Delaware is one of the stricter states when it comes to window tint, especially on the front windows. This page explains the main Delaware window tint laws in clear, simple language so you know what is allowed before you tint.
Quick Rules at a Glance
- Windshield: Tint film is only allowed on the top strip above the AS-1 line (or the top 5 inches if there is no AS-1 mark). The strip must be transparent, not dark.
- Front side windows (driver & passenger): If film is installed, the glass and film together must let at least 70% of light through and meet FMVSS 205 (federal safety standard).
- Rear side windows & rear window: May be tinted to any darkness as long as the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides.
- Applies to all vehicles: These rules apply to all vehicles operated in Delaware, even if they are registered in another state.
- Certificates/stickers: After-market tint film must come with a manufacturer’s certificate showing it meets federal standards and must be properly displayed.
- Medical tint waiver: Delaware DMV states that you must have a medically approved tint waiver to legally add window tint to your vehicle.
- Installers: Tint shops may be fined and must refund the customer if they install illegal tint.
In short: think very light or no tint on the front doors, any darkness on the rear with mirrors,
and only a thin transparent strip at the top of the windshield.
What Is VLT?
Delaware uses Visible Light Transmission (VLT) to describe how dark tint is.
- VLT is the percentage of visible light that passes through the glass and film combined.
- Higher VLT % = lighter tint, easier to see through.
- Lower VLT % = darker tint, harder to see through.
When the law says 70% VLT on the front side windows, it means the glass plus tint film must let at least 70% of light through.
Popular dark levels like 35%, 20%, or 5% are much darker than 70% and will not meet that requirement.
Windshield Tint Rules in Delaware
The windshield has the strictest rules.
- Tint film cannot cover the full windshield.
- Film is allowed only:
- Above the AS-1 line printed on the windshield, or
- On the top 5 inches of the windshield if there is no AS-1 mark.
- The material must be transparent and must not obstruct your clear view of the road.
Think of it as a narrow, clear-ish sun strip at the top of the windshield—nothing more.
Front Side Windows (Driver & Passenger)
Delaware is very strict about tint on the front doors.
- If any film is installed, the glass + film must:
- Allow at least 70% of light to pass through (70% VLT, with a small tolerance), and
- Comply with FMVSS 205, the federal safety standard for automotive glass.
- This means only very light tint is allowed on the front side windows.
- Common tints like 35%, 20%, or 5% “limo” are far too dark to be legal on the front doors.
Delaware DMV also states that you must have a medical tint waiver to legally add tint at all,
so in practice most front windows should remain essentially clear unless you are approved for a waiver.
Rear Side Windows & Rear Window
Behind the driver, the written rules are much more flexible.
- Rear side windows and the rear window may be tinted to any darkness, as long as:
- The vehicle has outside rearview mirrors on both the left and right sides.
- Because no specific VLT minimum is written for rear glass, very dark tint (even 5%) is allowed under the regulation itself when mirrors are present.
In real-world practice, many vehicles in Delaware run no front tint and dark rear tint with dual mirrors.
However, DMV’s position on medical waivers means after-market rear tint is still inspected carefully.
Medical Tint Waivers
Delaware has a formal medical waiver system for people who need extra protection from sunlight.
- You start with an online application through Delaware DMV.
- You print the application packet and have your physician complete and sign the medical certification.
- You must hold a valid Delaware driver license or ID (or recognized non-domicile status).
- If approved:
- The waiver is added to your vehicle record.
- You receive a new registration card showing the tint waiver.
- You also receive a stamped waiver form that should be kept with the vehicle.
- A signed doctor’s statement can also be used as a defense in court if you are cited, but it is best to have the DMV-approved waiver.
Without a valid medical waiver on file and in the vehicle, any after-market tint is at risk of being treated as illegal.
Certificates, Stickers & Inspections
Delaware is serious about documentation for after-market tint.
- Any glass coating or film installed after manufacture must come with a manufacturer’s certificate stating that it meets FMVSS 205 for that vehicle type and year.
- Information from this certificate must be conspicuously displayed on the vehicle (such as on a decal or sticker), so inspectors can see it.
- During inspection or a traffic stop, officials can:
- Check for the required certificate or label, and
- Use a light transmission meter to measure your window VLT, especially on front side windows.
If the front windows do not meet the 70% requirement, or if certificate information is missing, the vehicle can fail inspection or earn a ticket.
Penalties
For Installers (Tint Shops)
- Shops that install illegal tint as part of a business can be charged under Delaware law for violating the glass coating rules.
- Penalties can include:
- A fine typically between $100 and $500, and
- Mandatory restitution, meaning the shop must refund the tint cost to the customer.
For Drivers / Vehicle Owners
- Driving with illegal tint can result in a traffic citation.
- You may be ordered to remove or correct the tint and show proof of compliance.
- Ignoring inspection failures or repeated violations can lead to higher fines and registration problems.
Is Your Tint Likely Legal in Delaware?
Use this quick checklist as a rough guide:
- Front side windows:
- If you added dark film like 35%, 20%, or 5%, it is almost certainly illegal.
- Only very light film that keeps the glass at 70%+ VLT may fit the written rule, and in practice you usually need a medical waiver as well.
- Rear side windows & rear window:
- Any darkness can be allowed if you have mirrors on both sides.
- Factory privacy glass is common; after-market dark tint without a waiver can still attract attention at inspection.
- Windshield:
- Only a transparent strip above the AS-1 line or top 5 inches is allowed.
- No full-windshield dark film.
- Paperwork:
- Do you have a manufacturer’s certificate and required label?
- Do you have a medical tint waiver from Delaware DMV if your tint is darker than stock?
If your tint is close to the limits, the only sure way to know is to have it checked with a meter at Delaware DMV or by a reputable tint shop.
Important Legal Note
This page is a plain-language summary of Delaware window tint rules.
It is not formal legal advice and may not cover every exception or recent change.
For serious questions, tickets you want to fight, or custom setups that push the limits,
you should read the current Delaware laws and administrative code or talk with a Delaware attorney.
Summary
To stay as safe and legal as possible in Delaware:
- Keep front side windows essentially clear or at least at 70% VLT with any film.
- Use only a narrow, transparent top strip on the windshield, above the AS-1 line or top 5 inches.
- Go darker on rear windows only if you have mirrors on both sides.
- Make sure after-market film comes with a proper manufacturer certificate and is correctly labeled.
- If you need darker tint for health reasons, follow the medical tint waiver process and keep your approval documents in the vehicle.
Follow these guidelines and you can enjoy some of the benefits of tinted windows while reducing the risk of inspection failures or tickets in Delaware.