Cars with tinted windows certainly look good. Undoubtedly, tinted windows provide a lot of practical benefits. Besides that, adding window tint to your Maryland vehicle has numerous advantages for you, your comfort, your safety, and the protection of your children. However, it’s critical to ensure that your car complies with Maryland’s norms and regulations.
Maryland’s car window tint laws were proposed in 1995. These laws regulate all post-manufacture window tint film on motor vehicles registered in the state.
Do you desire to know the car window tint laws in Maryland? You are in the right place!
I have compiled the legal information you need to get acquainted with based on Maryland’s car window tint laws in this post.
1. Visible Light Transmission
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is the percentage of visible light allowed to pass through your car windows. In other words, the lower the VLT percentage, the darker the tint.
A dark tint of 5%, for example, would be exceedingly dark. Besides that, Maryland has distinct VLT percentages for front and back windows.
In Maryland, the percentage of light permitted through your film and glass varies greatly between sedans, SUVs, and vans.
Most car glass is regulated to allow 70-75 percent of light in. This is why you will need to use 50 percent post-manufacture window tint film to achieve the normal State minimum of 35 percent light transmission.
# Passengers cars (two-door, four-door, and station wagons)
All windows on these cars must transmit 35 percent of light. Furthermore, the tint must not obscure the brake light in the back window.
Windshield: Non-reflective 35% VLT allowed above AS-1 Line or top 5 inches
Front side windows: 35% VLT
Backside windows: 35% VLT
Rear window: 35% VLT
# Multi-purpose Vehicles
Windshield: Non-reflective 35% VLT allowed above AS-1 Line or top 5 inches
Front side windows: 35% VLT
Backside windows: No limitations
Rear window: No limitations
- Window Tint Reflection
Window tint can reduce heat by reflecting incoming light. Keep in mind that Maryland’s tint regulation allows a specific amount of window reflection.
Let’s examine them:
Tint reflection for sedans:
Front Side windows: No metallic or mirrored appearance.
Back Side windows: No metallic or mirrored appearance.
Tint reflection for SUV and vans:
Front Side windows: No metallic or mirrored appearance.
Back Side windows: No metallic or mirrored appearance.
- Medical Statement
According to the Maryland Transportation Article Title 22, Section 406, a person who has to be protected from the sun for medical reasons is exempted from the 35 percent light transmittance criterion.
This exception applies to all regulated windows below the AS1 mark or 5 inches from the top, except the windshield.
Most importantly, a well-written certification from a licensed physician that entails the need for tinted windows is required before use. In other words, the physician must state the medical necessity for a tinted window and the specific window treatment.
- Certifications and Stickers
When you decide to tint your windows, there are a few things you can do to make sure your legal bases are covered.
Make sure your dealer is using an approved film. Each window tint film manufacturer must confirm that their film is safe to sell in each state, and any dealer selling the correct product should be able to easily present these credentials.
While a sticker is not required in Maryland to prove that a tint is legal, having one will help to avoid any problems. These stickers are placed on each window between the film and the class, making them simple to notice for law enforcement.
Most importantly, Maryland law does not need a label to designate lawful tinting, and itis advised that each tinted window have one between the film and the glass.
- Tint Colors
Maryland’s car window tint law prohibits the use of yellow, red, amber and, reflective (mirrored) post manufacture window tint film.
- Other laws
There are other laws to be aware of and follow if you use window tint on your vehicle.
If you choose to tint your rear glass, double-check that your car has twin side mirrors to compensate for the loss of view.
As stated earlier – avoid amber, yellow, and red tints. These colors are all forbidden in the state. If you require a particular tint for a medical reason, Maryland has exemptions that allow it. However, you will need to check with state laws and specialists for the details and receive permission.
Now that you know Maryland’s essential car window tint laws, let’s examine some benefits of car window tinting.
Benefits of Car Window Tinting
- Reduces Ultraviolet Radiation
While driving, direct exposure to the sun might be harmful to your health. You might be prone to sunburns and other skin disorders In addition to discomfort. It can also induce macular degeneration and cataracts in the eyes.
UV rays are not entirely blocked by standard car window glass. But for optimal Ultraviolet protection, you should get a high-quality automobile window tint. The greatest window tint will block up to 99 percent of harmful UV rays, keeping your skin safe while driving.
- Car Window Tinting Improves Privacy and Security
Different varieties of car window tint in Maryland will provide you and other car owners with increased security and privacy. If you leave valuables in your car, you may rest assured that no one will be enticed to break in.
Tinting your automobile windows improves the security of your vehicle.
Furthermore, car window tinting will provide you with some protection if you’re traveling to places where auto theft is common. You may park your car without fear of a nasty passerby looking inside for valuables. No one may ever know if the automobile is occupied!
On the other hand, car tint should not be used as a substitute for maintaining vigilance with your vehicle. Even if your vehicle is tinted, armed robbers can break in.
When applying this protective coating to your car windows, don’t forget to take safety precautions, especially if you’re traveling in deserted places.