Washington State Window Tint Laws: What’s Legal in WA?
If you’re thinking about tinting your windows, or you’re not sure whether your current tint is legal, you’re in the right place. Washington State has specific window tint law about how dark and how reflective your window tint can be, and they vary depending on what type of vehicle you drive and which windows you’re tinting.
This guide covers everything you need to know about WA tint laws: legal limits by vehicle type, windshield rules, reflectivity limits, medical exemptions, and what happens if you get pulled over. We’ll also answer the most common questions we hear from customers at our window tinting shops in Everett and Silverdale.
Quick Reference: Legal Tint in Washington State
| Window | Sedans | SUVs & Vans |
| Windshield | Non-reflective tint on top 6 inches only | Non-reflective tint on top 6 inches only |
| Front Side Windows | More than 24% VLT | More than 24% VLT |
| Back Side Windows | More than 24% VLT | Any darkness allowed |
| Rear Window | More than 24% VLT | Any darkness allowed |
| Reflectivity (all windows) | No more than 35% reflective | No more than 35% reflective |
VLT = Visible Light Transmission. The higher the VLT percentage, the lighter the tint. Washington requires front and side windows to let in more than 24% of light.
What Is VLT and Why Does It Matter?
Window tinting is measured in Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage, which is the amount of light that passes through the film. A lower VLT means a darker tint. So a 20% tint lets in only 20% of outside light, while a 50% tint lets in 50%.
The legal tint limit in Washington State is a VLT of more than 24% for most windows on passenger vehicles. That means tint shades of 20%, 15%, and 5% (limo tint) are not legal for front side windows on any vehicle, or for any window on a sedan.
If you’re not sure what shade your current tint is, a shop can measure it with a tint meter.
Washington State Window Tint Laws by Vehicle Type
Sedans (Cars and Coupes)
Washington State tint laws are stricter for sedans than for SUVs and vans. Here’s what’s legal:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield (down to the manufacturer’s AS-1 line). Tinting below that line is not permitted.
- Front Side Windows: Must have a VLT of more than 24%, allowing in more than 24% of light.
- Back Side Windows: Must have a VLT of more than 24%, allowing in more than 24% of light.
- Rear Window: Must have a VLT of more than 24%, allowing in more than 24% of light.
For sedan owners, the 24% VLT rule applies to every window except the top strip of the windshield. The darkest legal tint in Washington State for a sedan’s side or rear windows is just above 24% VLT, commonly referred to as a 25% or 30% tint in practice.
SUVs, Trucks, and Vans
SUVs, trucks, and vans have more flexibility under Washington state car tint laws:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
- Front Side Windows: Must have a VLT of more than 24%, allowing in more than 24% of light.
- Back Side Windows: No restrictions — any level of tint darkness is permitted.
- Rear Window: No restrictions — any level of tint darkness is permitted.
This is a meaningful difference if you own an SUV or truck. You can legally run very dark tint—including 20%, 15%, or even 5%—on your rear and back side windows. The front side windows still need to meet the 24% VLT threshold regardless of vehicle type.
Ready to find the right shade for your vehicle? Get a quote from our Everett or Silverdale shop →
Tint Reflectivity Rules
Washington tint laws don’t just regulate darkness; they also regulate how reflective your tint can be. Reflective tint (sometimes called mirror tint) can reduce glare and heat but is limited under state law:
- Front Side Windows: Tint must not be more than 35% reflective.
- Rear Side Windows: Tint must not be more than 35% reflective.
Most standard window tint films fall well under this threshold, but it’s worth confirming with your installer if you’re considering a metallic or high-performance reflective film.
Can You Tint Your Windshield in Washington State?
This is one of the most common questions we get, so let’s be clear: yes, partial windshield tinting is legal in Washington State, but only in a specific zone.
Non-reflective tint is permitted on the top portion of the windshield, down to the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. The AS-1 line is a small marking etched into your windshield that indicates the legal boundary — typically about 6 inches from the top of the glass. Tinting below that line is not allowed.
Full windshield tinting, or any tint applied below the AS-1 line, is not legal under WA tint laws and is a common reason for traffic stops.
Medical Exemptions and Special Permits
Medical Exemptions
If you or a family member has a medical condition that requires increased protection from sunlight — such as lupus, photosensitivity disorders, or certain skin conditions — you may qualify for a medical exemption that allows darker tint than the standard legal limits.
To apply, you’ll need to obtain a special permit from the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). The DOL will review your medical documentation to determine eligibility. If approved, keep a copy of the exemption in your vehicle when driving.
Special Permits
Certain vehicles — including limousines and antique cars — may have different considerations for window tinting. If your vehicle falls into a special category, check with the DOL to confirm what applies to your situation.
What Happens If Your Tint Is Too Dark?
Law enforcement officers in Washington State actively enforce Washington state window tint laws, and tint violations are a legitimate reason for a traffic stop. Here’s what to expect:
Traffic Stops: If an officer suspects your windows are tinted beyond the legal limit, they may pull you over. During the stop, they can use a tint meter to measure your VLT and determine whether you’re in compliance.
Fines: Violating Washington’s window tint laws can result in a fine. The amount varies depending on the nature of the violation and the officer’s discretion.
