State tint law
Washington window tint law
Laws change and enforcement varies by area. Confirm with the Washington DMV before you install.
How dark can window tint be in Washington?
Darkness is measured as visible light transmission (VLT): the percentage of light that gets through. A lower number means darker tint.
| Window | Cars | SUVs and vans |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield. | |
| Front side windows | Must let in more than 24% of light. | |
| Back side windows | Must let in more than 24% of light. | Any darkness is allowed. |
| Rear window | Must let in more than 24% of light. | Any darkness is allowed. |
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 35% reflective.
- Back side windows
- Must not be more than 35% reflective.
Other Washington tint rules
- Restricted colors
- Red, gold, yellow and black film is not legal, and neither is mirror-finish film.
- Side mirrors
- Dual side mirrors are required if the back window is tinted.
- Film certification
- Film manufacturers must certify the film they sell in the state. Ask your installer for certified film.
- Sticker
- A sticker identifying legal tint is required between the film and the glass on the driver's side window.
- Medical exemption
- Carry a written verification from a licensed physician that the driver or a passenger must be protected from sunlight for physical or medical reasons. It allows darker film on all windows and the top 6 inches of the windshield. No state permit is needed (RCW 46.37.430(5)(d)).
Enforcement and penalties in Washington
- Enforcement
- Police can stop you for tint alone. Only one sheet of film is allowed per window. Businesses that tint windows for profit must put a sticker with their name and tax number on the driver's door post, certifying the tint meets the law.
- Penalties
- A traffic infraction (RCW 46.37.430(7)). The fine is commonly reported at about $136, and varies with court fees.
Films of 24% VLT or lighter: legal on every window of a car in Washington. Darker films for the rear windows are in the full collection. All car window film.
Where to find the Washington tint law
These are the laws, rules and other sources we found for Washington. 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 Revised Code of Washington § 46.37.430 (opens in a new tab) Washington State Legislature
TintCenter is independent: no maker pays to appear or be ranked here. We also sell film by the roll, and store links are marked "Shop". How we research and make money.