Window Tinting Laws in Virginia

Car window tinting laws were implemented in Virginia in 1999.

We've given you all the essential details regarding the tint on your car's windows, such as the permissible darkness and reflectiveness levels, specific to your state.

Did you know that there are specific rules and regulations regarding car window tinting in Virginia? It's important to familiarize yourself with these guidelines to ensure you stay within the law. Let's explore the details below.

Windows Tint darkness in Virginia

VLT, short for Visible Light Transmission, refers to the percentage of visible light that can pass through the windows of your car.

Did you know that the state of Virginia has specific regulations regarding the amount of light that can pass through window films and glass installed on sedan cars, SUVs, and vans? These regulations vary depending on the type of vehicle.

Window tint darkness for sedans

Windshield: it is permissible to have non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 or on the top 5 inches of your windshield.
Front Side: The windows on the front side should permit more than 50% of light to pass through them.
Back Side: The back side windows should permit more than 35% of light to pass through them.
Rear Window: According to the guidelines, more than 35% of light must be allowed.

Window Tint darkness for SUVs and vans

Windshield: it is permissible to have non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line of your windshield.
Front Side: The windows on the front side should permit more than 50% of light to pass through them.
Back Side: You can use tint with any darkness.
Rear Window: You can use tint with any darkness.

RephraseWith the provision of medical exemptions, windshields can feature a visible light transmission (VLT) of 35% on the top 5 inches (AS-1 line) or a VLT of 70% across the entire windshield.

The front windows of a vehicle are allowed to have a maximum VLT of 35%.

Window Tint Reflection in Virginia

Did you know that window tint has the ability to bounce back light that enters and minimize both the glare and heat?

Did you know that in Virginia, there are specific guidelines regarding window tinting? It's essential to be aware of these guidelines to ensure you're within the legal limits of window reflection when using tinted windows.

Tint reflection on sedans

Front Side: The front side windows should have a maximum reflectivity of 20%.
Back Side: The windows on the back side of a vehicle are not allowed to have more than 20% reflectivity.

Tint reflection for SUVs and vans

Front Side: When it comes to the reflectivity of these windows, it is important to keep it at a maximum of 20%.
Back Side: Back side windows should not have a reflective tint that exceeds 20%.

Other Virginia window tint rules and regulations

In Virginia, there are various additional laws, rules, and regulations related to window tinting that are worth mentioning. These include the following:

Side Mirrors: If you have tinted your back window, it is necessary to have two side mirrors installed.
Forbidden Colors: In Virginia, you cann't use red, yellow and amber tint colors.
Tint Variance: You're allowed to have a slight variation of up to 7% in the darkness of your window tint.
Certificates: Film manufacturers are not obligated to certify the film they distribute within this jurisdiction.
Stickers of Compliance: These stickers are required but unspecified.
Medical Exceptions: There are certain circumstances in which you can get a medical exemption for special tint on your vehicle. If you're interested in learning more about the specific conditions and requirements for this exemption, I suggest referring to the laws outlined by the state of Virginia.
Penalties: Penalties for this offense are classified as a Class 3 misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class 2 misdemeanor for subsequent offenses.

Just a heads up, the laws and regulations regarding window tinting in Virginia might vary depending on where you live or the specific county you're in.

Make sure to verify the information provided by reaching out to your local DMV or law enforcement authorities.

Our knowledge regarding the regulations on window tint in Virginia was most recently revised in 2024.

Tinting regulations were put into effect in Virginia back in 1999.

If you come across any outdated or inaccurate information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would appreciate the opportunity to rectify it. Thank you!

Looking to learn about window tint laws? Look no further than the reputable industry expert who has built a solid reputation for delivering accurate and reliable information. Feel confident as we shed light on the regulations surrounding window tinting. So, please share weblink to us in social networks.

General Info about Virginia State

Virginia is a state situated in the South Atlantic region of the United States.

The topography and weather of the Commonwealth are influenced by the presence of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chesapeake Bay. These natural features serve as habitats for a diverse range of plant and animal species.

In Virginia, the capital city is Richmond, and the most populous city is Virginia Beach. However, when it comes to political subdivisions, Fairfax County takes the lead in population.

Capital: Richmond

Population: 8,642,274 peoples

The area spans across 42,774 square miles or 110,785 square kilometers.

Cities in Virginia

Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, Charlottesville, Newport News, Alexandria, Williamsburg, Chesapeake, Roanoke, Fredericksburg, Fairfax, Hampton, Manassas, Portsmouth, Falls Church, Lynchburg, Jamestown, Suffolk, Blacksburg, Harrisonburg, Leesburg, Winchester, Herndon, Quantico, Ashburn, Petersburg, Woodbridge, Staunton city, McLean, Vienna, Danville, Lexington city, Chincoteague, Altavista, Langley, Front Royal, Christiansburg, Midlothian, Abingdon, Culpeper, Warrenton, Waynesboro city, Farmville, Emporia, Glen Allen, Tangier, Stafford, Colonial Heights, Hot Springs, Salem

Counties in Virginia

Accomack, Albemarle, Alexandria, Alleghany, Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox, Arlington, Augusta, Bath, Bedford, Bland, Botetourt, Bristol, Brunswick, Buchanan, Buckingham, Buena Vista, Campbell, Caroline, Carroll, Charles City, Charlotte, Charlottesville, Chesterfield, Clarke, Clifton Forge, Colonial Heights, Covington, Craig, Culpeper, Cumberland, Danville, Dickenson, Dinwiddie, Eastern Shore, Elizabeth City, Essex, Fairfax, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Fauquier, Floyd, Fluvanna, Franklin, Franklin, Frederick, Fredericksburg, Galax, Giles, Gloucester, Goochland, Grayson, Greene, Greensville, Halifax, Hampton, Hanover, Harrisonburg, Henrico, Henry, Highland, Hopewell, Isle of Wight, James City, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Lee, Lexington, Loudoun, Louisa, Lunenburg, Lynchburg, Madison, Manassas, Manassas Park, Martinsville, Mathews, Mecklenburg, Middlesex, Montgomery, Nansemond, Nelson, New Kent, Newport News, Norfolk, Northampton, Northumberland, Norton, Nottoway, Orange, Page, Patrick, Petersburg, Pittsylvania, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince George, Prince William, Princess Anne, Pulaski, Radford, Rappahannock, Richmond, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Russell, Salem, Scott, Shenandoah, Smyth, Southampton, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Staunton, Suffolk, Surry, Sussex, Tazewell, Tidewater Area, Virginia Beach, Warren, Warwick, Washington, Waynesboro, Westmoreland, Williamsburg, Winchester, Wise, Wythe, York