Maryland Windshield Mounting Laws (2026 Guide)

Maryland law restricts what drivers can attach to their windshields under two overlapping statutes. Maryland Transportation Code 22-404 bans nontransparent materials on the windshield unless they fall within specific exemption zones. Maryland Transportation Code 21-1104 prohibits any object or material in or on the vehicle that interferes with the driver's clear view through the windshield.

These two statutes work together to control where devices like GPS units, dashcams, phone mounts, and toll transponders can be placed on the windshield glass.

Maryland Windshield Obstruction Law (Transp. 22-404)

Section 22-404 of the Maryland Transportation Code states that a person may not drive any motor vehicle with any sign, poster, card, sticker, or other nontransparent material on the front windshield, sidewings, or side or rear windows of the vehicle. The only general exception is a certificate or other paper required by law or authorized by the Administrator.

The statute then carves out specific zones where nontransparent materials are permitted.

The AS-1 Line Rule

Nontransparent material may be placed on the windshield above the AS-1 line or not lower than 5 inches from the top of the windshield, whichever measurement is less. The material must be placed so it does not interfere with the driver's clear view of traffic.

The AS-1 line is a marking etched into the glass by the manufacturer. It typically runs across the windshield about 5 to 6 inches below the top edge. Look for a small "AS-1" label near the edge of the glass. Anything placed above this line is permitted under Maryland law as long as it does not block the driver's forward view.

The 7-Inch Square Lower Corner Zone

Nontransparent material may also be placed on the windshield or rear window within a 7-inch square area in the lower corner. The material must be placed so it does not interfere with the driver's clear view of traffic.

This is the primary zone where Maryland drivers can legally mount devices. A 7-inch square provides enough room for most GPS units, phone mounts, dashcams, toll transponders, and parking permits. The statute does not specify whether this must be the driver's side or passenger's side lower corner, so either corner is permitted.

To stay within the legal limit, measure 7 inches from the bottom edge of the windshield and 7 inches from the side edge. Any device or material must fit entirely within that square.

Driver's View Obstruction Law (Transp. 21-1104)

Section 21-1104 of the Maryland Transportation Code addresses obstructions to the driver's view or driving mechanism more broadly. This statute applies to objects inside the vehicle, not just items attached to the glass.

What the Law Prohibits

Under 21-1104(a), a driver may not operate a vehicle on a highway if it is loaded or has passengers in the front seat in a way that obstructs the driver's view to the front or sides or interferes with control over the driving mechanism.

Under 21-1104(c), a driver may not operate a vehicle on a highway with any object, material, or obstruction in or on the vehicle that interferes with a clear view of the driver through the windshield. This provision specifically excludes standard vehicle equipment and non-transparent sun visors that are not attached to the glass.

Rearview Mirror Objects

Items hanging from the rearview mirror that obstruct the driver's view are prohibited under 21-1104. This includes air fresheners, parking passes, fuzzy dice, and similar items if they block the driver's line of sight. Officers may enforce this provision, though in practice it is often cited as a secondary concern during a traffic stop for another violation.

GPS and Phone Mount Placement

Maryland law does not specifically name GPS devices or phone mounts. However, these devices are treated as nontransparent materials under 22-404. To mount a GPS or phone on the windshield legally in Maryland, the device must fit within one of the two permitted zones:

• Lower corner zone: Within a 7-inch square in either lower corner of the windshield
• Upper zone: Above the AS-1 line or within 5 inches of the top edge

The lower corner zone is the most practical location for most drivers. Mounting a device behind the rearview mirror or in the center of the windshield is not specifically authorized by the statute and could result in a citation under either 22-404 or 21-1104.

Drivers should also be aware that Maryland's hands-free law (Transp. 21-1124.2) prohibits using hands to operate a handheld telephone while driving. Mounting a phone on the windshield and using it hands-free is the legally compliant approach.

Dashcam Rules in Maryland

Maryland does not have a specific dashcam statute. A dashcam is treated the same as any other windshield-mounted device under 22-404. It must fit within the 7-inch lower corner zone or above the AS-1 line.

The most common placement for a dashcam is behind the rearview mirror. While this location is not explicitly listed as a permitted zone in the statute, it generally does not interfere with the driver's clear view of traffic. Law enforcement officers typically do not cite dashcams mounted behind the mirror, but the safest legal position is within one of the two designated zones.

Dashcam Audio Recording and Consent

This is where Maryland law creates a significant compliance requirement for dashcam users. Maryland is an all-party consent state under Courts and Judicial Proceedings Code 10-402.

Recording video with a dashcam is legal in Maryland without obtaining consent from passengers or other people. Video recording alone does not fall under the wiretapping statute.

Recording audio is a different matter. Under 10-402, it is unlawful to intercept any oral communication unless all parties to the communication have given prior consent. A dashcam that captures audio inside the vehicle records the conversations of everyone present. Without consent from every person in the vehicle, the audio recording violates Maryland law.

The penalties for illegal audio recording in Maryland are severe:

• Criminal penalty: Felony conviction with up to 5 years imprisonment and fines up to $10,000
• Civil liability: Victims can sue for actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney's fees

To comply with Maryland law, dashcam users should either disable the audio recording feature or obtain explicit consent from every person in the vehicle before recording. Posting a notice in the vehicle does not substitute for actual consent under Maryland's strict all-party consent standard.

Windshield Tinting Laws

Maryland Transportation Code 22-406 governs window tinting and sunscreening devices.

Windshield Tint Restrictions

Tinting materials may only be applied to the windshield above the AS-1 line or within 5 inches from the top of the windshield. No aftermarket tinting is permitted on the main viewing area of the windshield.

