WASHINGTON STATE WINDOW TINT LAWS (2026 GUIDE)

Washington has specific rules about how dark your tint can be, which windows you can tint, and what types of tint are allowed. Getting this wrong can result in a $124+ fine and an order to remove your tint entirely.

All regulations in this guide are based on RCW 46.37.430, Washington's official statute governing window sunscreening and coloring.

Key Takeaway: In Washington, the minimum legal tint on front side windows is 24% VLT for all vehicle types. SUVs, trucks, and vans can go as dark as they want on rear side windows and the rear window. Sedans must maintain 24% VLT on all windows.

Washington State Legal Tint Limits at a Glance

Sedans and Passenger Cars

Window	Minimum VLT	Notes
Windshield	No tint allowed on glass	Clear UV film OK; tint strip allowed above AS-1 line only
Front Side Windows	24% VLT	Must allow at least 24% of light through
Rear Side Windows	24% VLT	Must allow at least 24% of light through
Rear Window	24% VLT	Dual side mirrors required if tinted

SUVs, Trucks, and Vans

Window	Minimum VLT	Notes
Windshield	No tint allowed on glass	Clear UV film OK; tint strip allowed above AS-1 line only
Front Side Windows	24% VLT	Must allow at least 24% of light through
Rear Side Windows	No limit	Can be any darkness, including limo tint
Rear Window	No limit	Can be any darkness; dual side mirrors required

VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission. It measures the percentage of light that passes through the tint film. A lower VLT number means darker tint. For example, 24% VLT means only 24% of visible light passes through, blocking 76% of the light.

What Is the Darkest Legal Tint in Washington?

The darkest legal tint in Washington state depends on your vehicle type:

• Sedans and passenger cars: The darkest legal tint is 24% VLT on all side and rear windows.
• SUVs, trucks, and vans: The darkest legal tint on the front side windows is 24% VLT. However, the rear side windows and rear window have no VLT restriction — you can go as dark as you want, including 5% limo tint.

Here is how common tint shades compare:

Tint Shade	VLT %	Legal in WA (Front)?	Legal in WA (Rear — SUV)?
Limo Tint	5%	No	Yes
Dark Tint	15%	No	Yes
Medium Tint	20%	No	Yes
WA Legal Limit	24%	Yes	Yes
Light Tint	35%	Yes	Yes
Very Light	50%	Yes	Yes

Important: The 24% VLT measurement accounts for the combined light transmission of the tint film and the factory glass. Since most factory glass already has a VLT of 70–80%, a professional installer will measure your factory glass and recommend the correct film to stay at or above 24% VLT after combining both.

Windshield Tint Rules in Washington

Washington state has strict rules for windshield tinting:

• Full windshield tint is not allowed. You cannot apply dark tint film to the windshield glass itself.
• Clear UV-blocking film is allowed. You can apply a transparent, colorless film to the entire windshield that reduces ultraviolet (UV) light without reducing visible light transmission.
• Tint strips are allowed above the AS-1 line. You can apply a tinted strip along the top edge of the windshield, as long as it does not extend below the AS-1 line — typically about 6 inches from the top.

A clear ceramic windshield film is a popular option in Washington. It blocks up to 99% of UV rays and significantly reduces heat without changing the appearance of the windshield or violating the law.

Reflectivity Rules

• Maximum reflectivity: 35% on all tinted windows
• Mirror finish products are prohibited. Any tint that creates a mirror-like appearance is illegal.

Standard ceramic and carbon tints are well within the 35% limit. However, metallic tints with a high-shine or chrome look can exceed this limit and should be avoided.

Prohibited Tint Types in Washington

Under RCW 46.37.430, the following window treatments are illegal in Washington state:

• Mirror finish products — Any tint that creates a reflective, mirror-like surface
• Red tint — Red-colored window film is prohibited
• Gold tint — Gold-colored window film is prohibited
• Yellow tint — Yellow-colored window film is prohibited
• Spray-on or liquid tint — Film sunscreening material in liquid form that is brushed or sprayed onto the glass is illegal. Only adhesive film products are allowed.
• Stacked films — Only one layer of tint film is allowed per window. You cannot stack multiple films to achieve a darker result.

