Window Tint Laws: Understanding Legal Limits in Maryland and Michigan
Understand window tint laws in Maryland and Michigan
Window tinting offer numerous benefits for vehicle owners, from reduce glare and heat to provide privacy and protection from harmful UV rays. Notwithstanding, each state enforces specific regulations regard how dark your window tint can lawfully be. This comprehensive guide cover everything you need to know about window tinting laws in Maryland and Michigan.
What’s Lt , andwhy does it matter?
Before diving into state specific regulations, it’s important to understand what Lt ((isible light transmission ))ean. VltLt the percentage of visible light that pass through your window tint and glass combine. The lower the percentage, the darker the tint appear. For example, a 70 % vlt Ltow 70 % of light to pass through, while a 5 % vlt (Ltch(all ” limo” nt ” ) all” exclusively 5 % of light to pass done, result in a really dark appearance.
Law enforcement officers use special meters to measure Lt percentages during traffic stops to determine if your tint complies with state law.
Source: windowfilmpros.com
Legal window tint in Maryland
Passenger vehicles in Maryland
Maryland’s window tint laws are outline in the Maryland transportation code and apply otherwise base on the type of vehicle and specific windows:
-
Windshield:
Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 5 inches exclusively -
Front side windows:
Must allow more than 35 % of light in (35 % vLtor higher )) -
Backrest side windows:
Must allow more than 35 % of light in (35 % vLtor higher )) -
Rear window:
Must allow more than 35 % of light in (35 % vLtor higher ))
SUVs and vans in Maryland
Maryland applies the same restrictions tSUVsvs and vans as it do to passenger cars:
-
Windshield:
Non-reflective tint allow on the top 5 inches solely -
Front side windows:
Must allow more than 35 % of light in (35 % vLtor higher )) -
Backrest side windows:
Must allow more than 35 % of light in (35 % vLtor higher )) -
Rear window:
Must allow more than 35 % of light in (35 % vLtor higher ))
Additional Maryland tinting regulations
Maryland has several other restrictions and requirements regard window tint:
Source: psychoautos.com
-
Tint reflection:
Maryland law restrict reflective or mirror tint. Window tint can not be more reflective than a standard window. -
Side mirrors:
If the rear window is tint, the vehicle must have dual side mirrors. -
Tint colors:
Red, amber, and yellow tints are prohibited iMarylandnd. -
Certification:
Film manufacturers are not requiredcertifyingy the film they sell inMarylandd. -
Stickers:
No sticker or certificate is required to prove legality of tint.
Medical exemptions in Maryland
Maryland does offer medical exemptions for drivers who need darker window tint for health reasons. To qualify, you must have a certify medical condition that require protection from the sun, such as:
- Lupus
- Xeroderma pigments
- Porphyria
- Severe photosensitivity
To obtain a medical exemption, you need to submit a write certification from a licensed physician or optometrist to the Maryland motor vehicle administration. If approverove, yyou willreceive a special exemption sticker to will display on your vehicle.
Penalties for illegal tint in Maryland
Violating Maryland’s window tint laws can result in:
- Fines start at $70 and potentially increase for repeat offenses
- Being require to remove illegal tint
- Fail vehicle inspection
Legal window tint in Michigan
Passenger vehicles in Michigan
Michigan’s window tint regulations differ importantly from Maryland’s and are governed bMichiganan vehicle code section 257.709. The legal limits for passenger vehicles are:
-
Windshield:
Non-reflective tint is allowed solely on the top 4 inches -
Front side windows:
No tint is allowed on front side window(( must allow 70 % of light i)) -
Backrest side windows:
Any darkness can be use -
Rear window:
Any darkness can be use
SUVs and vans in Michigan
For SUVs, vans, and other multipurpose vehicles, mMichiganallow:
-
Windshield:
Non-reflective tint allow solely on the top 4 inches -
Front side windows:
No tint is allowed on front side window(( must allow 70 % of light i)) -
Backrest side windows:
Any darkness can be use -
Rear window:
Any darkness can be use
Additional Michigan tinting regulations
Michigan has several other important regulations regard window tint:
-
Tint reflection:
Michigan does not specifically regulate the reflectivity of window tint. -
Side mirrors:
Dual side mirrors are required if the rear window is tint. -
Tint colors:
Red, amber, and blue tints are prohibited iMichiganan. -
Certification:
Film manufacturers are not requiredcertifyingy the film they sell inMichigann. -
Stickers:
No sticker or certificate is required to prove legality of tint.
