Hi guys,

question - does anybody know what tint % is on our stock windows?

The issue is - I just moved to Maryland and need to pass a state safety inspection but my car is tinted 35% all around (meaning I've added a 35% film).. and MD law says the TOTAL light transmittance cannot exceed 35% (http://www.berwynheightspd.com/tinted%20windows.htm): "A 35% window film will guarantee you that your vehicle will be illegal", because all cars come with some stock tint %..

So.. what is the chance to pass the inspection? Or I will definitely have to remove the tint?

Thanks!

 

There isn't any on the stock windows. It would be illegal to sell them in a lot of states if they did because in many states you can't have any tint on the front windows.

 

For what it's worth I was pulled over for my tint not too long ago and the cops meter showed my windows only has 10% of light coming through. The problem is that I installed 20% tint on my CL!

So I think our cars have about 10% on them already.

 

Or its possible his meter was off.

Actually, if you know cop, just get him to measure the front windsheild, and that will tell you if there is any tint from the factory.

 

I respectfully disagree with the last few posts. I suspect that you will fail the tint inspection as ALL automotive glass has a degree of tint to it which means that 35% tint will ensure that you are at less than 35% light transmission. This is a huge problem in MD as the 35% rule basically means that you have to use 40% or higher tint. I have had major issues with this here in MD. There are places that may ignore the fact that your windows are tinted when you go for the inspection, but those places are rare and quite frankly it's a MASSIVE risk for them to do it.

 

The CL & TL does have what's called solar controlled glass. Meaning the window darkens a tad bit when in direct sunlight. Then lightens as it gets darker outside. It will add to the overall % if you tint the window. Shouldn't be anymore then 5%.

 

Even still, automotive glass is not the same as other glass. It WILL reduce the amount of light transmission slightly. Thus, the glass itself with its small degree of light transmission blockage and the solar controlling aspect, along with a tint of 35% will be too dark for MD. They don't charge to get it tested at the MVA, but they will tell you to take it off if its too dark.

 

Are you sure they even check tint on the safetly inspection? In Missouri, they don't.

 

they have a slight greenish tint to them to reflect sunlight. you can see it best from an angle.

 

Yes, they absolutely check here in MD, it's a huge issue!

 

About a year ago, I had 20% tint professionally installed on my car. After it was installed my windows were metered at 13% in three different spots.
I would venture to guess that our windows are factory tinted somewhere in the 5% range.

Hope this helps a little.

B

 

All windows on our CLs are tinted. The front windshield has AS1 under the mark towards the top of the glass. AS1 glass allows more than 70% light transmittancy, and is slightly tinted. Likewise, AS2 glass on the sides are slightly more tinted and usually allows around 70% light through the glass. And we have AS3 for the sunroof ("factory tinted").

AS3 is marked on all glass with "factory tint," which is darker and allows usually less than 50% VLT (visible light transmission).

If you look closely at the glass, you will see AS2 markings on the sides, AS3 for the sunroof, and AS1 for the windshield. Every glass panel is technically tinted even though they do not come from the manufacturer with aftermarket film-

 

I stand corrected.

 

i agree, having 35% tint is being ADDED to the original stock tint, even though it is very minimal.

BTW, ive heard of Benz dealerships tinting on request (obv there is a charge). im suprised that they do such a thing. and NO, i am not talking about the blueish tint that you see on the CLKs.

what tint is on SUVs? 20%?

 

one more reply.

has anyone heard of this new electromagnetic tint? at the flip of a switch the window goes from black to clear. obviously this is a very expensive job. but ive worked with this type of glass for my architecture firm. it was used in a hotel bathroom @ about $1500 for a window with a 2 ft diameter.

 

I've heard of it in building applications, not cars though. And it would be quite cost prohibitive considering how much glass you would need, especially at $1500 for a 2 ft peice of glass.

 

I think Maybach came up with an automotive application on their sunroof but that's not real world for most of us.

 

Oh well... Looks like I have to strip it out and replace with something like 45-50%... Or maybe strip it out, pass the inspection and put it back

But anyway - any recommendations on a good tinting shop arond here (Bethesda) - somebody who will not screw up the defroster? I don't mind to pay a little more for good quality.

Thanks!

 

For $100 or less, this guy Perry who works for a reputable tint shop can tint your windows. He can do 35 or 20% VLT through the glass. Call him at 240-438-2186. He also tints windshields.

In Maryland, I thought window tint was only inspected once at time of purchase unless it is a new vehicle? I think MD has emissions every once in a while, but thought tint was only inspected once.