Delaware allows window tint on your car, but only on specific windows and only if it meets darkness limits
Delaware permits aftermarket window tint on passenger vehicles, but the state has clear rules about which windows you can tint and how dark the tint can be. The darkness is measured as Visible Light Transmission (VLT) — the percentage of light allowed through the tinted window. The darker the tint, the lower the VLT percentage. If your tint is too dark or on a prohibited window, you can receive a citation and be ordered to remove it.
The rules differ slightly depending on whether you drive a sedan, SUV, or truck, and whether you have a medical exemption. Understanding these limits before you tint saves you from a traffic stop and the cost of removal.
Key Takeaways
- Delaware allows tint on rear and side windows with a minimum VLT of 35 percent, meaning at least 35 percent of light must pass through.
- Your windshield and front side windows cannot be tinted in Delaware, with no exceptions for non-medical reasons.
- Rear window tint can be any darkness as long as you have side mirrors, because the law assumes you can see around you another way.
- A medical exemption from your doctor allows darker tint on front side windows, but you must carry documentation in your vehicle.
- If you are cited for illegal tint, you can have it removed and show proof of removal to potentially dismiss the ticket.
Which windows can be tinted in Delaware
Delaware law permits tint on your rear window and rear side windows. You cannot tint your windshield or your front side windows unless you have a medical exemption from a licensed physician.
The rear window is the window at the very back of your vehicle. The rear side windows are the windows behind the front doors. If your vehicle has a third row of windows, those can also be tinted. The front side windows — the ones next to the driver and front passenger — are off-limits for regular tint.
Darkness limits for rear and side windows
Tint on your rear and rear side windows must allow at least 35 percent of outside light to pass through. This is measured as a VLT of 35 percent or higher. A tint shop can measure this with a light meter, and law enforcement can do the same during a traffic stop.
Your rear window — the back glass — has no darkness limit as long as your vehicle has side mirrors. Because you can see behind you using mirrors, Delaware does not restrict how dark the rear window tint can be. This is the only window with no lower limit.
Medical exemptions for front side windows
If you have a medical condition that makes you sensitive to sunlight — such as lupus, photosensitivity, or severe sun allergy — a licensed Delaware physician can write an exemption letter. This letter allows you to tint your front side windows darker than the standard 35 percent VLT limit.
You must carry the original exemption letter or a copy in your vehicle at all times. If you are stopped by law enforcement, show the letter along with your driver's license and vehicle registration. Without documentation, darker front window tint is a violation. The exemption does not allow you to tint your windshield.
What happens if you are cited for illegal tint
A law enforcement officer can issue a citation for window tint that violates Delaware law. The citation is typically a traffic violation, not a criminal charge. You will be ordered to remove the tint or bring your vehicle into compliance within a set timeframe — usually 10 to 30 days depending on the officer's discretion.
If you receive a citation, you have options. You can have the tint removed by a professional tint shop and request a dismissal based on proof of removal. Many jurisdictions in Delaware will dismiss the ticket once you show documentation that the violation has been corrected. Keep your receipt from the tint removal as proof. If you do not remove the tint, you may face additional fines or be unable to renew your vehicle registration.
How to measure tint darkness yourself
Before you have tint installed, ask the shop whether they can measure the final VLT to confirm it meets Delaware law. A quality tint shop will have a light meter and can tell you the exact VLT of the tint they are explore. If you already have tint and want to know if it is legal, some shops will measure it for free or for a small fee.
You can also purchase an inexpensive light meter online, though the readings may vary slightly from professional equipment. The important thing is to know the VLT before installation or before a traffic stop. If you are unsure whether your tint is legal, erring toward lighter tint is the safer choice.
Tint rules for different vehicle types
Delaware's tint law applies to all passenger vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, and trucks. The rules are the same regardless of vehicle type: front windows cannot be tinted (except with a medical exemption), rear and side windows must allow at least 35 percent light through, and the rear window has no darkness limit if you have mirrors.
Commercial vehicles and vehicles used for business purposes follow the same rules. If you operate a fleet or company vehicles, make sure all tint complies with the 35 percent VLT minimum on rear and side windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tint my windshield in Delaware?
No. Delaware does not permit any tint on the windshield, even a light strip across the top. The windshield must remain clear. A medical exemption does not override this rule.
What if I have tint from another state that is legal there but not in Delaware?
If your tint does not meet Delaware's 35 percent VLT minimum on rear and side windows, or if your front windows are tinted without a medical exemption, you can be cited. You will need to have the tint removed or adjusted to comply with Delaware law. Moving to a new state means following that state's tint rules.
Do I need to register my medical exemption with the state?
No. You do not need to register the exemption with Delaware. You straightforward need to carry the physician's letter in your vehicle. When stopped, present the letter along with your license and registration. The officer will verify the letter is from a licensed physician.
How much does it cost to remove tint?
Removal typically costs between $100 and $300 depending on how many windows need removal and how difficult the tint is to remove. Some tint shops offer removal as part of a re-tinting service if you want to replace illegal tint with compliant tint.
Can I tint my headlights or taillights in Delaware?
Delaware law focuses on window tint. Headlight and taillight tint is governed by different regulations related to vehicle lighting. Check with your local law enforcement or the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles for specific rules on light tinting, as overly dark headlights or taillights can be a safety violation.