Yes, you can have tinted windows in Washington, but you must follow the state’s specific rules. Understanding the car window tint laws in Washington is key to staying legal and avoiding fines.
Many drivers like tint for privacy and sun protection. But the rules here are strict about how dark you can go. It’s not just about the front and back windows either.
Police officers can and do pull people over for illegal tint. A ticket means a fine and a fix-it order. You’ll have to remove the tint to pass inspection.
This guide will walk you through every part of the law. We’ll cover darkness, reflectivity, medical exemptions, and how to get your tint checked.
What Are the Car Window Tint Laws in Washington?
Let’s break down the main rules. The car window tint laws in Washington focus on two things: how much light gets through and how reflective the film is.
For the front side windows, the law is clear. They must let in more than 24% of light. This is called Visible Light Transmission, or VLT.
Your back side windows and rear window can be darker. The car window tint laws in Washington allow any darkness for these windows. But there’s a big catch for SUVs and vans.
The windshield also has rules. You can only tint the top six inches. This strip can be non-reflective and any darkness you want.
Reflectivity is the other big rule. Your tint cannot be too mirror-like. This stops glare from hurting other drivers on the road.
These car window tint laws in Washington apply to all passenger vehicles. The rules for multi-purpose vehicles are a bit different, which we’ll cover next.
How Dark Can My Tint Be in Washington State?
The darkness rules depend on your vehicle type. The car window tint laws in Washington split vehicles into two main groups.
For sedans and coupes, the front side windows need 24% VLT or more. The back side windows and rear window can be as dark as you like.
For SUVs, vans, and trucks, the rules are looser. The front side windows still need 24% VLT. But the back side and rear windows can also be any darkness.
Why the difference? Lawmakers think it’s safer for drivers in larger vehicles. They have bigger blind spots to begin with.
You must also think about factory tint. Most new car windows already have some tint from the maker. This counts toward your total VLT percentage.
A good tint shop will measure your factory glass first. They add film to reach the legal limit, not go below it. This keeps you within the car window tint laws in Washington.
Reflectivity and Other Tint Rules in WA
Darkness isn’t the only rule. The car window tint laws in Washington also limit how shiny your tint can be.
Front side windows cannot be very reflective. The law says they can’t reflect more than 35% of light. This stops a mirror effect.
Back side windows have the same 35% reflectivity limit. This rule helps keep roads safe for everyone driving behind you.
The color of your tint matters too. In Washington, you cannot use red, amber, or yellow tint. These colors can look like emergency vehicle lights.
Your tint also needs to be certified. The film maker must put a label on it. This label shows the film meets the car window tint laws in Washington.
You must keep this label on the film after it’s installed. An installer should put it in the bottom corner of your driver’s side window. Police use this to check legality.
According to the Washington State Legislature, these rules are in place for safety. They help officers see inside a car during a traffic stop.
Medical Exemptions for Window Tint in Washington
Some people need darker tint for health reasons. The car window tint laws in Washington do allow for medical exemptions.
You must have a certified medical condition. Examples include lupus, melanoma, or severe light sensitivity. Your doctor must confirm this need.
The process requires official paperwork. You need a signed statement from a licensed physician or optometrist. This statement must be on their office letterhead.
The statement should say you have a condition. It must also say that darker car windows are needed for your health. You must carry this paper in your vehicle at all times.
With an exemption, you can have darker front side windows. The exact allowed darkness will be on your medical form. It still may not allow completely blacked-out windows.
You must renew this exemption periodically. The state does not give permanent passes. Check with the Washington Department of Licensing for current renewal rules.
Even with an exemption, other rules still apply. Your tint cannot be too reflective. You still cannot use certain colors on your windows.
How to Get Your Tint Measured and Certified
Worried your tint might be too dark? You can get it checked. Knowing the car window tint laws in Washington is one thing, proving you follow them is another.
Many window tint installation shops have light meters. They can measure your VLT percentage for you. This test only takes a minute.
Some local police departments offer free checks. Call your non-emergency line to ask. They might have community events where they verify tint.
The Washington State Patrol can also check your tint. If you get a ticket, you may need an official measurement from them. This measurement goes on your correction form.
When you get new tint, ask for a certificate. Reputable shops provide proof of compliance. This paper lists the film brand and its VLT percentage.
Keep this certificate in your glove box. It can help if an officer questions your windows. It shows you made an effort to follow the car window tint laws in Washington.
Remember, the legal limit is for the total window. That includes any factory tint. A good meter reading accounts for this combined darkness.
Penalties for Breaking Washington Tint Laws
What happens if you break the rules? The car window tint laws in Washington come with real penalties.
A ticket for illegal tint is a traffic infraction. You will have to pay a fine. The exact cost varies by county but can be over $100.
The bigger issue is the fix-it ticket. You will get a certain number of days to remove the illegal tint. Then you must prove you fixed it.
