What Is The Legal Tint In Maryland?
If you are a car owner in Maryland, you might be wondering about the legality of window tints. Window tinting is a popular trend among car owners, and it offers a range of benefits, including UV protection, enhanced privacy, and improved aesthetics. However, it is essential to know the laws and regulations regarding window tinting in your state to avoid getting a ticket or citation. In this article, we will explore the legal tint in Maryland and everything you need to know about it.
What is Window Tinting?
Window tinting involves applying a thin film to the windows of a car to reduce the amount of light that enters the vehicle. This film is made up of several layers, including an adhesive layer, a scratch-resistant layer, a UV protection layer, and a tinted layer. The thickness of the film varies depending on the level of tinting desired, and it can be applied to the side, rear, and front windows of a car.
Why Do People Tint their Windows?
Window tinting offers several benefits that make it a popular trend among car owners. Some of these benefits include:
UV Protection
Window tinting can block up to 99% of the sun's harmful UV rays, protecting the occupants of the car from skin damage and eye strain.
Enhanced Privacy
Window tinting can provide privacy for the occupants of the car by making it difficult for outsiders to see inside the vehicle.
Improved Aesthetics
Window tinting can enhance the look of a car by giving it a sleek and stylish appearance. It can also hide any imperfections on the windows, such as scratches or cracks.
Reduced Heat
Window tinting can reduce the amount of heat that enters the car, making it more comfortable for the occupants and reducing the need for air conditioning.
What is the Legal Tint in Maryland?
In Maryland, the laws regarding window tinting are regulated by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA). The legal tint in Maryland varies depending on the type of vehicle and the location of the windows.
Passenger Cars
For passenger cars, the legal tint in Maryland is as follows:
- The front windshield must allow at least 35% of light to pass through.
- The front side windows must allow at least 35% of light to pass through.
- The rear side windows and the back window can have any level of tinting.
It is important to note that the 35% requirement refers to the amount of visible light transmission (VLT), which is the amount of light that passes through the window and is visible from the outside. This means that the tint cannot be darker than 35% VLT.
SUVs, Vans, and Trucks
For SUVs, vans, and trucks, the legal tint in Maryland is slightly different:
- The front windshield must allow at least 35% of light to pass through.
- The front side windows must allow at least 35% of light to pass through, but there is no restriction on the tinting of the rear side windows and the back window.
What Happens if You Have Illegal Tinting?
If you have illegal window tinting in Maryland, you could be subject to a fine and a citation. The fine for illegal tinting can range from $70 to $500, depending on the severity of the violation. In addition, you may be required to remove the tinting or replace it with a legal tint.
How to Measure Window Tinting?
If you are unsure about the level of tinting on your windows, you can use a VLT meter to measure the amount of light that passes through the window. This is a handheld device that measures the percentage of light that passes through the window and can determine whether the tinting is legal or not.
Conclusion
Window tinting is a popular trend among car owners, but it is essential to know the laws and regulations regarding window tinting in Maryland to avoid getting a ticket or citation. The legal tint in Maryland varies depending on the type of vehicle and the location of the windows. For passenger cars, the front windshield and front side windows must allow at least 35% of light to pass through, while the rear side windows and back window can have any level of tinting. For SUVs, vans, and trucks, the front windshield and front side windows must also allow at least 35% of light to pass through, but there is no restriction on the tinting of the rear side windows and back window.