Hollywood, MD – Are your windows tinted too dark for state regulations? What happens if you’re given a citation for your dark windows?
The State of Maryland regulates post manufacture window tint film on all motor vehicles registered in the state, according to this press release by the Maryland State Police.
Regulations state that windows can have post manufacture window tint film added to allow up to 35 percent amount of light going through glass, or light transmittance. Tinting regulations are different for the vehicle you are driving.
All vehicles manufactured for sale in the United States come from the factory with some window tinting already in the regulated windows, and most of the regulated glass on vehicles allow between 70 to 75 percent light transmittance. To meet the state requirement of 35 percent, drivers would need to apply 50 percent post manufacture window tint film.
On passenger cars, such as coupes, sedans and station wagons, all windows have to meet the 35 percent light transmittance requirement. The brake light in the back window should not be covered by tint.
With trucks, vans, and SUVs, the only windows regulated on these type of vehicles are the windows immediately left and right of driver. These two windows are the only ones that have to meet the 35 percent mark.
No post manufacture window tint film is allowed on windshield and immediate left and right of driver in any limousines.
On windshields, post manufacture window film can not be placed on the front windshield below the AS1 mark or 5 inches down horizontally from the top of the windshield, whichever is less.
Commercial vehicles–such as dump trucks, over road tractors and tow trucks–can have post manufacture window tint film on the windshield and immediate left and right of driver that reduces the light transmittance below 70 percent.
Did you know that Maryland state law prohibits red, yellow, amber and reflective post manufacture window tint film? And that you can get a medical waiver to have darker tint put on your car?
However, you have to have written certification that details the driver’s medical need for the window tint from a state licensed physician if you do get pulled over for your window tint.
If you receive a Safety Equipment Repair Order (SERO) for window tint, you will need to go to an authorized Maryland inspection station to have it certified.
No police officers are not allowed to certify any SERO for window tint. Even if you remove the tint, it will have to be certified and signed by a Maryland inspection station.
If you receive a SERO for window tint and you have the medical documentation for the waiver you will need to respond to the Maryland State Police Automotive Safety Enforcement Division (ASED) to have the SERO certified.