Delaware Window Tint Laws
Delaware allows 50% VLT on front side windows and any darkness on rear side windows and the rear window.
Delaware Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Delaware Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Delaware vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | Above AS-1 | Above AS-1 |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 50% | 50% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | Any darkness | Any darkness |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | Any darkness | Any darkness |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in Delaware
Operating a vehicle with tint darker than statutory limits is classified as a misdemeanor. Citations escalate significantly upon repeat violations:
First Conviction
Classified as a misdemeanor with a fine up to $100 and/or up to 10 days in jail.
Second Conviction
Fine of up to $200 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
Third Conviction
Criminal citation with a fine up to $300 and/or up to 3 months in jail (within 1 year).
Delaware Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
§4313 does not require side mirrors.
Prohibited Tint Colors
§4313 has no color restrictions.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
§4313 does not require a label or compliance certificate.
Medical Tint Exemptions
It is enough to carry a statement signed by a licensed physician (MD or DO) or optometrist saying the tint is medically necessary for the owner or regular driver. There is no state permit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Delaware? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Delaware, front side windows must allow at least 50% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow Any darkness, and the rear window requires Any darkness. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow Any darkness.
Can you tint the front windshield in Delaware? +
Under Delaware law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: Above AS-1 (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Delaware? +
While law enforcement in Delaware enforces the state vehicle code (21 Del. C. §§4313, 4313A, 4315), officers generally extend interstate reciprocity to visiting motorists whose vehicles comply with the legal tint statutes of their home registration state. However, if the tint is excessively dark and prevents officers from seeing the driver, you can still be stopped for safety verification.
Is 20% or 5% (limo tint) legal in Delaware? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Delaware because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 50% VLT. On SUVs, trucks, and vans, 20% or 5% limo tint is legally permissible only on the windows behind the driver (rear sides and back window).
How do police test window tint in Delaware, and is there an official tolerance? +
Police officers and state troopers use handheld, certified light meters that slide over the roll-down window to measure total net light transmission. Delaware statutes recognize a Not specified. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Delaware allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Delaware permits medical tint waivers for individuals with certified photosensitivity or UV-reactive conditions (such as lupus or porphyria). An official affidavit signed by a licensed physician must be approved and carried in the vehicle at all times.
Do I need a compliance certification sticker on my windows in Delaware? +
A compliance label between the glass is not legally mandated in Delaware, but the vehicle must be capable of passing an optical light meter test during routine traffic stops or state inspections.
What are the penalties and fines for illegal window tint in Delaware? +
Driving with non-compliant tint is classified as a traffic infraction or misdemeanor. First convictions carry fines starting around $100 plus court costs, typically accompanied by a 'fix-it' compliance order requiring removal or replacement of the illegal film.
Top-Rated Window Tint Shops in Delaware
Certified installers guaranteeing 100% compliance with statutory VLT standards and state certification labels.
Sound FX Off-Road, Window Tint, & Car Audio
📍 Lewes, DE
Sound FX Off-Road, Window Tint, & Vehicle Wraps
📍 Bridgeville, DE
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