Medical exemptions in Michigan
Like Maryland, Michigan does offer medical exemptions for drivers who need darker window tint due to medical conditions. To qualify, you must have a certify condition such as:
- Lupus
- Melanoma
- Photosensitivity disorders
- Other conditions require protection from sunlight
To obtain a medical exemption in Michigan, you need to submit a write request along with a physician’s statement to the Michigan Secretary of State’s office. If approverove, yyou willreceive documentation to keep in your vehicle to show law enforcement if wif youl question about your tint.
Penalties for illegal tint in Michigan
Violating Michigan’s window tint laws can result in:
- Civil infractions with fines typically between $50 and $$100
- Being require to remove illegal tint
- Potential points on your driving record
Key differences between Maryland and Michigan tint laws
While both states regulate window tinting, there be notable differences that drivers should be aware of:
| Feature | Maryland | Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Front side windows | 35 % Lt or higher | 70 % Lt ((asically no tint )) |
| Rear side windows | 35 % Lt or higher | Any darkness allow |
| Rear window | 35 % Lt or higher | Any darkness allow |
The virtually significant contrast is that Michigan have stricter regulations for front side windows but allow any darkness level for rear windows, while Maryland maintain a consistent 35 % Lt minimum across all windows except the windshield.
Considerations when tint your vehicle
Cross state travel
If you often travel between Maryland and Michigan or other states, it’s important to understand that you must comply with the laws of the state in which you’re drive, not barely your home state. This can create challenges if your vehicle have tint that’s legal in one state but not another.
For drivers who regularly cross state lines, it’s oftentimes safest to comply with the strictest tint laws among the states you visit. In this case, follow Michigan’s front window requirements and Maryland’s rear window requirements would ensure compliance in both states.
Professional installation
Have your windows professionally tint offer several advantages:
- Professional installers are typically knowledgeable about local laws
- Quality installation reduce the risk of bubble or peel
- Many professional installers offer warranties on their work
- They can provide documentation show the Lt percentage of your tint
When select a tint installer, ask if they’re familiar with state regulations and whether they can provide certification of the Lt percentage of the film they install.
Benefits of legal window tint
Evening within legal limits, window tint offer numerous benefits:
-
UV protection:
Legal tint can block up to 99 % of harmful UV rays, protect your skin and vehicle interior -
Heat reduction:
Tint can importantly reduce interior temperatures on hot days -
Glare reduction:
Improve drive safety by reduce glare from sun and headlights -
Privacy:
Regular lighter legal tints provide some level of privacy -
Safety:
Window film help hold shattered glass unitedly in an accident
Common misconceptions about window tint laws
Several misconceptions exist regard window tinting regulations:
Myth: factory tint is invariably legal
Some drivers believe that if their vehicle come with tinted windows from the factory, the tint must be legal in all states. This isn’t inevitably true. While most manufacturers comply with federal regulations, state laws vary, and factory tint could potentially violate local regulations.
Myth: police can’t ticket for tint without measure
Another common misconception is that police officers must measure your window tint with a meter before issue a citation. In reality, officers can issue citations base on visual inspection if they sensibly believe your tint exceed legal limits.
Myth: medical exemptions allow any tint darkness
While medical exemptions do allow for darker tint, they don’t inevitably permit any level of darkness. Exemptions typically have limits and require proper documentation.
How to check if your tint is legal
To determine if your current window tint complies with state law:
-
Use a tint meter:
You can purchase handheld tint meters online for personal use. -
Visit a professional installer:
Many tint shops offer free tint inspection services. -
Check your tint documentation:
If you have your windows professionally tint, the installer should havprovidedde documentation show tLtvlt percentage. -
Visual comparison:
Compare your windows to vehicles with know legal tint, though this is less reliable.
Conclusion
Understand window tint laws in Maryland and Michigan is essential for vehicle owners who want to enjoy the benefits of tinted windows while avoid legal issues. Maryland maintains a consistent 35 %Ltt requirement across all windows (except the windshield ) while miMichiganrohibit tint on front side windows but allow any darkness for rear windows.
Before tint your vehicle, research current regulations, consider cross state travel needs, and consult with professional installers who understand local laws. Remember that medical exemptions are available in both states for those with qualifying conditions, but proper documentation is required.
By follow these guidelines and staying inform about window tint regulations, you can enhance your driving experience while remain compliant with state laws.
