Delaware Tint Exemption

Wilmington Window Tint Laws — Delaware Enforcement Guide

Wilmington is Delaware's largest city and the I-95 corridor through New Castle County sees some of the state's most active tint enforcement. Here's what Wilmington drivers need to know.

Delaware Tint Exemption Editorial Team
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Delaware Tint Law in Wilmington

Delaware Code Title 21, §4313 governs window tint across the entire state, including Wilmington and New Castle County. There is no Wilmington-specific tint ordinance — state law controls. The standards for all Delaware passenger vehicles are:

  • Front side windows: Must allow more than 70% VLT
  • Back side windows: Must allow more than 70% VLT (same as front for sedans)
  • Rear window: Must allow more than 70% VLT unless dual side mirrors are present
  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint only above the AS-1 line

Delaware has one of the strictest front window tint laws in the region — 70% VLT means virtually no visible tint is permitted on front windows without a medical exemption. This is stricter than neighboring states like Maryland (35% VLT) and Pennsylvania (70% for windshield area only).

Enforcement on I-95, Route 202, and the Christina River Corridor

The Delaware State Police (Troop 2 covers Wilmington/New Castle area), Wilmington Police Department, and New Castle County Police all enforce tint violations. The I-95 corridor through Wilmington — including the I-495 split and the stretch approaching the Pennsylvania border — sees frequent traffic enforcement activity.

Delaware uses calibrated photometric instruments to test window tint during stops. A violation of §4313 is a motor vehicle violation carrying fines and potential points on your license.

Why Wilmington Residents Seek Medical Tint Exemptions

Despite Delaware's strict standards, a medical exemption under Title 21 §4313 allows a licensed Delaware physician to authorize darker tint for medical necessity. Common qualifying conditions among Wilmington-area residents include:

  • Photophobia — worsened by glare from the Christina River and I-95 reflections
  • Lupus — Delaware has a significant autoimmune patient population through Christiana Care
  • Migraines — ranked among the most common neurological complaints at local hospitals
  • Post-surgical eye sensitivity — LASIK and cataract procedures are common at Wilmington area eye centers
  • Skin cancer history — Delaware has above-average melanoma rates relative to its size

Starting at $250 · Delaware-licensed physician review

Official Delaware Resources

Related Delaware Tint Exemption Guides

Explore more about getting your Delaware window tint medical exemption:

Delaware Window Tint Medical ExemptionHow the medical exemption works in Delaware and who qualifies.How to Get a Tint Exemption in DelawareThe step-by-step process from application to approved certificate.Delaware Window Tint LawsLegal VLT limits, reflection rules, and the governing statute.Darkest Legal Tint in DelawareHow dark you can legally go with and without an exemption.Tint Exemption CostWhat a Delaware exemption costs and how it compares to fines.Delaware Tint Exemption FormWhat the official exemption paperwork requires.Delaware Tint Tickets & FinesPenalties for illegal tint and how an exemption protects you.Qualifying Medical ConditionsSee every condition that can qualify you for darker tint.Delaware Exemption FAQAnswers to the most common exemption questions.

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