Washington Window Tint Laws
Washington allows 24% VLT and up to 35% reflectance on all side and rear windows of cars; trucks, motor homes, SUVs and vans may go darker behind the driver. Side mirrors are required with any film.
Washington Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Washington Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Washington vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | AS-1 or 6" | AS-1 or 6" |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 24% | No limit |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | 24% | Any darkness |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 24% | Any darkness |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in Washington
Operating a vehicle with tint darker than statutory limits is classified as a misdemeanor. Citations escalate significantly upon repeat violations:
First Conviction
Classified as a misdemeanor with a fine up to $100 and/or up to 10 days in jail.
Second Conviction
Fine of up to $200 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
Third Conviction
Criminal citation with a fine up to $300 and/or up to 3 months in jail (within 1 year).
Washington Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
Required on both sides when film is applied to any window other than the windshield.
Prohibited Tint Colors
Red, gold, yellow or black films are banned (RCW 46.37.430(5)(g)).
Compliance Certificate Sticker
The professional installer places a label on the driver's door post, next to the manufacturer's plate, with the business name and its state tax ID number. It certifies that the tint complies.
Medical Tint Exemptions
With written verification from a licensed physician, darker tint is allowed on all windows and in the top 6 inches of the windshield if the driver or a passenger needs it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Washington? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Washington, front side windows must allow at least 24% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow 24%, and the rear window requires 24%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow Any darkness.
Can you tint the front windshield in Washington? +
Under Washington law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: AS-1 or 6" (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Washington? +
While law enforcement in Washington enforces the state vehicle code (RCW 46.37.430), officers generally extend interstate reciprocity to visiting motorists whose vehicles comply with the legal tint statutes of their home registration state. However, if the tint is excessively dark and prevents officers from seeing the driver, you can still be stopped for safety verification.
Is 20% or 5% (limo tint) legal in Washington? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Washington because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 24% VLT. On SUVs, trucks, and vans, 20% or 5% limo tint is legally permissible only on the windows behind the driver (rear sides and back window).
How do police test window tint in Washington, and is there an official tolerance? +
Police officers and state troopers use handheld, certified light meters that slide over the roll-down window to measure total net light transmission. Washington statutes recognize a Not specified. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Washington allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Washington permits medical tint waivers for individuals with certified photosensitivity or UV-reactive conditions (such as lupus or porphyria). An official affidavit signed by a licensed physician must be approved and carried in the vehicle at all times.
Do I need a compliance certification sticker on my windows in Washington? +
Yes. Washington statutes mandate that an identifying certification sticker must be affixed between the tint film and glass (typically on the lower driver-side window) to certify compliance with state regulations.
What are the penalties and fines for illegal window tint in Washington? +
Driving with non-compliant tint is classified as a traffic infraction or misdemeanor. First convictions carry fines starting around $100 plus court costs, typically accompanied by a 'fix-it' compliance order requiring removal or replacement of the illegal film.
Top-Rated Window Tint Shops in Washington
Certified installers guaranteeing 100% compliance with statutory VLT standards and state certification labels.
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