State tint law

Virginia window tint law

Law enacted 1999 · VLT measured on: film and glass combined · Last checked September 27, 2026

Laws change and enforcement varies by area. Confirm with the Virginia DMV before you install.

Law changed Jul 1, 2026Clear film is now allowed on the windshield. What changed

How dark can window tint be in Virginia?

Darkness is measured as visible light transmission (VLT): the percentage of light that gets through. A lower number means darker tint.

Tolerance: Police meter readings get a tolerance of 7 percentage points (Code 46.2-1052(E)), so a 50% front side window reading 43% counts as legal.

Email me when Virginia changes its tint law

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Picked a legal shade? You can tint it yourself with a precut car tint kit from SnapTint, our DIY kit partner.

How reflective can tint be?

Front side windows

Must not be more than 20% reflective.

Back side windows

Must not be more than 20% reflective.

Other Virginia tint rules

Restricted colors

The law names no banned colors, but film that gives a holographic or prism (rainbow) effect is not legal on any window.

Side mirrors

Dual side mirrors are required if the back window is tinted.

Film certification

Film manufacturers don't need to certify the film they sell in the state.

Sticker

No sticker identifying legal tint is required.

Medical exemption

Apply to the DMV for a written authorization, with a signed statement from a licensed physician or optometrist saying tint is necessary to safeguard the person's health. It allows film down to 35% light, lasts as long as the condition does or until the vehicle is sold, and lets the vehicle pass inspection. One or more authorizations can be issued to a person or a family (46.2-1053). Official form or instructions (opens in a new tab)

Enforcement and penalties in Virginia

Enforcement

Police can stop you for tint alone, and tint is checked at the state safety inspection. The court may dismiss the summons if you show proof that the windows comply on or before your court date (46.2-1052(O)).

Penalties

For drivers, a traffic infraction with no demerit points; the general limit for traffic infractions is a fine of up to $250 (46.2-113). For anyone who installs illegal film, a Class 3 misdemeanor, and a Class 2 misdemeanor for a repeat offense.

How the Virginia tint law has changed

The changes we could document, newest first, each with its source. Where we only know that our older records differ from today's law, we say so rather than guess a date.

1. Jul 1, 2026

   Law change Clear film allowed on the windshield

   Chapter 894 (Senate Bill 506) amended Code 46.2-1052: tinted film on the windshield is still only allowed to replace the manufacturer's sunshield at the top, but clear film may now be applied to the windshield as long as the glass still meets federal glazing standard FMVSS 205. The 50% front-side and 35% rear limits didn't change. The act has no effective-date clause, so it took effect on Virginia's standard date for regular-session acts, July 1, 2026.

   Source: Virginia Acts of Assembly 2026, Chapter 894 (SB 506, enrolled)

Films of 50% VLT or lighter: legal on every window of a car in Virginia. Darker films for the rear windows are in the full collection. All car window film.

Where to find the Virginia tint law

These are the laws, rules and other sources we found for Virginia. We list all of them rather than picking one, so you can read them yourself and decide. Laws change, so check the current text before you install.

• Statute Code of Virginia § 46.2-1052 (opens in a new tab) Virginia Law Library
• Law change Acts of Assembly 2026, Chapter 894 (SB 506): clear film allowed on windshields (opens in a new tab) Virginia General Assembly (enrolled bill)

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