Additional Requirements

• Dual side mirrors: If your rear window is tinted, Washington state requires that your vehicle has side mirrors on both sides.
• Manufacturer certification: Tint film manufacturers are not required to certify their products in Washington state. However, using quality film from reputable brands ensures the film meets required VLT and reflectivity standards.
• Sticker requirements: Washington does not require a sticker or label identifying the tint film. Keeping your tint installation receipt in the vehicle is a good idea in case your tint is measured during a traffic stop.

Washington Tint Law Fines and Penalties

Driving with illegal window tint in Washington is classified as a traffic infraction under RCW 46.37.430. Here is what you can expect if you are cited:

• Fine: Approximately $124 per offense, though the exact amount varies by jurisdiction. Some counties may issue fines up to $136 or more.
• Correction order: You may receive an order requiring you to remove or adjust the non-compliant tint and provide proof of correction. Fix-it ticket costs are typically $50–$100.
• Repeat offenses: Multiple citations can result in higher fines, and in some cases, your vehicle registration renewal may be denied until the tint violation is corrected.
• Inspection: Law enforcement in Washington uses a tint meter to measure the VLT of your windows during a traffic stop. If the reading is below 24% on a window that requires it, you can be cited.

The Washington State Patrol issued over 1,200 window tint citations in 2023, with a significant portion occurring in the greater Seattle metro area. Enforcement is active, particularly during routine traffic stops and inspections.

Medical Exemptions for Darker Window Tint

If you have a medical condition that requires protection from sunlight, Washington state allows a medical exemption for darker window tint.

How to Qualify

Common qualifying conditions include:

• Photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light)
• Photophobic migraines
• Lupus
• Melanoma or skin cancer history
• Solar urticaria
• Albinism
• Other conditions where a physician determines sun protection is medically necessary

What You Need

• Written verification from a licensed physician or optometrist stating that you or a passenger must be protected from sunlight for medical reasons.
• The letter must include the provider's full name, license number, and contact information.
• The letter must include a statement verifying the medical need for darker window tint.
• The letter should include your identifying information and the date of issuance.

Important Rules for Medical Exemptions

• No state permit required: Unlike some states, Washington does not require you to file paperwork with the DOL or DMV. You just need the doctor's letter.
• Carry the letter in your vehicle at all times: If you are pulled over, you must be able to show the written verification to law enforcement.
• Reflectivity and color rules still apply: Even with a medical exemption, your tint cannot exceed 35% reflectivity, and prohibited colors are still not allowed.

Washington Tint Laws vs. Neighboring States

If you drive across state lines frequently, here is how Washington compares:

State	Front Side	Rear Side (Sedan)	Rear Side (SUV)	Windshield
Washington	24% VLT	24% VLT	No limit	AS-1 line strip only
Oregon	35% VLT	35% VLT	35% VLT	Top 6 inches
Idaho	35% VLT	20% VLT	20% VLT	AS-1 line strip only
California	70% VLT	Any	Any	Top 4 inches

Washington is more permissive than Oregon and California on front side windows (24% vs 35% or 70%), making it one of the darker legal limits on the West Coast for front windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Your Windows Professionally Tinted in Seattle & Everett

Getting your windows tinted by a professional ensures your tint meets Washington state laws and looks great for years. At Compass Window Tinting, we specialize in professional window tinting in the Everett, WA area and greater Seattle region.

Our tinting services include:

• Ceramic window tint — Best heat rejection and UV protection, no signal interference. Learn more about ceramic vs carbon tint.
• Carbon window tint — Great value with solid performance and a matte finish
• Dyed window tint — Affordable option for privacy and appearance

We measure your factory glass VLT before installation to guarantee your tint meets the 24% legal minimum. Every installation comes with a warranty, and we use only premium film from trusted brands. See our window tinting cost guide for pricing details.

Serving: Everett, Seattle, Shoreline, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, and the greater North Seattle area.