Mandatory Removal: In some cases, you may be required to remove illegal tint, not just pay a fine. This adds cost and hassle beyond the initial ticket.
Vehicle Inspections: Vehicles with illegal tint can also run into issues during inspections and registration renewals.
One practical note: tint meters have a small margin of tolerance, and individual officers apply some discretion. But relying on that is not a strategy. If you’re shopping for a tint shade, stay comfortably above 24% VLT on windows where the limit applies.
Washington State Tint Sticker Requirement
This is a detail many drivers don’t know about: Washington State requires that a sticker be placed between the tint film and the window glass on tinted windows. This sticker identifies the tint as legal and includes information about the film and installer.
If you have your windows tinted at a licensed shop, this is typically handled as part of the installation. If you’re buying a used vehicle with existing tint, it’s worth checking that the sticker is present; its absence can complicate things if you’re pulled over.
Why Tint Your Windows? The Benefits
Window tinting is more than just an aesthetic upgrade. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- UV Protection: Quality window film can block a significant amount of harmful UV radiation, protecting both your skin and your vehicle’s interior from fading and cracking over time.
- Heat Reduction: Tinted windows keep your car cooler on warm days — a genuine comfort upgrade for Washington summers, especially in the Puget Sound area where temperatures can spike in July and August.
- Privacy: Darker tint on rear windows gives you more privacy and reduces the visibility of valuables left in your vehicle.
- Glare Reduction: Tinted windows reduce sun glare and headlight glare, which improves visibility and reduces eye strain during drives.
Before You Book: What to Confirm With Your Installer
If you’re ready to move forward, here’s a quick checklist to go over with any shop before committing:
- Confirm the VLT of the shade you’re choosing — ask for the specific percentage, not just a name like “medium” or “dark.”
- Ask whether the film meets Washington’s reflectivity limits — especially for any performance or ceramic films.
- Confirm the sticker requirement will be handled — a reputable shop will take care of this automatically.
- Ask about warranty — quality film comes with a manufacturer warranty; make sure you know what’s covered.
Frequently Asked Questions About WA Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint in Washington State?
For sedans, the darkest legal tint on side and rear windows is just above 24% VLT — so a 25% film is technically compliant, though most shops recommend 30% to give yourself a comfortable margin. For SUVs and vans, there’s no darkness restriction on back side windows and the rear window, so you can go as dark as you’d like on those — including 20%, 15%, or 5% (limo tint).
Can you tint your windshield in Washington State?
Yes, but only partially. Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield, down to the AS-1 line. Tinting below that line is not permitted under WA tint laws.
What is the AS-1 line?
The AS-1 line is a marking etched into your windshield by the manufacturer that indicates the legal upper boundary for tinting. It typically sits about 6 inches from the top of the glass. If you’re not sure where yours is, a tint installer can point it out before starting any work.
Is 20% tint legal in Washington State?
Not on front side windows — those require more than 24% VLT regardless of vehicle type. On back side windows and the rear window of an SUV or van, 20% tint is legal. On a sedan, 20% tint is not legal on any window.
Is 5% tint (limo tint) legal in Washington?
Only on the back side windows and rear window of SUVs, trucks, and vans. It is not legal on front side windows for any vehicle, and not legal on any window of a sedan.
Do tint laws apply differently to trucks and SUVs?
Yes. The main difference is that trucks, SUVs, and vans have no darkness restriction on their back side and rear windows. Front side windows follow the same 24% VLT rule as all other passenger vehicles.
What happens if I get pulled over for illegal tint?
An officer may use a tint meter to measure your VLT on the spot. If your tint is out of compliance, you can receive a fine and may be required to have the tint removed. Driving with illegal tint can also create issues during vehicle inspections and registration.
Is clear window tint legal in Washington?
Yes. Clear window tint films — which provide UV protection and heat rejection without significantly changing the appearance of your windows — are legal on all windows, as long as they don’t push reflectivity above 35%.
Does Washington State require a tint sticker?
Yes. Washington requires a sticker between the film and the glass that identifies the tint as legal. A licensed installer will typically apply this as part of the standard installation process.
Can I get a medical exemption for darker tint in Washington?
Yes. If you have a medical condition that requires additional protection from sunlight, you can apply for an exemption through the Washington State Department of Licensing. You’ll need to provide medical documentation, and if approved, carry proof of the exemption in your vehicle.
Ready to Tint? We Serve Everett and Silverdale
Understanding Washington tint laws is the first step. Finding a shop you can trust is the next one.
California Tint has been installing window tint in Snohomish and Kitsap County since 2012 and has been an XPEL Platinum Dealer for over a decade—one of the longest-tenured in Washington State. Every installation is done in compliance with legal tint in Washington, and we’ll walk you through your options before we touch your vehicle.
We have two locations serving the greater Puget Sound area:
- Everett Location — serving Snohomish County, Lynnwood, Marysville, and surrounding areas
- Silverdale Location — serving Kitsap County, Bremerton, Poulsbo, and surrounding areas
Not sure which shade is right for your vehicle? Browse our window tinting options or contact us and we’ll help you find the right fit — legal, clean, and done right.
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