Window tinting does more than just make your car look cool. It can also block UV rays, keep the interior cooler, add privacy, and protect your upholstery from fading. Window film is a popular upgrade for many vehicle owners for those reasons.
However, Washington state has specific regulations about how dark you can tint your windows. These laws balance safety, visibility, and drivers’ personal preferences. They’re there for a reason, and police will enforce them.
This article will break down Washington’s window tint laws, including the legal Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentages, any restrictions you need to know about, and the potential penalties for non-compliance. It’s important to understand these rules to avoid a ticket and keep your car legal.
Understanding Visible Light Transmission (VLT)
The most important thing to know about Washington window tint laws is the idea of “Visible Light Transmission,” or VLT. VLT is the percentage of light that can pass through your tinted windows.
The lower the VLT, the darker the tint. So, if your windows have a 50% VLT, it means 50% of light can pass through them. A 24% VLT means only 24% of light gets through.
Keep in mind that Washington’s VLT requirements aren’t the same for every vehicle. Sedans often have different rules than SUVs, trucks, and vans.
Window tint laws for sedans and passenger cars in Washington
Washington State law regulates how dark you can tint the windows of your car or sedan.
Front side windows
The front side windows of your sedan must allow more than 24% of light to pass through. In other words, the tint can’t block more than 76% of visible light.
This regulation is in place to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If the front windows are tinted too darkly, you might not be able to see clearly, especially at night or in other low-light conditions.
Rear side windows and rear window
The rear side windows and the rear window of your sedan must also allow more than 24% of light to pass through. As with the front side windows, these windows must have a VLT above 24%.
All of the windows in your sedan, other than the windshield, must meet this VLT requirement. This ensures that you have consistent visibility all the way around your vehicle.
Window Tint Laws for SUVs, Trucks, and Vans (MPVs) in Washington
Washington law treats SUVs, trucks, and vans a little differently than sedans when it comes to window tinting.
Front Side Windows
Just like with sedans, the front side windows of SUVs, trucks, and vans must allow more than 24% of light to pass through. This ensures that the driver and front passenger have adequate visibility.
Rear Side Windows and Rear Window
Here’s where things differ. SUVs, trucks, and vans have no minimum VLT requirement for the rear side windows or the rear window. That means you can tint those windows as dark as you want.
Many SUVs and vans come from the factory with deep privacy glass on the rear windows. This factory tint is perfectly legal under Washington law, and it can provide significant privacy and heat reduction.
Windshield tint regulations in Washington
Washington State law does not allow you to tint your entire windshield. The reason is that tinted windshields can obstruct a driver’s vision.
You are allowed to apply a strip of non-reflective tint to the top six inches of your windshield. Many people choose this option to reduce sun glare.
The rest of the windshield has to remain clear. However, you can apply a transparent, UV-blocking film to the entire windshield. This film won’t darken the glass, but it can help protect your car’s interior and your skin from UV rays.
Other important window tint rules and regulations
Along with the VLT guidelines, Washington State has some other rules about window tinting.
Reflectivity
Washington State law puts a limit on how reflective your window tint can be. The law says that window tint can’t be more than 35% reflective. If it is, it can create glare for other drivers and become a safety hazard.
Color Restrictions
You also can’t use certain colors of window tint in Washington. You can’t use red, amber, or yellow tints. The state prohibits these colors so that people won’t confuse your car with emergency vehicles, and so that you can see clearly out your windows.
Side Mirror Requirement
If you put any kind of tint on your back window, your car has to have working side mirrors on both sides. That way, you’ll be able to see what’s behind you, even with tinted windows.
Certification and Stickers
To be legal, window tinting film has to be certified as meeting the legal requirements. Often, the people who install the tint have to certify that it’s legal and put a label on it. You may also have to put a sticker on your window to prove that the tint is legal, as a visual confirmation for law enforcement.
Are there medical exemptions for window tint in Washington?
Yes, Washington State does allow medical exemptions to its window tint laws. If you have a medical condition that makes you sensitive to light, you may be able to get an exemption that allows you to have darker tint on your car windows than is normally allowed.
To get a medical exemption, you’ll need to get a note from your doctor. This note should explain your medical condition and why you need darker window tint. There isn’t a specific form you need to fill out.
It’s important to keep the doctor’s note with you in your car. That way, if you’re pulled over by a police officer, you can show them the note and explain why your windows are tinted darker than allowed by law.
Penalties for illegal window tint in Washington
In Washington, you can face fines and other penalties for illegal window tint. These fines are usually around $124 per offense.
You can be charged for each offense, so repeat violations can lead to increased fines and other consequences. In some cases, you may receive a “fix-it” order, which requires you to remove the illegal tint.
Police officers use special handheld devices to measure VLT (visible light transmission) and determine if your window tint is legal. These devices provide an accurate measurement of how much light passes through the tint.
The Bottom Line
Washington State window tint laws are in place for safety, and it’s important to know and follow them. The regulations are slightly different for sedans compared to SUVs, trucks, and vans, so make sure you’re clear on which rules apply to your vehicle.
If you’re thinking of getting your windows tinted, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional installer. They can help you choose a legal tint and make sure it’s installed correctly to meet all the requirements.
Finally, remember that laws can change, so it’s a good idea to stay up-to-date on the current Washington State tint laws.