A Guide To Delaware Window Tint Law: Everything You Need To Know

Delaware Window Tint Law Basics

In the simplest terms, window tinting refers to a film or coating applied to the windows of a vehicle that reduces or prevents light from passing through. The tint acts as a barrier between the inside and outside of the vehicle while also controlling the amount of heat and glare that enters the cabin. While many people tint their windows to reduce light for privacy, others may do it to protect themselves from glare when driving or to keep the interior of the car cooler on hot days. It should be noted that window tinting laws differ between states, and as such every state has a different approach to how these regulations work . In Delaware, regulations on tinting are put into effect to both prevent too much heat and glare from getting into a vehicle while also ensuring that law enforcement can see inside your car at all times. Failure to meet these regulations can often lead to expensive fines or legal trouble. Delaware has specific guidelines for tinting, which place restrictions on the visible light transmission percentage and reflectivity of a vehicle’s windows. Because the window tint laws in Delaware are pretty strict, you’re going to want to be very cautious about any modifications that you make to your windows. Keep in mind that these laws apply to all windows except for those on the vehicle’s sunroof.

Delaware Legal Tint Percentages

Delaware allows a minimum of 70% for tinting on passenger vehicles and SUVs, and a minimum of 50% for tinting on multi-purpose vehicles. For vans, trucks, and SUVs, the window film also has to permit at least 70% light transmittance.
Delaware statutes state, "Under Delaware State law, passenger cars moved on a public highway must have at least seventy percent (70%) of the light allowed by the manufacturer coming through the window at all times. Trucks, vans, sport utility vehicles, motor trucks and other vehicles must have at least seventy percent (70%) of the light allowed by the manufacturer coming through the window at all times. You are not allowed to have any form of window tint which has a lower standard than seventy percent (70%)."
Drivers should note that under Delaware law, the tinting law does not apply as rigidly to the window of a vehicle that is used solely as the driver’s residence. The tinted-window law does not apply to the windows of rental vehicles.
There are no window tinting provisions for side and rear windows for medical reasons.

Exceptions to Delaware Tint Law

Delaware primarily adheres to the maxima set by the state, but does offer a bit more flexibility in some circumstances. For example, in the case of medical conditions that do not respond well to bright light or require protection from bright light due to conditions like migraines or other chronic headaches, physicians may provide documentation that will allow for an exemption from the tint law limits. We encourage you to double check to be sure the physician you choose is an "acceptable" source of the note, as this can effect how the matter is handled later in case you are pulled over by a police officer.
As with all tint law rules, there are also exceptions for particular types of vehicles that sometimes fall outside of the scope of strict tint law requirements. These vary among states, although Delaware does seem to be a bit more flexible. Indeed, the reason the law was relaxed from 95 percent reflectivity to 70 percent reflectivity is due specifically to some vehicles that perform better in the winter with the more reflective window shades.
Even when you are an auto salvage yard, your vehicle is still subject to the tint laws, simply because it is not exempt from the law on the whole. You will need to take care to be in compliance if you deal in vehicles that have already been salvaged, so as to avoid trouble with local law enforcement. That said, some dealers may come by to check your tint on a vehicle. Generally speaking, this is something that should be done at the specific request of law enforcement, and should not be something you should expect on a regular basis.
Again, we advise that you check with local law enforcement to be sure about the nuances of the tint law, as some areas are more lenient than others and the law is subject to change as well as interpretation. You can also ask for advice and clarification from your local Department of Motor Vehicles branch, but absolute certainty may not be found directly within the law. Some of these exceptions exist based on their own set of regulations, so again, complete compliance is essential. Non-compliance with exemptions can result in serious penalties similar to those that would apply to failure to comply with the tint law requirements themselves.

Penalties Of Tinted Windows

Drivers found in violation of the Delaware window tint law face a number of penalties. The first instance of violating the law could potentially result in a fine of 250 USD. For repeat offenders, however, the fines can quickly increase to 1,500 USD. Furthermore, those who install or apply illegal tint on another person’s vehicle are also subject to these fines. In addition to fines, repeat offenders may also face imprisonment for repeated violations, though sentences tend to be less than a year. Judges have a considerable amount of discretion when it comes to applying penalties, so fines may vary according to the judge’s decision.
In lieu of a fine, the judge may instead choose to order the guilty party to remove the illegal tint from the vehicle. Offenders who fail to do so within 15 days of their hearing will be charged with an additional violation.

