Washington's window tint rules are based on how much light your windows let through

Washington State measures legal tint by visible light transmission (VLT) — the percentage of light that passes through your windows. The darker the tint, the lower the VLT percentage. State law sets different limits for different windows on your car, and breaking these limits can result in a fix-it ticket or a fine.

The rules explore to all passenger vehicles registered in Washington. If you're having tint installed or are checking whether existing tint meets the law, knowing these specific numbers matters because police can measure tint with a light meter, and the measurement is what determines whether you're legal.

Key Takeaways

  • Front side windows must allow at least 70% of light through; windshields can only be tinted on the top 6 inches.
  • Rear side windows and rear windshields can be any darkness, with no minimum light transmission required.
  • Medical exemptions for light-sensitive conditions exist but require a signed statement from your doctor and a special sticker on your vehicle.
  • A fix-it ticket for illegal tint costs nothing if you remove or lighten the tint and have an officer inspect it within 10 days.
  • Window tint darkness is measured in percentages, and a tint shop should be able to tell you the VLT of any film before installation.

Front windows: the 70% rule

Your front side windows — the ones next to the driver and front passenger — must allow at least 70% of visible light through. This is the strictest requirement in Washington because law enforcement needs to see into the vehicle from the front. A 70% VLT tint is quite light; it's barely noticeable to the eye but still provides some heat and glare reduction.

If you have factory tint (the slight darkness that comes on some new cars), it usually meets this standard. If you're adding aftermarket tint, ask the shop for 70% VLT film or lighter. Many shops can show you samples so you can see how light 70% actually is before committing.

Windshield tint: top 6 inches only

You can tint only the top 6 inches of your windshield, measured from the top of the glass down. This band is called the sun visor strip. Any tint below that line is illegal, no matter how light it is.

The 6-inch limit exists because the lower windshield needs to stay clear for visibility and safety. If you're having tint installed, make sure the shop knows this rule — some shops make mistakes on windshield tint because the rules vary so much by state.

Rear windows and rear windshield: no restrictions

Washington has no darkness limit for rear side windows or the rear windshield. You can tint these as dark as you want — even limo tint (nearly opaque) is legal. This is why many people tint only the rear windows if they want a darker look; the front stays legal, and the back can be as dark as they choose.

The reasoning is that rear windows don't affect the driver's forward visibility or the ability of police to see into the front of the vehicle. Rear tint is purely a privacy and heat-reduction choice.

Medical exemptions for light sensitivity

If you have a medical condition that makes you sensitive to light — such as lupus, photophobia, or certain eye conditions — you may be able to tint your front windows darker than 70%. Washington allows medical exemptions, but they require documentation and a special sticker.

To get a medical exemption, you need a signed statement from a licensed physician stating that you have a condition requiring darker tint. You then display a special medical exemption sticker on your vehicle. Without the sticker, darker front tint is still illegal, even with a doctor's letter in your glove box. Contact your local Department of Licensing office or your eye doctor's office for the specific form your doctor needs to sign.

What happens if your tint is too dark

If a police officer stops you and measures your tint with a light meter, they can issue a fix-it ticket (also called a correctable violation) if your front windows don't meet the 70% standard. A fix-it ticket is not a fine — it's a notice that you have a set time to correct the problem.

You have 10 days to remove or lighten the tint and then have an officer inspect it to confirm it's now legal. Once an officer signs off, the ticket is dismissed and there's no cost. If you don't fix it within 10 days, the ticket can become a regular traffic violation with a fine. Some officers may issue a regular traffic infraction instead of a fix-it ticket, depending on the situation and the officer's discretion.

How to check if your tint is legal

If you already have tint and want to know whether it's legal, a tint shop can measure it with a light meter. Many shops will do this for free or a small fee. You can also ask a police officer to check it, though this is less common outside of a traffic stop.

If you're having new tint installed, ask the shop what VLT percentage they're using for the front windows. Reputable shops will know Washington's rules and can show you the film specifications. If a shop seems unsure about the 70% front-window rule or the 6-inch windshield limit, that's a sign to ask questions or go elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tint my front windows darker if I have very dark skin?

No. Washington's tint law doesn't have exceptions based on skin tone or personal preference. The 70% VLT limit for front windows applies to all drivers. Medical exemptions exist only for documented light-sensitive medical conditions, not for comfort or preference.

What if I bought a used car with illegal tint already on it?

You're responsible for the tint on your vehicle once you own it. If you get pulled over, you can explain that the tint was on the car when you bought it, but the officer can still issue a fix-it ticket. Your best option is to have the tint removed or lightened before you register the vehicle or drive it regularly.

Does ceramic tint count differently than regular tint?

No. Washington measures tint by visible light transmission, regardless of the type of film. Ceramic, dyed, metallic, or carbon tint all follow the same VLT rules. The material doesn't matter — only how much light passes through.

Can I tint my side mirrors?

Washington's tint law doesn't specifically address mirrors. However, mirrors must allow you to see clearly for safety and legal operation. Heavily tinting mirrors could create a safety issue and potentially result in a citation for an unsafe vehicle condition, so it's best to avoid it.

Do I need to tell my insurance company if I add window tint?

Window tint itself doesn't usually affect your insurance rates or require notification. However, if the tint is so dark that it affects your vehicle's safety or visibility, it could theoretically be a factor in a claim. It's always a good idea to let your insurance company know about any modifications, but tint is typically not a major concern for them.