As you get ready to hit the roads in Delaware, you’re probably wondering what the rules are in regard to window tinting. You’ve got questions about how dark you can go, what’s allowed on which windows, and what the consequences are if you don’t comply.
Delaware’s got specific regulations in place to guarantee safety on the roads. You’ll need to know the ins and outs of visible light transmission, certification stickers, and what’s prohibited. So, are you prepared to navigate the nuances of Delaware’s window tinting laws in respect to these regulations?
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Window Tint Laws and Regulations
In regards to window tint laws and regulations in Delaware, the rules are relatively straightforward and permissive compared to other states.
You’re allowed to have non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line on windshields, and factory-installed window tint on front side windows as long as it’s rated at 70% visible light transmission or lighter.
Rear side windows and rear windows can have any darkness window tint, but it can’t be reflective or metallic. You can choose from any color of window tint, but metallic and mirrored tints aren’t allowed.
Law enforcement will be looking for a sticker on your driver’s side window, which must be plainly visible and legible, to certify your window tint meets Delaware’s regulations.
Automotive Window Tint Simulator
Move the slider above to see how dark the tint will look. Usually, the actual tint will appear with 0-5% variation than what you see here.
Window Tint Darkness and Reflection
When it comes to window tint darkness, you need to guarantee you’re meeting Delaware’s requirements.
The state allows any darkness on rear windows, but you’ll need to maintain a minimum of 70% visible light transmission for factory-installed tint on front side windows.
Additionally, you’ll need to avoid metallic or mirrored reflections on both front and back side windows to certify safe driving conditions.
Window Tint Darkness
Your vehicle’s windows are a crucial aspect of your driving experience, and the darkness of your window tint can greatly impact your visibility on the road. In Delaware, the window tint darkness regulations vary depending on the type of vehicle and window.
| Vehicle Type | Window Location | Darkness Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Sedans | Front Side | No aftermarket tint |
| Sedans | Back Side and Rear | Any darkness allowed |
| SUVs and Vans | Front Side | No aftermarket tint |
| SUVs and Vans | Back Side and Rear | Any darkness allowed |
For sedans, SUVs, and vans, Delaware prohibits aftermarket tint on front side windows, except for factory-installed tint with a visible light transmission of 70% or lighter. The state allows any darkness of window tint on rear side and rear windows for all vehicles.
Window Reflection Rules
Delaware’s window reflection rules guarantee that your vehicle’s window tint doesn’t pose a hazardous mirror-like effect on the road.
You’re allowed to install non-reflective tint on your front windshield, ensuring that the tint reflection doesn’t obstruct your view or that of other drivers.
In terms of the front side windows, you can opt for any darkness level, as long as the tint doesn’t exceed the maximum allowed light transmission.
According to Delaware’s window tint rules, the focus is on safety, ensuring that your vehicle’s tint doesn’t cause glare or distractions on the road.
In the context of these rules, you can enjoy the benefits of window tinting while maintaining a safe driving experience.
Other Delaware Window Tint Rules
Typically, law enforcement officers in Delaware will use a tint meter to measure the light transmission of your vehicle’s windows. They’ll check the VLT (Visible Light Transmission) percentage to verify it meets Delaware’s window tint laws.
| Window Type | VLT Percentage |
|---|---|
| Side windows (factory-installed tint) | 70% or more |
| Side windows (aftermarket tint) | 70% or more |
| Rear window (any tint) | No restrictions |
Medical Exemptions and Violations
You may be wondering if you’re eligible for a medical exemption from window tinting laws, or what happens if you’re caught with an illegal tint.
If you have a medical condition that requires extra protection from the sun, you’ll need to follow the medical exemptions process to get approval for a darker tint.
Meanwhile, if you’re caught with an illegal tint, you’ll face penalties, which vary by state and can include fines and even points on your license.
Medical Exemptions Process
Having a medical condition that demands extra protection from the sun’s harsh rays can be a game-changer, and Delaware law acknowledges this by offering medical exemptions for window tinting.
If you have a condition that requires extra protection, you can get an exemption allowing for darker window tint than Delaware law permits. To qualify, you’ll need a licensed physician to support your exemption with a written statement explaining the medical necessity.
Once you have this documentation, make sure to keep it in your vehicle to avoid getting cited for tint allowed due to a medical exemption. This paperwork will serve as proof that your darker tint is legally permitted.
Tint Violation Penalties
If you’re caught driving with illegal window tint, even if you have a medical exemption, you’ll face penalties.
In Delaware, tint violation penalties can result in fines and even points on your license.
If you’re stopped by the DMV or law enforcement, they’ll check your tinted windows to verify they comply with state regulations.
If your aftermarket tint is too dark, you’ll need to remove it before passing a safety inspection.
Remember, even with a medical exemption, the law permits only certain levels of tint darkness.
For instance, your rear window can’t be tinted darker than 25% VLT.
Make sure you understand the rules to avoid unnecessary tint violation penalties.
Vehicle Inspection and Emissions
When registering a vehicle in Delaware for the first time, a thorough inspection is required, with a few exceptions.
You won’t need an inspection if you’re registering a new vehicle that’s never been titled in any state and was sold by a dealer.
Otherwise, your vehicle will undergo a series of tests to certify it meets Delaware’s emissions standards.
The type of test depends on your vehicle’s age, weight, and fuel type.
For example, gasoline-powered vehicles from 1968 to 1996 will receive a curb-idle test and gas cap test, while newer models will undergo an OBDII test.
Don’t worry about your windows’ tinting law compliance during this inspection, as that’s a separate aspect of vehicle regulation.
Manufacturers’ film specifications won’t be checked during this process either.
Registration Renewal and Tips
You’ll need to renew your vehicle registration periodically to keep your vehicle legally on the road in Delaware.
When renewing, verify your vehicle window tint complies with Delaware’s laws. Remember, aftermarket tint on front windows isn’t allowed, but you can have tint on side windows and rear windows as long as they meet the required visible light transmission percentage.
- Check with your local DMV or law enforcement for specific regulations and guidelines on vehicle window tint.
- Certify your aftermarket tint meets Delaware’s tint laws to avoid fines or penalties.
- Always check your vehicle’s windows for any damage or obstruction before applying tint to avoid any issues during inspection or registration renewal.
Commercial Window Tinting Services
Shore Tint & More has been a trusted provider of commercial window tinting services on Delmarva since 1989, offering a wide range of high-quality window tint solutions to augment and transform commercial spaces.
You can trust their expertise in professional window film installation services, which provide benefits like fade reduction, heat rejection, and glare reduction.
Their window film solutions can secure schools and other commercial properties, enhancing their overall aesthetic appeal.
With Shore Tint & More, you can choose from a variety of window films, including metallic options from top manufacturers.
They’ll help you find the perfect fit for your commercial window, including side windows, to improve your property’s overall ambiance and functionality in Delaware.
