State tint law
West Virginia window tint law
Laws change and enforcement varies by area. Confirm with the West Virginia DMV before you install.
How dark can window tint be in West Virginia?
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 5 inches of the windshield. | |
| Front side windows | Must let in more than 35% of light. | |
| Back side windows | Must let in more than 35% of light. | Any darkness is allowed. |
| Rear window | Must let in more than 35% 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 20% reflective.
- Back side windows
- Must not be more than 20% reflective.
Other West Virginia tint rules
- Restricted colors
- Red, yellow and amber are not allowed on the tint strip at the top of the windshield. The law names no colors for the other windows.
- 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 each tinted window.
- Medical exemption
- No state permit: carry an affidavit from a West Virginia-licensed physician or optometrist that your condition makes darker tint necessary (17C-15-36a(f)).
Enforcement and penalties in West Virginia
- Enforcement
- Each tinted window needs the maker's label in its lower left corner. Unmarked police cars exempt from the tint law may not make routine traffic stops.
- Penalties
- A misdemeanor with a fine of up to $200 (W. Va. Code 17C-15-36a(i)).
Films of 35% VLT or lighter: legal on every window of a car in West Virginia. Darker films for the rear windows are in the full collection. All car window film.
Where to find the West Virginia tint law
These are the laws, rules and other sources we found for West 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 West Virginia Code § 17C-15-36a (opens in a new tab) Justia
- Statute West Virginia Code § 17C-15-36a (opens in a new tab) FindLaw
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