowed by the law?

Before we can answer this question, we need to look at how window tints are measured.

How is Window Tint Measured?

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Visible Light Transmission, or VLT, is a way to measure window tint in Maryland.

This is the amount of light that can get through both the tinted film and the window glass in Maryland. The tint gets darker as the percentage number goes down.

How Much Window Tint is Allowed?

So, that’s how we figured out the tint on the windows.

But what is the right amount of window tint?

Different kinds of cars in Maryland have different amounts of window tint.

The top 5 inches of the windshield of a sedan can have a tint that doesn’t reflect light, but the glass must be clear below that. Other windows on a sedan, like the front, side, and back windows, can’t be more than 35 percent VLT darker. The top 5 inches of the windshield of a sedan can have a tint that doesn’t reflect light, but the glass must be clear below that. Other windows on a sedan, like the front, side, and back windows, can’t be more than 35 percent VLT darker. The top 5 inches of the windshield of an SUV can have a tint that doesn’t reflect light. But the windshield and the front windows must have a VLT of at least 35%. But the back windows and windshield can be as dark as the owner of the car wants. The top 5 inches of a van’s windshield can be tinted, but like sedans, the front windows and windshield can’t be more than 35 percent darker. All rear windows can be different in how dark they are.

The top 5 inches of the windshield of a sedan can have a tint that doesn’t reflect light, but the glass must be clear below that. Other windows on a sedan, like the front, side, and back windows, can’t be more than 35 percent VLT darker.

The top 5 inches of the windshield of a sedan can have a tint that doesn’t reflect light, but the glass must be clear below that. Other windows on a sedan, like the front, side, and back windows, can’t be more than 35 percent VLT darker.

The top 5 inches of the windshield of an SUV can have a tint that doesn’t reflect light. But the windshield and the front windows must have a VLT of at least 35%. But the back windows and windshield can be as dark as the owner of the car wants.

The top 5 inches of a van’s windshield can be tinted, but like sedans, the front windows and windshield can’t be more than 35 percent darker. All rear windows can be different in how dark they are.

Different standards apply to vehicles that can be used for more than one thing, like class E trucks and limousines.

The front and side windows of these cars can only be tinted up to 35%.

But no car, passenger or not, can have tinted windows that are red, orange, yellow, or reflective.

Following the law in Maryland should be easy, since everyone who works on cars has to follow the same rules.

How Reflective Can Tint Be?

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The amount of tint on a car can vary, but Maryland’s laws on reflective tint are much more consistent.

No sedan, SUV, or van can have front or back side windows that are mirrored or have tint that reflects light.

Can You Get Pulled Over for Tint in Maryland?

Yes, that’s the answer.

If your windows look too dark or the police think they are lower than what the law allows, you could be pulled over and given a ticket.

Can You Get Pulled Over Outside of Maryland?

Again, yes is the answer.

Not all states have the same laws about window tinting, so if you’re going on vacation in a car with tinted windows, pay attention.

Most states tend to follow the laws of the state where the car is registered.

As long as your car is registered in Maryland and meets the state’s laws about window tint, you should be fine.

Just be sure to bring the registration with you.

Are There Exceptions?

Absolutely.

Tint restrictions are rare, but you may not have to follow them if you have a medical condition that keeps you from being in the sun, like photophobia, or any other condition that does the same.

Since this will almost certainly get you pulled over for tint violation, you’ll need to keep proof of the medical exemption in the car at all times.

The best way to avoid getting pulled over is to make sure your window tint meets the law in Maryland.

A special tool called a “tint-meter” is the only reliable way to figure out how dark your window tint is.

You can test your tint with these at local police stations, but most people don’t drive there to make sure their tint is up to code.

On the other hand, many businesses that tint windows have this tool and can help you make sure that your windows meet the law in Maryland after they are tinted.

What Happens if You Violate Maryland Window Tint Law?

If you get pulled over in Maryland and get a ticket for illegal window tint, you’ll get a Safety Equipment Repair Order (SERO).

The document, which looks like a traffic ticket, will tell you what rules you broke.

It says that you have to fix the problem and have the car checked to make sure it meets the rules.

After the repairs are done, you must take the SERO to “a police-authorized inspection station” to make sure that the tinting is legal (or to confirm no tinting).

Once the new windows are approved, you have 30 days to give the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division the approval (ASED).

Other Maryland Tinting Rules

Cars with tinted back windows must have two side mirrors on each side.

All tinted film must be approved by the state. Those who want to tint their car’s windows should make sure that their dealer uses certified film.

There must be a legal tinting sticker between the film and the window glass.

Windshield tint that is less than 5 inches is not allowed, and neither are tinted brake or headlights.

Even though the law is clear, how it is enforced may vary from county to county in Maryland when it comes to window tinting.

Contacting your local police department for the county policy on tinted windows will help ensure you follow the rules at all times.