How To Test The Darkness Level Of Your Window Tint

To measure the visible light transmission (VLT) of your windshield and front side windows, you need a light meter. These devices measure the percentage of visible light that is allowed to pass through the tinted film and your windows into your vehicle. If you are measuring the tint on your front windshield, be sure to test it in all locations, not just the center.
While you may be tempted to use a smartphone or tablet light meter app, these programs are not very accurate and will not give you precise results. Instead, make sure to invest in a professional light meter , as these are designed using high-quality lenses that take into account all angles of light that can pass through your windows.
Testing your car’s window tint level is a fairly simple process. To correctly use a light meter, simply point it towards your car window, wait for the blinking light to stop, and read the VLT level on the display. Make sure that your measuring device is placed flat against your window and pointed toward the glass at a 90-degree angle so that the rays from the test light do not get diverted. Otherwise, this could lead to inaccurate results.
Can’t afford to purchase your own light meter? Simply take your vehicle into a local tint shop, who can measure your tint level for a small fee.

How To Upgrade Your Vehicle’s Tint

If your vehicle’s window tint does not comply with Delaware law, you cannot retest the tint in hopes that it will pass. Instead, you will need to remove the tint and install a compliant tint. Many individuals attempt to remove their own tint, which may result in damage to your window and end up costing more than paying a professional to remove it for you. An added benefit of hiring a professional is that they can install the new film on the windows to help ensure it will pass when tested. In addition, many professionals offer various shades of window tint film that you can choose from to customize the appearance of your car.
When you decide to hire a professional to remove and install your tinted windows, there are a few guidelines that you should keep in mind. First, confirm that the service provider you are considering is insured. This is necessary in the event that a glass breakage occurs during the tint removal process. Second, ask the installer about the type of company that he or she is affiliated with, such as an auto dealership or window tinting company. A company that has been in business for some time tends to have more experience than another company that is getting started. Make sure to perform due diligence to confirm that the company has a good reputation. Asking trusted friends, family, and coworkers for recommendations is a great place to start. You can also check online reviews to learn about the experiences of other customers.
Lastly, make sure that the installation company provides a warranty for the tinting film that they are installing. There are several types of warranties, including manufacturer’s warranties, transfer warranties, customer warranties, warranty against defect, warranty against peeling, and warranty against fading. Generally, the best warranties last between 5-10 years.

Delaware Tint Law FAQ’s

Frequently asked questions about Delaware window tint law cover a wide range of topics. Here are some of the most common questions and answers.
Q: What’s the darkest legal window tint in Delaware?
A: Delaware law says that on sedans, SUVs, vans, and trucks you can have 70% tint on the front windshield, 70% on the passenger windows, 70% on the rear windows, and 5% on the rear window. The only exception to this is that sports cars and muscle cars (cars that are manufactured to be "sporty") can have 30% tint on the front windshield, and 15% tint on the back side and rear windows. For anything that isn’t specifically stated in the law below, default to the 70% tint for sedans and SUVs, and 30% tint for sports cars.
Q: Are there any other regulations regarding window tint in Delaware?
A: Yes. The manufacturer, tint company, or owner of the vehicle must have a certified sticker on the tint. This sticker must be permanently affixed in the lower corner of the driver’s and passenger’s door window .
Q: Can I get a ticket for having non-compliant tint in Delaware?
A: In short, yes. Delaware tint law is pretty specific about which tint levels are considered compliant and which tint levels are not. This includes the darkness of the tint and the specific types of windows that the regulations apply to. If your vehicle has any tint on it that does not meet the Delaware requirements, or if your car has been tinted in such a way that is ambiguous regarding its compliance with the law, then you can be ticketed.
Q: If I get a ticket, does my tint have to be removed immediately?
A: No. You will not be required to remove the tint from your windows on the spot. However, you will be required to remove the tint by a given date or you will stand the chance of being ticketed again.
Q: If I get tinted on my windows and I drive to another state, do Delaware tint laws even apply?
A: Yes. Even though you might be traveling out of state, Delaware window tint regulations will apply on any vehicle that is registered in Delaware.