Understanding the window tint laws in the state where you live is important. Every state has different rules and regulations, and staying informed of your state’s window laws can help you avoid fees and other penalties. If you’re a Maryland resident, check out the window tint laws in your state below:

Window Tint Reflection in Maryland

Window tint is a useful mechanism for reducing glare and heat by reflecting incoming light. However, Maryland law limits how much reflection your window tint can have. Here’s what you need to know about Maryland window tint reflection regulations: 

Permitted Tint Reflection for SUVs and Vans

Front side windows: Windows must not have a mirrored or metallic appearance.

Back side windows: Windows must not have a mirrored or metallic appearance.   

Permitted Tint Reflection for Sedans

Front side windows: Windows must not have a mirrored or metallic appearance.   

Back side windows: Windows must not have a mirrored or metallic appearance. 

Window Tint Darkness in Maryland

Maryland regulates how dark the tint on your vehicle windows can be based on a measurement called Visual Light Transmission, or VLT. VLT is the percentage of visible light allowed through your car windows. The permitted VLT in Maryland depends on the type of vehicle that you drive. Here’s what you need to know:

Permitted Tint Darkness for SUVs and Vans

Windshield: Non-reflective tint with 35% VLT is permitted on the top 5 inches of the windshield, or above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.

Front side windows: Tint must have more than 35% light transmission.

Back side windows: No restrictions.

Rear window: No restrictions.

Permitted Tint Darkness for Sedans

Windshield: Non-reflective tint with 35% VLT is permitted on the top 5 inches of the windshield, or above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.

Front side windows: Tint must have more than 35% light transmission.

Back side windows: Tint must have more than 35% light transmission.

Rear window: Tint must have more than 35% light transmission.

Other Window Tint Rules in Maryland

While Maryland window tint laws mainly pertain to how dark and reflective the tint can be, there are other Maryland you should be familiar with too. 

Certificates: Film manufacturers need to certify the film they sell in Maryland. Drivers should check with the dealer to ensure they are using film that’s certified.

Stickers: Stickers to identify legal tinting are not required. However, they are recommended and if used, should be placed on each tinted window between the film and glass.

Medical Exceptions: Maryland allows medical exemptions that would permit special tint. For more information, see Maryland state law.

Side Mirrors: If the back window is tinted, dual side mirrors are required.

Restricted Colors: Amber, yellow, and red window tint are not permitted.

Penalties: Failure to comply with Maryland tint law may result in a traffic offense, in addition to SERO (Safety Equipment Repair Order), which requires tint to be certified at an inspection station.

Please note: 

Maryland window tint laws were first put into place in 1995. 

The information in this article was last updated in 2023.

Some rules may vary by county, so it’s important to check with your local law enforcement or DMV for more detailed guidelines.

Facts About Maryland

Maryland is located in the eastern region of the United States, and although it is small geographically, it is one of the United States’ most heavily populated states. Maryland borders West Virginia, Virginia, the District of Columbia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Here are a couple of fun facts about Maryland:

Population: 5,884,563 people

Geographic area: 12,407 square miles

Capital: Annapolis

Cities: Annapolis, Baltimore, Cumberland, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Greenbelt, Hagerstown, Hyattsville, Ocean City, Rockville, National Harbor, Laurel, College Park, Bowie, Salisbury, St. Michaels, Havre de Grace, Walden Farms, Bel Air, Upper Marlboro, Takoma Park, Easton, Westminster, Chevy Chase, Montgomery Village, Elkton, Kensington, Landover, Aberdeen, Chestertown, Frostburg, Cambridge, Millersville, Capitol Heights, La Plata, Lanham, Berlin, Oxon Hill, Hanover, Sherbert, Sykesville, Hunt Valley, Oxford, North Beach, Boonsboro, Emmitsburg, Mount Airy, Chesapeake Beach, Boyds, Burkittsville.

Counties: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Saint Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, Worcester.

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References: 

https://www.tinting-laws.com/maryland/