West Virginia’s regulations on car window tinting have been in place since 1991. As a responsible driver, it’s essential to stay informed about the permissible level of tinting for your car’s windows, as well as its reflective properties, to comply with the state’s guidelines. It’s crucial to note that there are specific rules and regulations regarding car window tinting in West Virginia, which you must familiarize yourself with to avoid any potential penalties. By taking the time to understand these regulations, you’ll not only ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road, but you’ll also avoid any unwanted legal issues.
If you’re considering auto window tinting, it’s essential to understand Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Visible Light Reflection (VLR). I’ll explain both of these shortly, but let’s start with the first one.
1. Window Tint Darkness in West Virginia (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 fluctuate anything from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted through the film.
While every state has its own set of regulations for car window tinting, it’s essential to note that the laws in West Virginia may differ from those in other states. The amount of light that may pass through tinted glass in West Virginia may also vary depending on whether you are driving a passenger vehicle or a multi-purpose vehicle. It’s crucial to read and understand the car window tinting laws in West Virginia carefully to ensure that you are following them correctly. By doing so, you’ll not only stay on the right side of the law but also keep yourself and other drivers safe on the road.
Tint darkness law for passenger vehicles (sedans) in West Virginia:
Windshield: You can use non-reflective tint on the top 5 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use maximum up to 35% 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 West Virginia:
Windshield: You can use non-reflective tint on the top 5 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 35% 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 West Virginia (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that a window film reflects. For window tinting in West Virginia, it’s not just about the darkness of the tint. The level of window reflection (VLR) is also a critical factor to consider. VLR is measured as a percentage, ranging from 0% to 100%, and a lower percentage means that less visible light will be reflected into the car. This can cause more sunlight being blocked, which can make for a more comfortable driving experience. It’s important to note that West Virginia’s laws on window tinting allow for a specific percentage of window reflection. Therefore, it’s crucial to pay attention to this requirement as well to avoid any potential issues. By adhering to both the tint darkness and VLR regulations, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe and comfortable ride while staying within the bounds of the law.
Tint reflection law for passenger vehicles (sedans) in West 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: 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 West 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 West Virginia Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
In West Virginia, complying with regulations for car window tinting is essential as the state takes this matter quite seriously. To avoid any potential issues, it’s important to adhere to a range of rules and regulations. Aside from maintaining a specific percentage of darkness and glare on each window, there are other factors to consider. For instance:
Side Mirrors: If you’re living in West Virginia, it’s important to know that having dual side mirrors is a requirement if any window behind the driver is tinted. This is to ensure that the driver has a clear view of the surrounding traffic and can safely operate their vehicle.
Restricted Colors: For window tinting, there are certain colors that are not permitted in West Virginia. These include yellow, amber, and red. It’s important to make sure that the tint you choose adheres to these regulations to avoid any potential penalties.
Certificates: Manufacturers of window tint film are required to certify the film they sell in West Virginia. This is to ensure that the film meets certain standards and is safe to use on vehicles. If you’re thinking about getting your windows tinted, it’s a good idea to ask your dealer if they are using certified film.
Stickers: In West Virginia, it’s also important to have a sticker to identify legal tinting. This sticker needs to be placed between the film and glass on each tinted car window. This is to make it easy for law enforcement to identify if the tint is legal or not.
Medical Exceptions: In certain cases, West Virginia allows for medical exemptions for special tint. This is for individuals who have a medical condition that requires them to have darker tint on their windows. It’s important to check with your doctor and make sure you have the proper documentation before getting your windows tinted.
Penalties: If you’re found to violate West Virginia’s window tinting laws, you could face penalties. The punishment for this offense is a misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $200. It’s important to make sure that your tint adheres to the regulations to avoid these penalties.
Conclusion
West Virginia laws regarding window tinting on passenger vehicles (sedans) allow for a non-reflective tint on the top 5 inches of the windshield. The front side windows can have a maximum 35% tint darkness, the same applies to back side windows and rear windows. For multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans), the laws permit you to use non-reflective tint on the top 5 inches of the windshield. Front side windows can have a maximum 35% tint darkness, while back side and rear windows can have any darkness of tint.
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 a car window tint in West Virginia may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.
Virginia Tint law references:
- Code of Virginia § 46.2-1052. Tinting films, signs, decals, and stickers on windshields, etc.; penalties
- Code of Virginia section 46.2-1052: Equipping certain motor vehicles with sun-shading or tinting films or applications
- Vehicle Sun-Shading and Medical Waivers (Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles)