Maryland Window Tint Laws
Maryland requires 35% VLT on every side and rear window of passenger cars; multipurpose vehicles and trucks are limited only on the front side windows.
Maryland Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Maryland Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Maryland vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | AS-1 or 5" | AS-1 or 5" |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 35% | 35% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | 35% | Any darkness |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 35% | Any darkness |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in Maryland
Operating a vehicle with tint darker than statutory limits is classified as a misdemeanor. Citations escalate significantly upon repeat violations:
First Conviction
Classified as a misdemeanor with a fine up to $100 and/or up to 10 days in jail.
Second Conviction
Fine of up to $200 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
Third Conviction
Criminal citation with a fine up to $300 and/or up to 3 months in jail (within 1 year).
Maryland Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
§22-406 does not require side mirrors.
Prohibited Tint Colors
§22-406 has no color restrictions.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
§22-406 does not require a label or compliance certificate.
Medical Tint Exemptions
Written certificate from a Maryland-licensed physician, in the format of the State Police ASED, kept in the vehicle. Valid for the time the physician states, up to 2 years, or indefinitely if the condition is permanent. Someone else may drive if they carry the certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Maryland? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Maryland, front side windows must allow at least 35% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow 35%, and the rear window requires 35%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow Any darkness.
Can you tint the front windshield in Maryland? +
Under Maryland law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: AS-1 or 5" (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Maryland? +
While law enforcement in Maryland enforces the state vehicle code (Md. Code, Transp. §22-406(i)), officers generally extend interstate reciprocity to visiting motorists whose vehicles comply with the legal tint statutes of their home registration state. However, if the tint is excessively dark and prevents officers from seeing the driver, you can still be stopped for safety verification.
Is 20% or 5% (limo tint) legal in Maryland? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Maryland because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 35% VLT. On SUVs, trucks, and vans, 20% or 5% limo tint is legally permissible only on the windows behind the driver (rear sides and back window).
How do police test window tint in Maryland, and is there an official tolerance? +
Police officers and state troopers use handheld, certified light meters that slide over the roll-down window to measure total net light transmission. Maryland statutes recognize a Not specified. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Maryland allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Maryland permits medical tint waivers for individuals with certified photosensitivity or UV-reactive conditions (such as lupus or porphyria). An official affidavit signed by a licensed physician must be approved and carried in the vehicle at all times.
Do I need a compliance certification sticker on my windows in Maryland? +
A compliance label between the glass is not legally mandated in Maryland, but the vehicle must be capable of passing an optical light meter test during routine traffic stops or state inspections.
What are the penalties and fines for illegal window tint in Maryland? +
Driving with non-compliant tint is classified as a traffic infraction or misdemeanor. First convictions carry fines starting around $100 plus court costs, typically accompanied by a 'fix-it' compliance order requiring removal or replacement of the illegal film.
Top-Rated Window Tint Shops in Maryland
Certified installers guaranteeing 100% compliance with statutory VLT standards and state certification labels.
Mystery Tintress Window Tinting
📍 Baltimore, MD
BTG Window Tint & Tag and Title
📍 Pasadena, MD
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