Did you know that in the nation’s capital, Washington D.C., car window tinting laws have been in place since 1994? It’s important to stay informed about these regulations, including how dark or reflective your tint can legally be in this state. Not only that, but there are other specific rules and guidelines that you need to be aware of in order to avoid facing any fines or penalties. Luckily, I’ve got you covered with all the information and documentation regarding car window tinting in Washington D.C. – so be sure to read on and get informed!
Two critical things to keep in mind with auto window tinting are Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Visible Light Reflection (VLR). In this discussion, I’ll be explaining both of these concepts, starting with VLT.
1. Window Tint Darkness in Washington D.C. (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 important to note that each state has its own unique laws and regulations for car window tinting. This means that the amount of light that may pass through tinted windows in Washington D.C. may differ from other states. Additionally, the laws may also vary based on whether the vehicle is a passenger car or a multi-purpose vehicle. To ensure that you are complying with all the relevant rules and regulations in Washington D.C., it’s crucial that you carefully review and understand all the information related to car window tinting. By doing so, you can avoid any potential legal issues or penalties.
Tint darkness law for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Washington D.C.:
Windshield: You can use non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 or on the top 5 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use maximum up to 70% tint darkness.
Back Side windows: You can use a maximum 50% tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use a maximum 50% tint darkness for rear windows.
Tint darkness law for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) in Washington D.C.:
Windshield: You can use non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 or on the top 5 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 70% tint darkness for front side windows.
Back Side windows: You can use up to 35% tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use up to 35% tint darkness for rear windows.
2. Window Tint Reflection in Washington D.C. (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that a window film reflects. For car window tinting, the VLR is typically measured in percentages, ranging from 0% to 100%. The VLR percentage, or visible light reflection percentage, shows how much light is reflected off the surface of the tint. A lower VLR percentage means that less visible light will be reflected into the car, resulting in more sunlight being blocked.
It’s important to note that Washington D.C. has specific regulations in place regarding the VLR percentage that is permitted when using window tint. As a result, it’s crucial to pay close attention to these rules in order to ensure that you comply with the law. By doing so, you can enjoy the benefits of window tinting while avoiding any potential legal issues or penalties.
Tint reflection law for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Washington D.C.:
Front Side windows: No reference on tint reflection according to the current tint law.
Back Side windows: No reference on tint reflection according to the current tint law.
Tint reflection law for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and Vans) in Washington D.C.:
Front Side windows: No reference on tint reflection according to the current tint law.
Back Side windows: No reference on tint reflection according to the current tint law.
Other Washington D.C. Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
Washington D.C. takes car window tinting regulations seriously, with several rules and regulations in place that must be followed. Besides complying with specific requirements related to the darkness and glare of each window, there are a variety of other guidelines that must be adhered to as well. These are:
Side Mirrors: In Washington D.C., there are no restrictions on the size or type of side mirrors you can have on your vehicle. You’re free to choose whatever mirrors you prefer.
Restricted Colors: The District of Columbia doesn’t have any specific laws that prohibit the use of certain tint colors on your car windows. However, some states have restrictions on darker tints, so it’s always best to check with your local authorities.
Certificates: Unlike some states, Washington D.C. doesn’t require you to have a certificate proving that your car’s tinting is legal. However, it’s still important to make sure that your tint complies with local laws, as you could still face penalties if it’s not.
Stickers: There’s no need to have any kind of sticker on your car to show that your tint is legal in the District of Columbia. However, again, it’s important to make sure that your tint complies with local laws, regardless of whether there’s a sticker on your car.
Medical Exceptions: In Washington D.C., people with certain medical conditions may apply for a waiver to have darker tints on their car windows. If you think you may qualify for a medical exception, it’s a good idea to speak with your local DMV for more information.
Penalties: If you’re caught with non-compliant tinting on your car in Washington D.C., you could face a $50 citation. If you don’t get your tinting fixed within 5 days, the fine can increase up to $1000. It’s always best to make sure your tint complies with local laws to avoid these penalties.
Conclusion
In Washington D.C, laws permit you to use non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 or on the top 5 inches of the windshield for both passenger vehicles (sedans) and multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans). For passenger vehicles, front side windows can have a maximum up to 70% tint darkness, back side windows can have a maximum of 50% tint darkness, and rear windows can have a maximum of 50% tint darkness. Whereas for multi-purpose vehicles, front side windows can have a maximum up to 70% tint darkness, back side windows can have a maximum of 35% tint darkness, and rear windows can have a maximum of 35% tint darkness. It’s important to check with local authorities for compliance with these laws.
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 Washington D.C. may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.