AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TINTING OF MOTOR VEHICLE WINDSHIELD, WINDOWS, OR SIDE WINGS.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Eric Buckson and 7 co-sponsors

Delaware SB 255 would clarify and regulate motor vehicle window tinting standards for windshields, windows, and side wings, including acceptable tint levels and exemptions.

Passed By House. Votes: 38 YES 2 NO 1 ABSENT

Summary of SB 255 (Session 153, Delaware)

Purpose and intent

SB 255 proposes amendments to Title 21 of the Delaware Code regarding the regulation of tinting on motor vehicle windshields, windows, or side wings.

The bill, carried and amended from the original version, is aimed at clarifying or altering requirements related to window tinting to address safety, law enforcement accessibility, or consumer protection concerns. Specific policy goals (e.g., permissible tint darkness, exceptions for medical needs, or enforcement standards) would be detailed in the bill’s text; this summary reflects the act’s general objective to regulate tinting more clearly.

Key provisions and changes (as introduced/ amended)

The bill amends Title 21 related to the tinting of:

Windshields
Windows
Side wings of motor vehicles

While the exact numerical specifications are not provided in the summary, typical provisions in this kind of legislation include:

Permitted levels of tint darkness (visibility transmittance) for different vehicle locations (e.g., front side windows, rear windows, windshield with or without sun strip)
Requirements for labeling or certification of tinting films
Exemptions or allowances (e.g., medical exemptions, law enforcement/verifiable official vehicles)
Enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance

The act was adopted in lieu of the original bill, indicating a revised version that the Senate committee reviewed and forwarded.

Affected parties and scope

Vehicle owners and operators in Delaware who apply aftermarket window tinting to windshields, side windows, and side wings.

Businesses that install window tinting on vehicles (tinting service providers) and manufacturers/distributors of tinting films, subject to the regulatory standards.

Law enforcement and regulatory agencies responsible for enforcing window tinting standards.

Potential impact on drivers who require medical exemptions or who operate politically sensitive or public-service vehicles.

Procedural and timeline notes

Committee action: The bill was reported out of the Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee on May 20, 2026, with 2 favorable votes and 3 on its merits (i.e., opposed or neutral on merits of passage).

Prior action: On May 7, 2026, the bill was adopted in lieu of the original SB 255 and assigned to the Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee, signaling a strategic revision before moving forward.

Next steps (typical legislative process): Following committee reporting, the bill would proceed to the full Senate for consideration, potential amendments, and a floor vote, then to the House if applicable, before potential enactment pending final passage and gubernatorial approval.

Practical considerations for readers

If you wear or operate a vehicle with tinted windows, pay attention to future updates on the exact tint darkness thresholds, allowed locations for tinting, and any required certificates or signage.

For tinting businesses, review the final enacted language to ensure compliance with labeling, installation standards, and permissible exemptions.

Those claiming medical exemptions should check how the bill addresses exceptions and documentation requirements.

Note: To provide precise values (e.g., specific transmittance percentages, permissible tint levels by window, medical exemptions wording, or penalties), the exact text of SB 255 as enacted or the amended version would need to be consulted.