What the law allows for window tint in Washington

Washington state permits window tinting on vehicles, but the darkness and placement are regulated by law. The state measures tint darkness using Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which is the percentage of light allowed through the tinted glass. The darker the tint, the lower the VLT percentage.

For most vehicles, the front side windows must allow at least 24% of light through. The rear side windows and rear window can be any darkness — there is no minimum VLT requirement for those. The windshield can have a tint strip along the top, but only if it does not extend below the manufacturer's AS-1 line (the line marked on most windshields where the sun visor ends). Reflective or mirrored tints are not allowed on any windows.

These rules explore to sedans, SUVs, and most passenger vehicles. Vans and trucks with aftermarket windows have slightly different rules — the front side windows must allow at least 32% light through instead of 24%.

Key Takeaways

  • Front side windows in Washington must allow at least 24% of light through (32% for vans and trucks with aftermarket windows).
  • Rear side windows and the rear window can be tinted to any darkness with no legal limit.
  • The windshield can only have a tint strip above the AS-1 line, which is usually where the sun visor ends.
  • Reflective, mirrored, or metallic tints are illegal on all windows regardless of darkness.
  • Law enforcement can measure tint darkness on the roadside, and violations can result in a traffic ticket.

How tint darkness is measured and enforced

Police officers in Washington use a device called a light meter or tint meter to measure how much light passes through your windows. The meter is placed against the glass from outside the vehicle, and the reading tells the officer the VLT percentage. If the reading is below the legal minimum for that window, the officer can issue a citation.

The measurement is straightforward and happens during a traffic stop. You cannot dispute the meter reading in court — the device is considered the standard measurement tool. However, you can challenge whether the officer measured the correct window or whether the tint was factory-installed versus aftermarket, since factory tint is sometimes exempt from certain rules.

A tint violation in Washington is typically a traffic infraction, not a criminal charge. The fine varies by county and whether you have prior violations, but expect a ticket in the range of $100 to $200. More importantly, you will be ordered to remove or lighten the tint within a set timeframe (usually 10 days). Failure to comply can result in additional fines.

Exceptions for medical and occupational reasons

Washington law allows darker tint on front side windows if you have a medical condition that requires protection from sunlight. Conditions that may may have access to include lupus, porphyria, xeroderma pigmentosum, and severe photosensitivity. You will need a written statement from a licensed physician confirming the medical necessity.

To use this exception, you must obtain a medical exemption certificate from your county auditor or the Washington Department of Licensing. You will submit the physician's letter along with your vehicle registration information. Once approved, you receive a certificate that you keep in your vehicle. Law enforcement can ask to see it during a traffic stop, so having it readily available is important.

The medical exemption does not allow unlimited darkness — it typically permits front side windows to be darker than the standard 24%, but the exact allowable darkness varies. Check with your county auditor for the specific VLT percentage allowed under the exemption in your area.

Factory tint versus aftermarket tint

Tint that comes installed from the manufacturer on a new vehicle is generally not subject to the same enforcement as aftermarket tint added later. Factory tint is considered part of the vehicle's original design and is assumed to meet safety standards. If you purchase a vehicle with factory tint that is darker than the legal limit for aftermarket tint, you are not automatically in violation.

However, once you modify or replace the factory tint with aftermarket film, the new tint must meet the legal limits. The distinction matters because an officer may ask whether the tint is original or added. If you cannot prove it is factory-installed, the officer will measure it against the aftermarket standard.

Keep your vehicle's window sticker or manufacturer documentation if you want to establish that tint is factory-installed. Some newer vehicles come with darker factory tint as a standard feature, and having proof protects you from a citation.

What to do if you receive a tint citation

If you are cited for illegal window tint, you have several options. The simplest is to remove or lighten the tint and provide proof to the court. Many courts will dismiss the citation if you show evidence that the tint has been corrected — this is called a fix-it ticket in some jurisdictions. You will need to have the work done at a tint shop and obtain a receipt or written statement confirming the new VLT percentage.

You can also contest the citation in traffic court if you believe the measurement was incorrect or the tint was factory-installed. You have the right to request a hearing and present evidence. Bring any documentation about your vehicle's original tint, the manufacturer's specifications, or medical exemption paperwork if applicable.

If you do not respond to the citation, the court may issue a failure-to-appear warrant and suspend your driver's license. It is important to address the citation within the timeframe stated on the ticket, even if you plan to fight it.

Where to have tint installed or removed

If you want to add tint that complies with Washington law, visit a professional window tint shop. The installer should be familiar with state regulations and can advise you on the darkest legal tint for your vehicle type. A reputable shop will measure the final product to confirm it meets the 24% VLT requirement for front windows.

Removing or lightening tint is also done at a tint shop. The process involves carefully peeling away the film and cleaning the adhesive residue. If you received a citation and need to correct the tint, ask the shop for written confirmation of the new VLT percentage — this is the proof you will need to show the court.

Costs for tint installation vary widely depending on the vehicle size and tint quality, typically ranging from $200 to $600 for a full vehicle. Removal or lightening is usually less expensive, often $100 to $300. Get a quote before committing, and ask whether the shop will provide documentation of the final VLT measurement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have dark tint on my rear windows in Washington?

Yes. Washington law has no minimum VLT requirement for rear side windows or the rear window. You can tint them as dark as you want. The restriction only applies to the front side windows, which must allow at least 24% of light through.

Is factory tint darker than aftermarket tint allowed?

Factory tint is generally not enforced the same way as aftermarket tint. If your vehicle came with darker tint from the manufacturer, you are not automatically in violation. However, if you replace it with aftermarket film, the new tint must meet the legal limits.

What happens if I get pulled over with illegal tint?

The officer will measure your windows with a light meter. If the reading is below the legal minimum, you will receive a traffic citation. You can remove the tint and show proof to the court to have the citation dismissed, or you can contest the citation in traffic court.

Can I get a medical exemption for darker front window tint?

Yes, if you have a medical condition that requires sun protection. You will need a letter from a licensed physician and must obtain a medical exemption certificate from your county auditor. Keep the certificate in your vehicle to show law enforcement if stopped.

How much does it cost to remove illegal tint?

Removal or lightening of tint typically costs $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and how much tint needs to be removed. Get a quote from a local tint shop, and ask for written confirmation of the final VLT percentage if you need to show it to the court.