Maryland Window Tint Laws
Maryland police can issue a Safety Equipment Repair Order that forces re-inspection, so an over-dark install costs you twice. Sedans hold 35% everywhere; trucks and SUVs open up in back.
Reviewed July 2026 · Passenger cars (sedans) · SUV/van difference noted below
Legal tint limits in Maryland
| Glass | Rule for passenger cars |
|---|---|
| Windshield | Non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line (top 5 inches). |
| Front side windows | 35% VLT or lighter |
| Back side windows | 35% VLT or lighter |
| Rear window | 35% VLT or lighter |
| Medical exemption | Available with qualifying documentation |
What VLT means (and how police check it)
VLT — Visible Light Transmission — is the percentage of outside light that makes it through your glass. The number printed in the law is a floor: film may be that bright or brighter. Because factory glass already blocks a little light, an officer's meter reads the combineddarkness of glass plus film. A film sold as "35%" on top of factory glass can meter a few points darker — which is why professional installers measure the final result, not the box label.
Quality matters as much as darkness. Dyed films fade purple and bubble; ceramic films like ULTRASHIELD SHADOW reject heat and up to 99% of UV at any legal darkness, with no signal interference — so you get the comfort without gambling on the number.
Maryland tint FAQ
What is the darkest legal tint in Maryland?+
Can I tint my windshield in Maryland?+
Does Maryland allow medical exemptions for darker tint?+
Is ceramic tint legal in Maryland?+
ULTRASHIELD installers in Maryland
Certified shops that install to your state's exact legal limit and register your warranty with CARFAX.
This page summarizes Maryland statute as published and was last reviewed July 2026. It is not legal advice. Laws change and local enforcement varies — confirm current rules with the Maryland DMV before tinting.
Local answers for Maryland drivers
Other states