Back in 1999, Virginia put into effect strict laws regarding car window tinting. As a responsible driver, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the regulations and guidelines set forth by the state. This includes knowing darkness or reflectiveness that is permissible for your car’s tint. Don’t forget to note the supplementary auto window tinting rules that Virginia has in place as well. By being knowledgeable and compliant, you can avoid any unwanted penalties and keep cruising down the road with confidence. Check out all the information and documentation below for a thorough understanding of Virginia’s car window tinting laws.
When it comes to auto window tinting in VA, understanding Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Visible Light Reflection (VLR) is crucial. I’ll go into more detail about these two concepts in just a moment, but let’s start with VLT.
1. Legal Window Tint Darkness in VA (VLT)
Window Tint Darkness or Visible light transmission (VLT) is a measure of the amount of light that passes through a film. It’s measured in percentages and can range from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted through the film.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that each state has its own set of unique legal restrictions for car window tinting. This means that what may be acceptable in one state might be in violation in another. In Virginia, light that may pass through tinted glass may differ between passenger vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles. To avoid any confusion or penalties, it’s important to carefully review and understand the auto tinting laws specific to Virginia. Be sure to pay close attention to the guidelines and regulations to ensure that your vehicle’s tint complies. By doing so, you can drive with peace of mind and avoid any legal complications.
Tint darkness law for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Virginia:
Windshield: You can use non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or on the top 5 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use maximum up to 50% tint darkness.
Back Side windows: You can use a maximum 35% tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use a maximum 35% tint darkness for rear windows.
Tint darkness law for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) in Virginia:
Windshield: You can use non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or on the top 5 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 50% tint darkness for front side windows.
Back Side windows: You can use any darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use any darkness for rear windows.
2. Legal Window Tint Reflection in VA (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that a window film reflects. The percentage of visible light reflected (VLR) by your car’s window tint can range anywhere from 0% to 100%, with a lower percentage showing less light reflected into the car and more sunlight being blocked. It’s important to note that Virginia’s window tint law has a specific allowable percentage for VLR when using tint. As a responsible driver, it’s crucial to pay close attention to this regulation to avoid any potential legal issues. Take the precautions and comply with the VLR percentage requirements set by Virginia’s window tint law. By doing so, you can drive safely and confidently while still enjoying the benefits of tinted windows.
Tint reflection law for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Virginia:
Front Side windows: Window tint installed on the front side windows of a passenger vehicle must not be more than 20% reflective.
Back Side windows: According to Virginia law, window tint installed on the back side windows of a passenger vehicle must not be more than 20% reflective.
Tint reflection law for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and Vans) in Virginia:
Front Side windows: Window tint installed on the front side windows of a multipurpose vehicle must not be more than 20% reflective.
Back Side windows: Window tint installed on the backside windows of a multipurpose vehicle must not be more than 20% reflective.
Other VA Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
For auto window tinting, Virginia takes the matter seriously, and there are several rules and regulations that must be followed. Besides adhering to the specified darkness and glare percentages for each window, there are several other guidelines that drivers must also comply with. It’s important to stay informed and up-to-date on these regulations to avoid potential penalties or legal issues. So, take the time to familiarize yourself with all the requirements, including these additional rules and regulations:
Side Mirrors: In the state of VA, it is required to have dual side mirrors on your vehicle if any of the windows on your car are tinted. This means that if you want to tint any of your windows, you’ll need to make sure you have two side mirrors on your car as well.
Restricted Colors: Unfortunately, VA doesn’t allow the use of red, yellow, or amber window tints on any of your car’s windows. So, if you’re considering getting your windows tinted in Virginia, avoid those colors.
Tint Variance: While there are restrictions on the colors of window tints that are allowed in Virginia, there is still some leeway in terms of how dark the tint can be. Specifically, there is a 7% variance in tint that is allowed. This means that your window tint can be up to 7% darker or lighter than the legal limit and still be compliant.
Certificates: One thing that’s worth noting is that film manufacturers don’t need to certify the film they sell in VA. This means that when you’re buying a window tint for your car, you don’t need to worry about getting a certificate from the manufacturer to prove that the tint is compliant.
Stickers: The regulation doesn’t specifically mention about the stickers, but it is a common practice in the industry to have a sticker on the driver’s side door jamb showing the legal percentage of the tint.
Medical Exceptions: If you have a medical condition that requires you to have a certain level of tint on your car’s windows, VA does allow for medical exemptions. So, if you have a medical condition that causes a darker tint, you can apply for a medical exemption to have your windows tinted to the level that you need.
Penalties: If you’re caught driving a car with a non-compliant window tint in VA, you’ll be facing penalties. For a first offense, it is considered as a Class 3 misdemeanor, which can cause fines and possibly even jail time. And if you’re caught again, subsequent offenses are Class 2 misdemeanor which can cause more severe penalties. So, it’s important to make sure your window tint complies with Virginia’s laws before you hit the road.
Conclusion
In the state of Virginia, the laws for window tint darkness vary depending on the type of vehicle. For passenger vehicles such as sedans, the laws permit you to use non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or on the top 5 inches of the windshield. The front side windows can have a maximum tint darkness of 50%, while the back side and rear windows can have a maximum tint darkness of 35%. For multi-purpose vehicles such as SUVs and vans, the laws permit you to use non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or on the top 5 inches of the windshield. The front side windows can have a maximum tint darkness of 50%, while the back side and rear windows can have any darkness. However, it is important to note that the use of red, yellow or amber window tints are not permitted.
Disclaimer
The information on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or as a substitute for the advice of an attorney. No user of this site, or any other person or entity that may have received this information, shall rely upon the information contained as creating an attorney-client relationship between such user and Car Glass Advisor. The rules and regulations pertaining to car window tint in Virginia may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.