If you’re a car owner in Delaware, you might have considered tinting your vehicle’s windows for various reasons, such as protection from UV rays or enhancing your car’s appearance.
However, before you go ahead and tint your windows, you need to know about the state’s tint laws to avoid getting pulled over and fined by law enforcement.
Delaware tint laws were enacted in 1992 to regulate the darkness of tinting for car windows. In this article, we’ll break down the regulations and requirements for window tinting in Delaware.
Regulations Regarding Window Tint in Delaware
In Delaware, window tint laws specify the allowed levels of darkness for various windows of a car. The regulations are as follows:
| Window | Allowed Tint Darkness | Reflection |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | 70% or more of outside light must pass through | Not more than 25% reflection |
| Front Side Windows | 70% or more of outside light must pass through | Not more than 25% reflection |
| Back Side Windows | Any degree of darkness is allowed as long as the tint doesn’t reduce light transmission below 35% | Not more than 25% reflection |
| Rear Window | Any degree of darkness is allowed as long as the tint doesn’t reduce light transmission below 35% | Not more than 25% reflection |
Windshield
The front windshield must allow at least 70% of outside light to pass through. This means that only a very light tint or no tint at all is allowed on the front windshield.
Front Side Windows
The front side windows, or the driver and passenger side windows, must allow at least 70% of outside light to pass through. This means that only a very light tint or no tint at all is allowed on these windows.
Back Side Windows
The back side windows, or the rear passenger windows, may be tinted to any degree of darkness, as long as the tint doesn’t reduce light transmission below 35%.
Rear Window
The rear window, or the back windshield, may also be tinted to any degree of darkness, as long as the tint doesn’t reduce light transmission below 35%.
Additional Regulations
Reflection
Delaware also has a regulation regarding the reflectivity of tinted windows. The tint on all windows must not reflect more than 25% of outside light.
Medical Exemptions
There are medical exemptions for drivers with conditions that require protection from sunlight. To qualify, drivers must obtain a medical exemption certificate from the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.
Color Restrictions
Delaware tint laws don’t specify any color restrictions for window tinting.
Side Mirrors
If the back window is tinted, the vehicle must have side mirrors that provide a clear view behind the car.
Exceptions to Legal Limits
There are no exceptions to Delaware tint laws, meaning that all cars on Delaware roads must comply with the state’s tinting regulations.
Penalties for Breaking the Law
| Offense | Fine | Additional Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| First Conviction | $25 to $75 | May be required to remove illegal tint |
| Second Conviction | $50 to $100 | May be required to remove the illegal tint |
| Third Conviction | $100 to $200 | May be required to remove the illegal tint |
Fines
If you violate Delaware’s window tint laws, you may be fined by law enforcement. The fines for breaking the tint laws are as follows:
First Conviction
A fine of $25 to $75 for the first offense.
Second Conviction
A fine of $50 to $100 for the second offense.
Third Conviction
A fine of $100 to $200 for the third offense.
Other Penalties
In addition to fines, you may also be required to remove the illegal tint from your car’s windows.
Moreover, if you’re pulled over for any other offense, such as speeding or running a red light, and your window tint is found to be illegal, you may face additional penalties on top of the fines.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
If you’re caught with illegal window tint, you may be required to have it removed and replaced with legal tint. Moreover, your car may fail its annual inspection until the illegal tint is removed.
What is the darkest legal tint in Delaware?
35% is the darkest legal tint for back and rear windows in Delaware.
How much window tint is legal in Delaware?
Front windows must allow at least 70% of outside light to pass through.
Can cops pull you over for tint in Delaware?
Yes, cops can pull you over for illegal tint in Delaware.
What is a tint waiver in Delaware?
A tint waiver is a medical exemption for drivers with conditions requiring protection from sunlight.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delaware
https://delcode.delaware.gov/title21/c043/sc01/index.html
https://dmv.de.gov/VehicleServices/inspections/index.shtml?dc=v_equipment