Maryland VLT limits in 2026, by vehicle type
Maryland measures window tint by Visible Light Transmission, or VLT — the percentage of visible light that passes through the film and the glass combined. A lower number means a darker window. The legal limit depends on whether your vehicle is registered as a sedan (passenger car) or as an SUV, van, or light truck (multipurpose passenger vehicle).
| Vehicle type | Windshield | Front sides | Rear sides | Rear window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans / Passenger cars | Top 5″ or AS-1 line, non-reflective | ≥ 35% VLT | ≥ 35% VLT | ≥ 35% VLT |
| SUVs, vans, light trucks (MPV) | Top 5″ or AS-1 line, non-reflective | ≥ 35% VLT | Any darkness* | Any darkness* |
*SUVs, vans, and light trucks may use any darkness on the rear side and rear windows only if the vehicle has dual side mirrors. Maryland Code, Transportation §22-406 is the controlling statute.
The windshield rule (the AS-1 line)
The AS-1 line is a small marking etched into most factory windshields that indicates how far down the manufacturer expected light to be allowed through. Maryland lets you apply non-reflective tint above that line, or in the top 5 inches if your windshield doesn't have an AS-1 mark.
- The strip cannot be reflective, mirrored, or chrome.
- It cannot be red, amber, or yellow.
- It cannot block the area in front of the third (high-mount) brake light on the rear window.
Color and reflectivity rules
Maryland prohibits films that change the visible color of the window or that reflect light like a mirror. That rules out red, yellow, amber, "sparkling," one-way, and chrome-finish films across every window — front and rear. Standard charcoal or smoke-tone ceramic and carbon films are fine.
What happens if your tint is illegal
Maryland State Police and most county departments use VLT meters to verify tint at a traffic stop or inspection. Illegal tint typically results in:
- A traffic citation, usually $70–$90 depending on county.
- A Safety Equipment Repair Order (SERO) requiring you to remove or correct the tint and re-inspect at an authorized station.
- Ignoring a SERO can escalate to fines up to $1,000 and registration holds.
The 2025–2026 medical exemption update
Effective October 1, 2025, under SB 707 / HB 436, Maryland drivers with permanent medical conditions can apply for an indefinite tint exemption. Previously, certificates expired every two years even for permanent conditions, forcing renewals.
How to qualify
- A Maryland-licensed physician completes form MSP ASED 23-04B and signs under penalty of perjury.
- Submit the form to the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division of the Maryland State Police.
- Carry a copy of the certification in the vehicle.
What the waiver does and doesn't allow
- Allows tint below 35% VLT on regulated windows (front sides, rear sides, rear).
- Does not allow tint below the AS-1 line or below the top 5 inches of the windshield.
- Does not override color or reflectivity rules — no red, amber, yellow, mirrored, or sparkling films.
- Does not cover sensitivity that can be solved with sunglasses, per the MSP guidelines.
How RBS Wraps & Tint installs to MD spec
Every car that leaves our shop in Derwood is verified with a calibrated VLT meter on each regulated window before pickup. Our default ceramic and carbon installs use 35% VLT on front sides so you stay legal across Montgomery County, Howard County, and the rest of Maryland — and we'll write it on your invoice.
- Default front side: 35% VLT (legal, non-reflective ceramic or carbon).
- Default rear sides and rear: 20% or 5% on SUVs / trucks (legal); 35% on sedans.
- AS-1 / 5-inch windshield strip available on request, non-reflective.
- If you have a medical waiver, bring the form and we'll match the level your physician approved.
What is the legal window tint percentage in Maryland?
Maryland law requires at least 35% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) on the front side, rear side, and rear windows of sedans. SUVs, vans, and light trucks must keep 35% VLT on the front side windows; the rear sides and rear window can be any darkness if the vehicle has dual side mirrors.
Can you tint the windshield in Maryland?
Only above the AS-1 line — or the top 5 inches of the windshield, whichever is lower. The strip must be non-reflective and cannot be red, amber, or yellow. Full-windshield tint is not permitted, even with a medical waiver.
Is 20% tint legal in Maryland?
20% tint is not legal on regulated windows for sedans (front side, rear side, or rear window) without a medical exemption. SUVs, vans, and light trucks may use 20% on the rear side and rear windows but must keep 35% VLT on the front sides.
What is the fine for illegal tint in Maryland?
A standard tint citation typically runs $70–$90 depending on the county. Officers usually issue a Safety Equipment Repair Order (SERO) requiring you to remove or correct the tint. Ignoring a SERO can lead to fines up to $1,000 and registration issues.
How do I get a medical exemption for darker tint in Maryland?
A Maryland-licensed physician completes form MSP ASED 23-04B certifying that aftermarket tint below 35% VLT is medically beneficial. Effective October 1, 2025 (under SB 707 / HB 436), drivers with permanent conditions can receive an indefinite exemption rather than renewing every two years. Color and windshield rules still apply.
Does Maryland allow mirrored or reflective tint?
No. All aftermarket window tint in Maryland must be non-reflective. Mirrored, chrome, sparkling, or one-way films are prohibited regardless of VLT level.