Window Tinting Laws in Washington

Car window tinting laws were implemented in Washington in 2011.

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 Washington? 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 Washington

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 Washington 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 on the top 6 inches of your windshield.
Front Side: The windows on the front side should permit more than 24% of light to pass through them.
Back Side: The back side windows should permit more than 24% of light to pass through them.
Rear Window: According to the guidelines, more than 24% of light must be allowed.

Window Tint darkness for SUVs and vans

Windshield: it is permissible to have non-reflective tint on the top 6 inches of your windshield.
Front Side: The windows on the front side should permit more than 24% of light to pass through them.
Back Side: You can use tint with any darkness.
Rear Window: You can use tint with any darkness.

Window Tint Reflection in Washington

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 Washington, 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 35%.
Back Side: The windows on the back side of a vehicle are not allowed to have more than 35% 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 35%.
Back Side: Back side windows should not have a reflective tint that exceeds 35%.

Other Washington window tint rules and regulations

In Washington, 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 Washington, you cann't use yellow, red and amber tint colors.
Certificates: It's an important that film manufacturers should have certificate for the film they sell. If you're purchasing film, it's a good idea to ask your dealer if they are using certified film. This ensures that you are getting a reliable and authorized product.
Stickers of Compliance: These stickers are used to indicate that the tint on the window complies with legal regulations. These stickers should be placed between the film and the glass on the driver’s side window.
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 Washington.

Just a heads up, the laws and regulations regarding window tinting in Washington 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 Washington was most recently revised in 2024.

Tinting regulations were put into effect in Washington back in 2011.

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 Washington State

Washington, a state in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, is situated on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. It lies to the north of Oregon, west of Idaho, and south of the Canadian province of British Columbia.

Washington state, named in honor of George Washington, the inaugural President of the United States, was established from the western region of the Washington Territory. This territory had been relinquished by Britain through the Oregon Treaty in 1846, settling the dispute over the Oregon Boundary.

Back in 1889, this place officially became the 42nd state to join the United States.

Washington ranks as the 18th largest state in terms of size and the 13th most populous state among the 50 United States.

Capital: Olympia

Population: 6,897,012 peoples

The area spans across 71,300 square miles or 184,827 square kilometers.

Cities in Washington

Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Bellevue, Olympia, Redmond, Everett, Bellingham, Renton, Yakima, Kirkland, Vancouver, Puyallup, Issaquah, Federal Way, Bothell, Lynnwood, Bremerton, Kennewick, Kent, Auburn, Tri-Cities, Forks, Wenatchee, Port Angeles, Richland, Gig Harbor, Walla Walla, Pasco, Pullman, Port Townsend, Woodinville, Edmonds, Marysville, Anacortes, Sequim, Mercer Island, Mount Vernon, Lakewood, Ellensburg, Bainbridge Island, Leavenworth, Poulsbo, Lacey, Tukwila, SeaTac, Shoreline, Fort Lewis, Sammamish, Port Orchard

Counties in Washington

Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Clark, Columbia, Cowlitz, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferso, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lewis, Lincoln, Mason, Okanogan, Pacific, Pend Oreille, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Spokane, Stevens, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, Whatcom, Whitman, Yakima

Where to look more info about Washington

Tint Law References

Revised Code of Washington section 46.37.430: Safety glazing – sunscreening or coloring