Tint Laws in Delaware: Understanding the Regulations and Penalties
Discover the legal window tint in Delaware
Maintaining road safety and adhering to traffic regulations is essential for every vehicle owner. When it comes to window tinting, understanding the laws and regulations in your state is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure compliance.
In Delaware, specific guidelines govern window tinting, including visible light transmission (VLT) limits, reflection laws, and exemptions. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the tint laws in Delaware, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about window tinting for your vehicle.
What Does VLT Mean According to Delaware State Law?
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) refers to the amount of light allowed to pass through the window glass. It is expressed as a percentage, indicating how much visible light is transmitted.
The lower the VLT percentage, the darker the tint is. Delaware’s tint laws set specific VLT limits for different types of vehicles, ensuring safety and visibility for both drivers and law enforcement officers.
So, What is The Legal Tint in Delaware
Delaware has specific guidelines regarding window tint darkness, allowing vehicle owners to have tinted windows while ensuring sufficient visibility and compliance with the law.
Tint Laws for Passenger Cars and Station Wagons in Delaware
In Delaware, the following regulations apply to passenger cars and station wagons:
Here are the general guidelines for window tinting in Connecticut:
- Front windshield: No tint is allowed on the front windshield.
- Front Side Windows: No tint is allowed on the front side windows, except for a band of tint that is no wider than 4 inches at the top of the window.
- Rear Side Windows and Rear Window: Tint is allowed on the rear side windows and rear window, as long as the tinting material has a Visible Light Transmission (VLT) of no less than 35%.
Tint Laws for Multi-Purpose Passenger and Recreational Vehicles in Delaware
For multi-purpose passenger and recreational vehicles (such as SUVs, vans, and trucks), the regulations are slightly different:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
- Front Side Windows: No aftermarket tint allowed. Factory-installed tint must have a minimum visible light transmission (VLT) of 70%.
- Back Side Windows: Any darkness can be used.
- Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.
Note: The AS-1 line is a factory-applied tint strip that is located on the windshield near the top. It is designed to block harmful UV rays from the sun.
Delaware Window Tint Reflection Law 2023
In Delaware, when applying window tint to your vehicle, be mindful of tint reflection regulations. While tinted windows can reduce glare, the state sets specific guidelines on permissible window reflection levels as of 2023.
Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front-side windows: You are not allowed to use more than 70% reflective tint on the front-side windows of sedans.
Backside windows: Similar to the front-side windows, you must not exceed 70% reflective tint on the back-side windows of sedans.
Tint Reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front-side windows: For SUVs and Vans in Delaware, the law also restricts the use of more than 70% reflective tint on the front-side windows.
Backside windows: Similarly, you are not permitted to use more than 70% reflective tint on the backside windows of SUVs and Vans.
What Are the Window Tint Reflection Laws in Delaware?
In addition to VLT limits, Delaware also has regulations regarding window tint reflection:
- Windshield: No metallic or mirrored appearance. So, the tint film cannot have a mirrored or metallic appearance. This is because these types of tints can make it difficult for law enforcement officers to see inside the vehicle.
- Front Side Windows: No metallic or mirrored appearance.
- Back Side Windows: No metallic or mirrored appearance.
- Rear Window: No metallic or mirrored appearance.
Other Window Tint Laws and Regulations of Delaware You Need to Know
Besides VLT and reflection laws, there are a few more regulations concerning window tinting in Delaware:
- Side Mirrors: Delaware requires dual side mirrors if the rear window is tinted.
- Stickers: Avoid placing any stickers that obstruct the driver’s view through the windows, particularly on the front windshield or front side windows.
- Restricted Colors: Delaware doesn’t have any specific restrictions on the colors of window tint.
- Certificates: Window tint darkness must comply with state standards, and you may receive a certificate after passing inspection.
- Medical Exemptions: Delaware allows medical exemptions for window tint. Individuals with medical conditions requiring special window tinting may be granted an exemption. Carry the medical exemption certificate in the vehicle and present it to law enforcement when requested.
- Penalties: Non-compliance with Delaware’s window tint laws can result in penalties, such as fines. First Offense: Fine of $25 to $115. Subsequent Offenses: Fine of $57.50 to $230, imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or both.
- Obstructed Vision: Window tints must not obstruct or impair the driver’s view of the road. The driver should have clear visibility through all windows.
- Traffic Stop: Law enforcement officers may issue a “fix-it” ticket, requiring the driver to correct the tint violation within a specified time frame.
Tint Laws in Delaware- FAQ’s
Is 5% tint legal in Delaware?
No, a 5% tint is not legal in Delaware. The front side windows must have a VLT of at least 70%.
Is 20% tint legal in Delaware?
No, a 20% tint is not legal for the front side windows of passenger cars and station wagons in Delaware. The VLT must be at least 70%.
Is 35% tint legal in Delaware?
No, a 35% tint is not legal for the front side windows of passenger cars and station wagons in Delaware. The VLT must be at least 70%.
Is 50% tint legal in Delaware?
Yes, a 50% tint is legal for the front side windows of passenger cars and station wagons in Delaware, as long as it does not obstruct the driver’s view.
Is 75% tint legal in Delaware?
Yes, a 75% tint is legal for the front side windows of passenger cars and station wagons in Delaware, as long as it does not obstruct the driver’s view.
What is the legal window tint in Delaware?
The legal window tint in Delaware for passenger cars and station wagons is a minimum of 70% VLT for front-side windows.
What is the darkest legal tint in Delaware?
Delaware does not specify a maximum tint darkness for the rear side windows or the rear window. However, the front side windows must have a VLT of at least 70%.
How much is a tint ticket in Delaware?
The fines for window tint violations in Delaware vary depending on the jurisdiction and the number of previous offenses. It’s advisable to consult local authorities or the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for specific information on fines and penalties.
Most Important Information about Car Window Tinting
Wrapping Up!
By familiarizing yourself with the tint laws in Delaware, you can ensure that your vehicle’s window tinting complies with the regulations, promoting safety and visibility on the road. Remember that while window tinting offers benefits such as privacy and heat reduction, it must be done within the legal limits to avoid penalties.
If you have any specific questions or concerns regarding window tinting in Delaware, it is recommended to consult the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or local authorities for accurate and up-to-date information.