An Overview of the Delaware Window Tint Laws
The following is a brief overview of window tint laws in Delaware and their importance to drivers in the state:
As in most states, Delaware law regulates the use and application of window tints. These regulations help to guarantee that cars and trucks on state roadways are operated in accordance with the law. Much of these laws concern the various visible light transmission percentages that are allowed, particularly for windows in the front and back as well as the windshield. There is also legislation concerning the characteristics of window tape such as reflectivity and brightness. Additionally, the laws provide strict definitions for the types of medical conditions and circumstances that will qualify a person for legal exemptions for certain window tint laws such as those that prohibit tint on passenger windows of minivans or other vans .
In most circumstances, the various parameters of regulatory tint laws are strictly enforced throughout the state to ensure the safety of Delaware’s motoring public. This is vitally important because having illegal tint or poorly installed tint on any motor vehicle can impede driver visibility and therefore enhance the potential for automotive accidents. All of this serves to demonstrate the importance of staying current with recent developments in the realm of Delaware’s tint laws.
Those who are unsure of the current status of their window tint should contact a local tint expert to have the infotainment panels of their vehicles scanned for compliance.
Legal Visible Light Transmission Percentages
The Delaware law allows a person to go no lower than a 70% VLT level on the windshield, and this only means a film that must be applied over the factory tint from the manufacturer. The non-reflective portion at the top of the windshield can have a total VLT of no less than 50%.
No more than 35% VLT can be used on the front driver and passenger window. On the back windows of vans, SUVs, and trucks, no more than 20% VLT can be used, and no more than 5% VLT can be used on the rear windows of those same vehicles.
On vans, SUVs, and trucks, a manufacturer’s certificate or affidavit is required for any tint applied to the front windows, back windows and rear windows after the vehicle is sold or leased. Additionally, a manufacturer’s certificate or an affidavit is required for tint applied to the windshield, the factory glass or a tint film that it is applied as an aftermarket tint. In either instance, this certificate or affidavit must contain the following:
Note, any application to the windshield is not required for installation purposes on the windshield by manufacturers working with the Department of Transportation pursuant to federal regulations.
Exemptions and Special Rules
Just like any other state, Delaware has rules designed to protect its residents’ safety on the road. Namely, the tint laws in Delaware are in place in order to not only maintain vehicle safety, but also the privacy of its residents. However, there are some exceptions to the standard tint regulations that especially apply to those with medical conditions.
If you require tinted windows for medical reasons, you are entitled to an exemption. In order to qualify, however, you need to provide both the tint auditor and the law enforcement officer with a form that is signed by your doctor. This form must state that window tinting serves a medical purpose and the recommended tint percentage for your vehicle windows. Medical exemptions are exclusively available for those who suffer from certain skin conditions, such as albinism or psoriasis, or highly sensitive eyes, or have undergone an organ transplant.
Unfortunately, this exemption is only valid for the back window, front window, side windows, and windshield. There are no medical exemptions available for the rear windows or sunroof.
Penalties for Tint Law Violations
If you violate the Delaware tint law, you may face maximized potential fines of $115, provided it is your second or third offense. For a first offense though in the state of Delaware, there is no official fine or penalty in place. However, upon second and third offense, your fine is tiered. If an officer stops you bearing tint on your windows and they notice it violates the state requirements, they’ll ticket you. A second offense nets a $25 fine and a third offense will fine you $115. Because of the de minimis fines involved, our advice is to simply avoid non-compliance by following the tint laws as required. The exception, of course, would be if your window tint was factory installed, in which case you should be fine. That said , those who have been penalized from the tint law in Delaware say that it is the pain of having to go to the police department that campers a huge fine. Many towns and counties in Delaware will require you to bring your vehicle down to the station to be inspected, and then to pay what can be upwards of $30. Again, this is not much to pay for a non-compliance infraction. In fact, $30 of 60 is such a nominal charge that some think authorities use it as an exercise in gathering revenue, but we don’t know for certain. To avoid being penalized, we suggest paying close attention to the state car window tint meter (which you can purchase online) and keeping in mind that factory dyed film is less than 35 percent visible light transmission, so if your tint matches – or is less, you should be good.
Ensuring Your Window Tint is Legal
To guarantee that your vehicle’s window tint adheres to Delaware’s tint laws, here are a few detailed strategies to follow: Choose the Right Tint Level: Familiarize yourself with the allowable tint levels for your vehicle type and ensure the level you choose is within those limits. Select a Reputable Tinting Service: Research and select a reputable tint shop that is knowledgeable about the legal guidelines in Delaware. Ask to see recent certifications or permits that your tint service possesses to reassure yourself of their expertise in the field. Conduct Regular Inspections: After having your windows tinted, consider having a certified professional check the tinting to ensure compliance. This can be a service offered by your tinting shop or another local business. Use a Tint Tester: A simple way to check your window tint yourself is to use a tint tester, which uses a light meter to evaluate the light transmission through your window tint. This method is the most accurate and offers a foolproof way to ensure your tint is legal. Follow Local Guidelines: Some counties or municipalities may have more stringent laws than Delaware’s tint laws, so familiarize yourself with any other tint regulations that may apply to your vehicle based on where you live or travel. If you suspect your tint is too dark or have been pulled over for a tint violation, take your vehicle to a professional tinting service to have them evaluate the tint and make any necessary adjustments.
Window Tint Changes: What Lies Ahead
The state of Delaware always takes public safety very seriously, but as of late, there has been some talk about changing how window tinting works. Folks who own vehicles equipped with tinted windows should therefore pay attention, as there are a few things they should know.
For starters, the Delaware State Legislature has begun considering making the fines associated with illegal window tinting essentially heftier to discourage the practice moving forward. The new proposed minimum fine is $350, while the maximum fine would be $1,000.
In addition, such a proposal would create a new category of enhanced penalties for repeat tinting violations. For instance, individuals convicted of tinting violations more than once in any three-year period would face fines starting at $1,000 and going up to $2,500. The legislation is still under consideration though, and may not be passed into law until several months from now (or perhaps at all) , so individuals with tinted windows should follow along with this proposal to see if and when it is signed into law.
The new legislation would also designate tinted glass in windows that have an observable level of reflectivity to be considered reflective for the purposes of enforcing tinting laws. There are many shades of tint, and even redesigning your factory tinting may not make your windows 100 percent legal. Therefore, understanding how much tint is too much and what tinting laws currently are is the best way to go about proceeding.
You can always contact a tint specialist, who knows the tint laws inside and out and can provide you with accurate and accurate information on how to get your vehicle windows properly tinted. You can have peaceful and productive discussions about tinted car windows with your tint specialist. A tinting specialist who is dedicated to their work will care about you and those of your family members as well, and they will work with you to give your tinted windows the tint shade level that is just right. That tint shade is enough to block the sun and heat from getting into your vehicle, but they are not so dark that they are too hard to see through.