Maryland tint law
Maryland window tint law, explained
Maryland measures tint by VLT, the percentage of visible light that passes through the glass and film together. Here's what's allowed on each window of your car, SUV or truck.
At a glance
Maryland tint limits by vehicle
| Window | Sedan, coupe, wagon | SUV, van, pickup |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Top strip only: above the AS-1 line or top 5 inches, whichever is less | Top strip only: above the AS-1 line or top 5 inches, whichever is less |
| Front side windows | 35% minimum | 35% minimum |
| Rear side windows | 35% minimum | Any darkness |
| Back glass | 35% minimum | Any darkness |
| Colors | Red, yellow, amber, sparkling and mirror-reflective tints are not allowed | |
The SUV, van and pickup rules apply to multipurpose vehicles and trucks rated 10,000 lbs GVWR or less. Source: Maryland State Police vehicle equipment FAQ. This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice.
What does 35% VLT mean?
VLT stands for visible light transmission. A 35% film lets 35% of visible light through. Lower numbers are darker: 5% is "limo" tint, 70% is barely noticeable. Because factory glass is already slightly tinted, the reading through glass and film together is what counts.
Why SUVs can go darker in back
Maryland treats SUVs, vans and pickups as multipurpose vehicles. Only the driver and front passenger windows must meet the 35% limit; rear side windows and back glass can be any shade. Sedans and coupes don't get that exception.
What if my tint is too dark?
Police can stop you for tint that's darker than allowed, and you may be ordered to fix it. The fix is usually removing the film and installing a legal shade. We do both, and we meter the result so you have a clean reading.
Medical exemptions
Drivers with certain medical conditions may qualify for an exemption that allows darker tint. Talk to your doctor and the Maryland MVA about the process before you tint darker than the limits above.
Bought a car from out of state?
Tint that was legal in another state may not pass in Maryland. Stop by and we'll meter your windows for free so you know where you stand.
Questions
Common questions
Don't see yours? Call the shop at (301) 210-0800.
How dark can I tint my windows in Maryland?
On sedans, coupes and station wagons, every tinted window must let through at least 35% of light. On SUVs, vans and pickups, only the front side windows must meet 35%; rear windows can be any darkness.
Is 20% tint legal in Maryland?
On the rear side windows and back glass of an SUV, van or pickup, yes. On any front side window, or on any window of a sedan or coupe, no.
Is limo tint (5%) legal in Maryland?
Only on the rear side windows and back glass of SUVs, vans and pickups.
Can I tint my windshield in Maryland?
Only a strip at the top: above the AS-1 line or within the top 5 inches, whichever is less.
Can you check if my tint is legal?
Yes. Stop by the shop at 13549 Baltimore Ave in Laurel and we'll meter it.
Hallstar Tint · Laurel, MD
Ready when you are
Call, stop by the shop on Route 1, or send a quote request. We'll give you a price and the next open appointment.