Tint Guide

What Is the Darkest Legal Tint in Delaware?

Here's exactly how dark you can go on each window in Delaware — and how a medical exemption lets you go even darker.

Quick Answer: Virtually No Visible Tint Is Legal in Delaware

Under Title 21, §4313, all side and rear windows must allow more than 70% VLT— for sedans, SUVs, and trucks alike. Since factory glass is typically 75–80% VLT, even the lightest aftermarket tint film will push your windows below Delaware's legal limit.

A medical exemption is the only way to legally have any real window tint in Delaware.

Darkest Legal Tint by Window

Front Windshield

Non-reflective tint above AS-1 line only

Only the top 4–5 inches of the windshield can have non-reflective tint. Full windshield tint is not permitted.

Front Side Windows (Driver & Passenger)

70% VLT — virtually no visible tint

70% VLT is barely darker than clear glass. Most aftermarket tint films start at 50% or darker, all of which are illegal in Delaware without an exemption.

Back Side Windows

70% VLT — same strict standard

Unlike most states that allow darker tint on rear windows, Delaware applies the same 70% standard to back side windows for all vehicle types.

Rear Window

70% VLT (dual mirrors required if tinted)

The rear window follows the same 70% VLT rule. If you apply any tint to the rear window, dual side mirrors are required by law.

Delaware vs. Neighboring States

Delaware's 70% VLT standard is among the strictest in the region. If you commute across state lines, your tint may be legal elsewhere but illegal in Delaware:

State	Front Side	Back Side (Sedan)
Delaware	70%	70%
Maryland	35%	35%
Pennsylvania	70%	70%
New Jersey	No tint	Any

Maryland commuters with 35% tint are immediately illegal when crossing into Delaware on I-95.

What Do Different VLT Levels Look Like?

80%

Clear factory glass

70%

DE legal limit

50%

Light tint (ILLEGAL in DE)

35%

Medium tint (ILLEGAL in DE)

20%

Dark tint (ILLEGAL in DE)

Limo tint (ILLEGAL in DE)

Everything below 70% VLT is illegal in Delaware without a medical exemption. This includes every common aftermarket tint level.

Best Tint Type for Delaware (With Exemption)

Once you have your medical exemption, we recommend ceramic tint for Delaware vehicles:

Blocks up to 99% of UV radiation — critical for coastal areas like Rehoboth Beach

Excellent heat rejection for Delaware's humid summers

Won't interfere with electronics (GPS, toll transponders)

Won't bubble, peel, or discolor over time

Professional installation available in Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and beach communities

The Only Way to Get Darker Tint in Delaware

Because Delaware's 70% VLT standard effectively bans all visible tint, a medical exemption under Title 21, §4313 is the only legal pathway to darker windows. Common qualifying conditions include photophobia, lupus, migraines, melanoma, and many others treated at Christiana Care and other Delaware medical systems.

What Happens If Your Tint Is Too Dark?

Penalties for illegal tint in Delaware

First offense: $57.50 fine
Repeat offenses: $57.50–$115 fine
Mandatory tint removal and proof of compliance
Enforced by DSP, Wilmington PD, Newark PD at traffic stops

Get Legal Tint in Delaware

A medical exemption is the only way to have visible window tint in Delaware. Apply online in 5 minutes for $225.