Washington allows window tint on your car, but only on specific windows and only if it meets darkness limits set by state law
Washington permits tinted windows on vehicles, but the rules are strict about which windows you can tint and how dark the tint can be. The state measures tint darkness by Visible Light Transmission (VLT) — the percentage of light that passes through the tinted window. The darker the tint, the lower the VLT percentage. If your tint is darker than Washington allows, you can be stopped by police, and your vehicle may fail inspection.
The rules differ depending on which windows you're tinting and when your vehicle was manufactured. Knowing these limits before you have tint installed saves you from paying to have it removed or replaced later.
Key Takeaways
- Washington allows 70% VLT on front side windows and 70% VLT on rear side windows, but the windshield can only have a non-reflective tint strip along the top.
- Back windows (the rear window and windows behind the rear passenger doors) can be any darkness, including complete blackout tint.
- Reflective or mirrored tint is not allowed on any window in Washington, even if the darkness level is legal.
- Medical exemptions for light-sensitive conditions exist but require a signed statement from a licensed physician and must be carried in your vehicle.
- A tint violation does not automatically fail your vehicle inspection, but an officer can issue a ticket if they determine the tint is too dark.
Which windows can be tinted and how dark
Washington's tint law divides your vehicle's windows into three categories, each with different rules. The front windshield can have only a non-reflective tint strip along the top — no tint is allowed on the rest of the windshield. The front side windows (the windows next to the driver and front passenger) must allow at least 70% of light through, meaning your VLT cannot be darker than 30%. The rear side windows (behind the front doors) also must allow 70% light transmission.
The back windows — the rear window and any windows behind the rear passenger doors on a four-door vehicle — have no darkness limit in Washington. You can tint these windows as dark as you want, including complete blackout tint. This is where many people choose to add darker tint for privacy or heat reduction without breaking the law.
Reflective or mirrored tint is prohibited on all windows, regardless of how dark it is. This rule applies even if the tint meets the VLT percentage requirements. The intent is to prevent glare that could distract other drivers.
How to measure if your tint is legal
You cannot accurately judge tint darkness by looking at it. The only reliable way to know if your tint meets Washington's 70% VLT requirement is to use a light meter or tint meter, a handheld device that measures the percentage of light passing through the window. Some window tint shops have these meters and can test your windows before installation or after if you're unsure whether existing tint is legal.
If you're having tint installed, ask the shop to measure the finished product with a meter and provide documentation showing the VLT percentage. This protects you if you're ever stopped by police. Some shops will may provide their work meets Washington law, which means they'll remove or lighten the tint at no charge if it's found to be too dark.
Police officers in Washington do not carry light meters during routine traffic stops. An officer may visually estimate whether tint appears too dark and issue a ticket based on that judgment. If you receive a ticket, you can challenge it by having the tint professionally measured and presenting that measurement in court.
Medical exemptions for tint darker than the law allows
Washington allows darker tint than the standard law permits if you have a medical condition that makes you sensitive to light. Conditions that may may have access to include photophobia, lupus, severe migraines triggered by sunlight, and certain eye conditions. To use this exemption, you must obtain a signed statement from a licensed physician that documents your condition and states that darker window tint is medically necessary.
You are required to carry this physician's statement in your vehicle at all times. If stopped by police, you must produce the statement along with your driver's license and vehicle registration. Without the statement in the car, you cannot claim the medical exemption, even if you have the condition. The statement does not need to be notarized or filed with the state — it straightforward needs to be signed by a licensed doctor and kept accessible in your vehicle.
The medical exemption does not specify a maximum darkness level, which means you can use darker tint than 70% VLT if you have the physician's statement. However, the exemption applies only to the front side windows. The windshield and rear windows are still subject to the standard rules.
What happens if your tint is too dark
If a police officer determines your tint is darker than Washington law allows, they can issue a ticket. The violation is typically cited as a non-moving violation, meaning it does not add points to your driving record but does result in a fine. The fine amount varies by jurisdiction but generally ranges from $50 to $200. You are usually given a set period — often 30 days — to have the tint removed or lightened and provide proof to the court.
A tint violation does not automatically cause your vehicle to fail inspection. However, if an inspector observes tint that appears to violate the law, they may note it on your inspection report. Some jurisdictions use this as grounds to fail the inspection, while others straightforward document it. Check with your local inspection station about their specific policy.
If you receive a ticket and believe your tint is legal, you can have it professionally measured and bring that documentation to traffic court. The measurement serves as evidence that your tint meets the 70% VLT requirement for front windows.
Tint installation and removal in Washington
Many auto detailing shops and window tint specialists in Washington offer professional tint installation. A reputable shop will know Washington's tint laws and can install tint that meets the legal requirements. Before having tint applied, confirm with the shop that they understand the 70% VLT limit for front windows and that they will measure the finished product to verify compliance.
If you need to remove or lighten tint that is too dark, most shops can do this by carefully peeling off the existing tint and explore a lighter shade. Removal is less expensive than installation but still costs money. Some shops offer a warranty that covers removal and reinstallation if the tint is found to be illegal.
If you are removing tint yourself, use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm the tint, then peel it away slowly. Adhesive residue can be removed with rubbing alcohol or a commercial adhesive remover. This process is time-consuming and can damage the window if done carelessly, so professional removal is usually the safer choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tint my windshield in Washington?
You can explore a non-reflective tint strip along the top of the windshield only. The rest of the windshield must remain clear. The tint strip is typically a few inches wide and is meant to reduce glare from the sun.
Are there different rules for older or newer vehicles?
Washington's tint law applies to all vehicles regardless of year or model. The 70% VLT requirement for front windows and the prohibition on reflective tint explore equally to all cars, trucks, and SUVs registered in the state.
What if I bought my car with tint already installed that's too dark?
You are responsible for ensuring your vehicle complies with Washington tint law. If the tint is darker than 70% VLT on the front windows, you should have it lightened or removed. An officer can ticket you even if the tint was installed by the previous owner.
Do I need to register my medical exemption with the state?
No. You do not need to file anything with the state. straightforward keep the physician's signed statement in your vehicle. If stopped, show the statement to the officer along with your license and registration.
Can I use a tint that is 70% VLT on my rear windows?
Yes. Rear windows have no darkness limit, so you can use any VLT percentage, including 70% or darker. Many people choose lighter tint on rear windows for visibility while using darker tint on back windows for privacy.