Window Tint Laws in Washington

Window tinting is a popular choice for many drivers in Washington, offering benefits such as privacy, UV protection, and a cooler car interior. However, there are specific laws regulating how dark the tint on your vehicle windows can be. Window tint laws in Washington are designed to ensure that tinting doesn’t compromise the driver’s visibility or safety. If you’re considering tinting your windows or if you’re unsure whether your current tint meets the legal requirements, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations.

Washington State Window Tint Laws

Washington has specific regulations that govern the level of tint allowed on vehicle windows. These laws are set by the Washington State Patrol and apply to all vehicles on the road, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs. Below are the key elements of Washington’s window tinting laws:

Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Reflectivity Limits

The primary factor in determining whether your window tint is legal in Washington is the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage. This refers to the amount of light that passes through the window, with a lower percentage indicating a darker tint:

• Windshield: The tint on your windshield can only have a non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line (the area marked by the vehicle’s manufacturer as tinted). No tint is allowed on the windshield below this line.
• Front Side Windows: Tinting on the front side windows (driver and passenger side) must allow at least 24% of light to pass through, meaning the tint can be as dark as 24% VLT.
• Back Side Windows: For rear side windows, tinting can be darker than the front side windows, but it must still allow at least 24% of light to pass through.
• Rear Window: The tint on the rear window can be as dark as the vehicle owner desires, provided the vehicle is equipped with side mirrors that allow the driver to see clearly behind them.

In addition to the VLT percentage, Washington also limits how reflective your window tint can be. Reflective tints can be distracting to other drivers and compromise safety, which is why the state has limits on the reflectivity of the tint applied to side and rear windows. For cars and light trucks, the reflectivity of the tint cannot exceed 25%. This keeps tints from being too shiny or reflective. If they were, it could make it hard for other drivers to see, creating safety risks on the road.

Medical Exemptions

Washington state allows medical exemptions for window tint laws. This is for people with health conditions that need extra sun protection. Drivers with conditions like lupus, skin cancer, or other sun sensitivities may qualify for a darker tint than allowed by law. To get a medical exemption, the driver must send a written request to the Washington State Patrol. This request should include a recommendation from a physician. Once approved, the individual can legally have a darker tint applied to their windows.

Consequences of Illegal Tinting

If your vehicle’s window tint doesn’t comply with Washington state laws, you could face a fine or be required to remove the illegal tint. The following are the potential consequences for violating Washington’s window tint laws:

• Fines: If you’re pulled over by law enforcement and found to have illegal tint, you could face a fine of up to $136. Additionally, you may be required to correct the violation by removing the illegal tint and passing a re-inspection.
• Vehicle inspections: In some cases, the officer may require your vehicle to undergo a window tint inspection. If the tint fails the inspection, you’ll need to remove or replace it to comply with the law.

Illegal tinting can also cause safety hazards and accidents. To ensure compliance with Washington law: 

• Check VLT levels: Make sure that the tint on your windows allows the proper amount of light to pass through. You can use a VLT meter or visit a professional tinting shop to measure the tint percentage.
• Use a certified shop: Work with a reputable and certified window tinting shop that is familiar with Washington state laws. They can ensure that your tint meets the legal requirements and provide you with documentation for verification.

Be cautious when choosing the tint. Opting for a tint that is too dark could lead to costly fines or the required removal.

Washington Window Tinting

If you’re unsure whether your tint is legal or if you’ve received a fine for non-compliance, consulting with a lawyer who specializes in traffic laws can help you navigate the situation and understand your legal options.

Contact an Experienced Seattle Car Accident Attorney For Help With Your Claim

If you’ve been injured in Seattle, WA, and need legal assistance, contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers. Contact our legal team and schedule a free consultation with a car accidenet lawyer today. We proudly serve King County in Washington and it’s surrounding areas. Visit our law office at:

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