Side and Rear Window Standards

All side windows and rear windows on passenger vehicles must allow at least 35% visible light transmittance (VLT). This means the window must let through at least 35% of available light. Darker tinting is prohibited without a medical exemption.

For commercial vehicles and multipurpose vehicles, the 35% VLT requirement applies to the windows immediately beside the driver.

Medical Exemption for Darker Tinting

Maryland allows a medical exemption for drivers who need enhanced sun protection. Under 22-406, a vehicle owner may obtain a written certification from a physician licensed in Maryland stating the medical need for tinting below the 35% VLT standard.

The certification must follow the format required by the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division and must be carried in the vehicle at all times. Certifications are valid for up to 2 years, or indefinitely if the physician determines the condition is permanent.

Recent change: House Bill 436, signed by Governor Wes Moore on May 13, 2025, and effective October 1, 2025, eliminated the 2-year renewal requirement for permanent medical conditions. Drivers with permanent conditions certified by their physician now hold indefinite exemptions.

Pending legislation: Senate Bill 913 in the 2026 session proposes allowing out-of-state physicians to issue medical exemption certifications. The bill had a hearing on March 10, 2026, and has not yet been enacted.

Child Sun Protection Exception

Removable tinting materials may be applied to protect children under age 10 from sun exposure without a medical certification. The material must be easily removable and cannot extend below the AS-1 line on the windshield.

Maryland Hands-Free Driving Law

Maryland's hands-free law (Transp. 21-1124.2) directly affects how drivers use windshield-mounted devices. Under this statute, a driver of a motor vehicle that is in motion may not use the driver's hands to operate a handheld telephone, except to initiate or terminate a call or to turn the phone on or off.

This is a primary enforcement law, meaning police can pull you over solely for holding a phone while driving. The law has been a primary offense since October 1, 2013.

Penalties for Hands-Free Violations

Offense	Maximum Fine	Points
First offense	$75	None (unless accident)
Second offense	$125	None (unless accident)
Third or subsequent	$175	None (unless accident)
Violation contributing to accident	$175	1-3 points

A first-time offender may have the fine waived by the court if they provide proof of purchasing a hands-free accessory.

Who Is Completely Prohibited From Phone Use

• Drivers of school buses (Class H vehicles) carrying passengers
• Holders of learner's instructional permits
• Provisional license holders under age 18

These drivers may not use a handheld phone at all while driving, even with a hands-free accessory for the phone itself.

Exemptions

The hands-free law does not apply to emergency calls to 911, hospitals, fire departments, law enforcement, or ambulance services. Law enforcement and emergency personnel acting in their official duties are also exempt.

Exemptions to Windshield Mounting Restrictions

Exemption	Statute
Materials above the AS-1 line or within 5 inches of the top	Transp. 22-404(b)(1)
Materials in a 7-inch square in the lower corner	Transp. 22-404(b)(2)
Side windows behind the driver on passenger vehicles	Transp. 22-404(b)(3)
Side/rear windows on multipurpose vehicles with dual mirrors	Transp. 22-404(b)(4)
Federal or state security decals per agency guidelines	Transp. 22-404(b)(5)
Direction and destination signs on common carriers	Transp. 22-404(b)(6)
Electronic toll collection devices per MdTA guidelines	Transp. 22-404(b)(7)
Non-transparent sun visors not attached to glass	Transp. 21-1104(c)
Standard vehicle equipment	Transp. 21-1104(c)
Medical tint exemption (physician certification)	Transp. 22-406

Penalties for Windshield Violations

Maryland treats windshield obstruction violations as equipment infractions under the Transportation Code.

Violation	Fine	Points
Windshield obstruction (no accident)	$70	1 point
Windshield obstruction (contributing to accident)	$110	3 points
Equipment violation (general, Transp. 27-101)	Up to $500	Varies
Illegal window tinting	Safety equipment repair order	0 points

The $70 preset fine for windshield obstruction is a payable fine, meaning drivers can pay without appearing in court if they choose not to contest the citation. If the violation contributes to an accident, penalties increase significantly.

Under Jake's Law, distracted driving that causes serious bodily injury carries a fine up to $5,000 and up to one year in jail. Distracted driving causing death carries a fine up to $5,000 and up to three years in prison. While Jake's Law primarily targets cell phone use, a windshield obstruction that contributes to a fatal accident could result in enhanced charges.

Windshield Wiper and Washer Requirements

Section 22-404 also establishes equipment requirements for windshield visibility:

• Every motor vehicle (except motorcycles) must have a device for clearing rain, snow, or other moisture from the windshield
• The clearing device must be controlled by the driver
• All windshield wipers must be maintained in good working order
• Windshield washers, if originally equipped on the vehicle, must be operational and capable of distributing cleaning fluid

A failed windshield wiper or washer can result in the same equipment violation fine as a mounting restriction violation.

Recent Legislative Changes

2025: HB 436 (Chapter 452) - Signed May 13, 2025, effective October 1, 2025. Eliminated the 2-year renewal requirement for medical window tinting exemptions when a physician certifies the condition as permanent.

2026: SB 913 (Pending) - Introduced in the 2026 session. Would allow out-of-state physicians to issue medical tinting exemption certifications. Hearing held March 10, 2026, in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. Not yet enacted.

No changes to the core windshield obstruction statutes (22-404 and 21-1104) have been enacted in the 2025 or 2026 legislative sessions.

More Maryland Laws

• Maryland Recording Laws
• Maryland Lemon Law
• Maryland Hit and Run Laws
• Maryland Car Seat Laws
• Maryland Dog Bite Laws
• Maryland Statute of Limitations