I noticed the MD tags on m0untaindr3w's car and feel bad that he got pulled over, I see guys driving around MD where I live with tints that have got to be darker than the 35% total VLT that MD allows, but maybe since m0untaindr3w's car is white it made the tints seem much darker. here's a link I found doing a quick search regarding MD tint laws:
Tinted Windows & Other Vehicle Violations
It's kinda hard to explain real quick but the guys where I got my tints done told me that most cars come from the factory with about 70% VLT, that's why a 50% film is legal in MD (.5 x .7 = .35 total VLT) and a 35% film on stock windows is not (.35 x .7 = about .25 VLT).
I got my 'pala's windows tinted a few weeks ago, and since MD seems strict I went with the 50% all around (the shop displayed 50% film as "MD legal" in big letters), which I can tell is much lighter than m0untaindr3w's previous tints that got him a repair order. From what I've heard, 35% VLT is the MD limit on the front driver/passenger side and rear window, and back door side windows and the windshield 5" strip can be as dark as you want? Not sure.
Not trying to prove anyone wrong, just going with what the guys at Dr. Tint and Details in MD told me. 70% stock does seem a bit low, but I tried to think of a comparison between 100% VLT like a drinking glass and what 70% VLT would be and it makes it a bit more believable.
I just went with 50% instead of lower because being a young driver, I don't wanna risk being hassled by cops about it. I'll have pictures of my 50% all around in a few weeks and hopefully they'll be a good reference.
-East