Washington state implemented laws regarding car window tinting in 2011. It is important for car owners to be aware of the specific regulations regarding the darkness and reflectivity of window tints in the state. As a responsible car owner, it is your duty to familiarize yourself with all the information and documentation provided about window tints for your vehicle. Besides the basic regulations, there are additional rules and regulations that apply to car window tinting in Washington. I highly recommend to read through all the information below to avoid any potential fines for non-compliance. Stay informed and enjoy your ride with no hassle.
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Visible Light Reflection (VLR) are two essential things to know about auto window tinting. In this discussion, you’ll explore both of these concepts, beginning with VLT.
1. Window Tint Darkness in Washington (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 vary from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted through the film.
It’s important to keep in mind that each state has its own set of laws and regulations regarding car window tinting. The amount of light that may pass through tinted glass in Washington may differ from other states, and these laws may also vary between passenger vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles. To avoid any confusion or legal issues, it’s crucial that you carefully review all the tinting laws specific to Washington. Stay informed and comply with these regulations to ensure the safety and legality of your vehicle.
Tint darkness law for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Washington:
Windshield: You can use non-reflective tint on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use maximum up to 24% tint darkness.
Back Side windows: You can use a maximum 24% tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use a maximum 24% tint darkness for rear windows.
Tint darkness law for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) in Washington:
Windshield: You can use non-reflective tint on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 24% 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. Window Tint Reflection in Washington (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that a window film reflects. For car window tinting, the amount of visible light reflected (VLR) can vary from 0% to 100%. A lower VLR percentage shows that less visible light will be reflected into the vehicle, resulting in more sunlight being blocked. It’s important to note that Washington state has specific regulations regarding the VLR percentage allowed when using window tints. To avoid any potential fines or legal issues, be sure to pay attention to this factor when selecting and installing window tints on your vehicle. Stay informed and comply with the regulations to ensure safe and legal driving in Washington.
Tint reflection law for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Washington:
Front Side windows: Window tint installed on the front side windows of a passenger vehicle must not be more than 35% reflective.
Back Side windows: Window tint installed on the back side windows of a passenger vehicle must not be more than 35% reflective.
Tint reflection law for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and Vans) in Washington:
Front Side windows: Window tint installed on the front side windows of a multipurpose vehicle must not be more than 35% reflective.
Back Side windows: Window tint installed on the backside windows of a multipurpose vehicle must not be more than 35% reflective.
Other Washington Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
Washington state takes car window tinting seriously, and there are many rules and regulations that must be followed to avoid fines or legal trouble. Besides maintaining a specific level of darkness and glare on each window, there are several other guidelines that must be followed. As a responsible car owner, it’s essential to be aware of these regulations and ensure that your vehicle complies with them. These are:
Side Mirrors: In Washington state, it is a legal requirement to have dual side mirrors if your back window is tinted. This is to ensure that other drivers on the road can still see your mirrors and have a clear view of the vehicle behind them, even if the back window is tinted.
Restricted Colors: According to Washington law, yellow, red, and amber window tints are not allowed. These colors can be very distracting to other drivers and can make it hard to see inside the vehicle, which is why they are prohibited.
Certificates: To ensure that the window film being used in the state of Washington is legal, film manufacturers are required to certify the film they sell. It’s a good idea to check with your dealer if they are using certified film before purchasing.
Stickers: To identify legal tinting, a sticker must be placed between the film and glass on the driver’s side window. This sticker serves as proof that the tinting on the vehicle is legal and has been done under Washington state laws.
Medical Exceptions: If you have a medical condition that requires special tint, Washington law allows for medical exemptions. You will need to provide a letter from your doctor stating the medical need for the tint and have it approved by the state before proceeding with the tinting.
Penalties: If you are caught driving with illegal tinting, you could face penalties of up to $124. It’s important to ensure that your tinting is done under state laws to avoid any fines or penalties.
Conclusion
According to Washington state laws, passenger vehicles (sedans) are allowed to use non-reflective tint on the top 6 inches of the windshield. The front side windows can have a maximum of 24% tint darkness, while the back side and rear windows can also have a maximum of 24% tint darkness. For multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans), the laws are similar regarding the windshield where non-reflective tint on the top 6 inches is permitted. However, the front side windows can have up to 24% tint darkness and the back side and rear windows can have any darkness. It’s important to note that yellow, red, and amber window tints are not allowed by Washington law, film manufacturers must certify the film they sell in the state, and there is a sticker required to identify legal tinting.
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 may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.