Delaware Window Tint Laws — Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about window tint regulations in Delaware. Current legal limits for every window, penalties for violations, and how medical exemptions work.
Updated April 2026 · Delaware Tint Exemption Editorial Team
Delaware Tint Limits at a Glance
VLT (Visible Light Transmission) is the percentage of light that passes through the window. Lower VLT = darker tint.
| Window | Sedan | SUV / Van / Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield | Non-reflective tint above AS-1 line | Non-reflective tint above AS-1 line |
| Front Side Windows | 70% VLT (virtually no visible tint) | 70% VLT |
| Back Side Windows | 70% VLT | 70% VLT |
| Rear Window | 70% VLT (dual mirrors if tinted) | 70% VLT (dual mirrors if tinted) |
| Max Reflectivity | No metallic or mirrored finish | No metallic or mirrored finish |
70% VLT is barely darker than factory glass (which is typically 75–80% VLT). Most aftermarket tint films start at 50% or darker — all of which are illegal in Delaware without an exemption.
Delaware vs. Neighboring States
Delaware's 70% VLT standard is among the strictest in the region:
| State | Front Side | Back Side (Sedan) |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 70% | 70% |
| Maryland | 35% | 35% |
| Pennsylvania | 70% | 70% |
| New Jersey | No tint | Any |
If you commute from Maryland with 35% tint, your vehicle is instantly illegal in Delaware. I-95 commuters between Wilmington and Philadelphia are at particular risk.
Penalties for Illegal Tint in Delaware
The Delaware State Police, Wilmington PD, and Newark PD actively enforce tint laws, especially on I-95, Route 1, and US-13. A medical exemption at $225 prevents tickets entirely.
Restricted Tint Colors & Reflectivity
Delaware law prohibits: red, yellow, and amber tint. Metallic or mirrored finishes are also not permitted. These restrictions apply regardless of whether you have a medical exemption.
Medical Exemptions to Delaware Tint Laws
Under Title 21, §4313, Delaware allows individuals with qualifying medical conditions to obtain a physician-certified exemption for darker tint. Given Delaware's extreme 70% VLT standard, a medical exemption is the only way to have any real privacy or UV-protection tint.