You have to get the tint removed completely or replaced with legal film. Then a law enforcement officer must sign off on the correction. This is a hassle and an extra cost.
If you don’t fix it, the penalties get worse. Your fine can increase. In some cases, it could affect your vehicle registration renewal.
Multiple tint violations look bad. They show a pattern of not following vehicle codes. This could hurt you if you have other traffic issues.
The Washington State Patrol enforces these rules strictly. They consider illegal tint a safety hazard. It’s not worth the risk of a ticket.
Choosing a Legal Tint in Washington State
Picking the right tint means staying legal. You need to understand the car window tint laws in Washington before you buy.
First, decide on your VLT percentage. For front windows, choose 35% film or lighter. This accounts for factory tint getting you to the 24% minimum.
Talk to your installer about your car model. They know which factory tints are common. They can recommend film that keeps you legal.
Ask for non-reflective film. This keeps you under the 35% reflectivity rule. Metallic films often have higher reflectivity, so be careful.
Pick a neutral color like gray, charcoal, or black. Avoid any colors that are banned. This is a simple way to follow the car window tint laws in Washington.
Get a written estimate that includes the film specifications. It should list the VLT and reflectivity percentages. This protects you if the shop makes a mistake.
Remember, cheaper film often fades or turns purple. It might also not have the proper certification label. Investing in good film saves trouble later.
Common Myths About Washington Tint Laws
There’s a lot of wrong info out there. Let’s clear up myths about the car window tint laws in Washington.
Myth one: “I bought my car with dark tint, so it’s legal.” False. The previous owner might have broken the law. You are responsible for your car now.
Myth two: “I only got a 20% tint, that’s close enough.” Not true. The law says more than 24%. Even 23% is illegal for front side windows.
Myth three: “SUVs can have any tint anywhere.” Wrong. The front side windows on an SUV still must follow the 24% VLT rule. Only the rear areas can be dark.
Myth four: “I have a doctor’s note, so I can go as dark as I want.” Not exactly. Your medical exemption has limits set by the state. It’s not a free pass for 0% tint.
Myth five: “Tint tickets are just a fix-it ticket, no big deal.” They are a big deal. You still pay a fine. You also pay to remove and possibly reapply tint.
Myth six: “Out-of-state tint is okay if I’m just visiting.” If your car is registered in Washington, the car window tint laws in Washington apply. Visiting cars might get more leeway, but it’s not guaranteed.
Always check the official source. The Revised Code of Washington (RCW 46.37.430) has the exact text of the law.
Tips for Staying Within the Law
Follow these tips to avoid trouble. They make following the car window tint laws in Washington easy.
First, when in doubt, go lighter. Choosing a 50% VLT film for front windows is very safe. It gives you a big buffer for factory tint and meter errors.
Second, use a reputable installer. Read reviews and ask for their knowledge of state laws. A good shop will refuse to install illegal tint.
Third, get a light meter reading after installation. Ask the shop to do it in front of you. Keep that reading with your car paperwork.
Fourth, if you buy a used car, check the tint right away. Use a simple card test or go to a shop. Factor the cost of removal into your purchase price if it’s illegal.
Fifth, know that laws can change. The car window tint laws in Washington were updated in 2011. They could change again, so stay informed.
Finally, be polite if an officer questions your tint. Show your compliance certificate if you have one. Arguing at the roadside rarely helps your case.
Following these steps keeps you safe and legal. You get the benefits of tint without the stress of a potential ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the darkest legal tint in Washington?
The darkest legal tint for front side windows is 24% VLT. For back side and rear windows on most vehicles, you can go as dark as you want. Always check the specific rules for your vehicle type.
Can you get pulled over for tint in Washington?
Yes, absolutely. Illegal window tint is a primary offense in Washington. This means an officer can pull you over just for having windows that are too dark. They don’t need another reason.
How much is a tint ticket in WA?
A tint ticket fine varies by county but typically starts around $136. You will also get a fix-it order. You must pay the fine and prove you corrected the violation to clear the ticket.
Is 20% tint illegal in Washington?
For the front side windows, yes, 20% tint is illegal. The law requires more than 24% VLT. A 20% film only lets 20% of light in, which is below the legal limit.
What about windshield tint in Washington?
You can only tint the top six inches of the windshield. This sun visor strip can be non-reflective and any darkness. Tinting the entire windshield below the AS-1 line is illegal.
Do I need a note for medical tint in Washington?
Yes, you need a signed statement from a licensed doctor or optometrist. This note must be on their professional letterhead. You must carry it in your vehicle at all times to show law enforcement.
Conclusion
So, what are the car window tint laws in Washington? They are specific rules about darkness, reflectivity, and certification.
The key is to
Tony Kilmer is an auto mechanic and the author behind CarTruckAdvisor.com. He shares practical, no-nonsense guidance on car and truck maintenance, common problems, and repair decisions—helping drivers understand what’s going on and what to do next.
