| Washington Tint Laws | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | SUV | |
| Front Windshield | Top 6 inches | Top 6 inches |
| Front Side Windows | 24% | 24% |
| Back Side Windows | 24% | No restrictions |
| Rear Windshield | 24% | No restrictions |
Quick summary: Washington tint laws allow front windshield tint only on top 6 inches (AS-1 line). Front side windows can have 24% VLT. All windows behind driver can have 24% on passenger cars, but can have any darkness on multipurpose vehicles such as SUVs and vans.
Last updated on: . Confirmed accurate for 2026. Attorney verified
Washington tint laws primarily regulate the darkness, but also specify other rules and regulations you need to know about such as reflectiveness or color restrictions. All laws are explained further below.
Window Tint Darkness in Washington
Window tint darkness is measured in VLT (Visible Light Transmission) percent. VLT indicates how much light passes through both the film and the glass.
Drag the blue slider above to preview tint darkness. In most real world cases, applied tint will appear 10-20% darker compared to our tool.
See: VLT explained with chart and darkness examples
How dark can your window tint be in Washington?
Here's exactly how much VLT is allowed on your auto window tint in Washington (WA), categorized by passenger and multi-purpose vehicles.
Tint darkness for passenger vehicles:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
- Front side windows: Must allow more than 24% of light in.
- Back side windows: Must allow more than 24% of light in.
- Rear window: Must allow more than 24% of light in.
Passenger vehicles include: sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon, hardtop and hatchback vehicles.
Tint darkness for multi-purpose vehicles (MPV):
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
- Front side windows: Must allow more than 24% of light in.
- Back side windows: Any darkness can be used.
- Rear window: Any darkness can be used.
Multi-purpose vehicles include: SUV, pickup, van, truck, RV, and minibus.
AS-1 line typically extends between 4 and 6 inches parallel to the top of your windshield. AS-1 designation line is typically marked by glass manufacturer on the top edge of your windshield.
Depending on vehicle, your AS-1 strip may already be tinted. In most states windshield tint must not have any reflectiveness, and illegal colors typically include blue and red.
Some state tint laws specify exact number of inches you are allowed to tint on front windshields. Other states define this windscreen area simply as an AS-1 line. Learn more about AS-1 Line.
Federal vehicle ID label found on driver's front door frame will tell you whether your vehicle is classified as passenger or multi purpose vehicle.
- Passenger vehicles include: sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon, hardtop and hatchback vehicles.
- Multi-purpose vehicles include: SUV, pickup, van, truck, RV, trailer, bus and minibus.
In most states vehicles fall under these two categories.
Other Washington Tinting Rules & Regulations:
Other laws, rules and regulations in Washington include the following:
Must not be more than 35% reflective. No mirrored appearance allowed.
Dual side mirrors are required if any side or back window is tinted.
Yellow, red, gold and black window tints are not allowed by Washington law.
Film manufacturers do not need to certify the film they sell in the state of Washington. Installer's sticker certifies legal standards.
The sticker to identify legal tinting is required between the film & glass on the driver’s side window. It must have installer's business name and state tax ID number.
Medical Exemptions
Washington state allows darker window tint under medical exemptions. There is no government application form or agency submission process. Instead, you must have written verification from a licensed physician stating that the darker tint is medically necessary.
You must keep the written physician verification in your vehicle at all times and present it to law enforcement if requested. An exemption can apply to the windows or the top 6 inches of the windshield, but exact VLT levels are not specified by laws.
Because tinting front windshield below AS-1 is not allowed, and Washington already allows generous 24% VLT, medical exemptions are in most cases unnecessary.
Quick FAQs
Violating Washington tint laws is a traffic infraction punishable with a fine from $124 to $139. Officers may require you to have the illegal tint removed or order a mandatory inspection.
For installers, knowingly applying or installing illegal film in violation of laws is a misdemeanor (RCW 46.37.430). Providing or receiving compensation for an illegal installation service is a gross misdemeanor (RCW 46.37.435).
Law enforcement vehicles, hearses, collector vehicles, limousines and passenger buses used to transport persons for compensation, ambulances, rescue squad vehicles, and any other emergency medical vehicles are exempt from tint laws for all side and rear windows.
Laws typically do not apply to vehicles registered in other states, but to avoid fines during out of state travels you can considering carrying proof that the tint you have is legal in your home state.
Tint laws only regulate aftermarket tinting, so vehicles manufactured with darker windows are excluded.
The last meaningful legislative change to Washington tint laws was made in 2009.
Our website is updated continuously. The latest major change is detailed below:
- November 3, 2026: Updated data about medical exemptions, exempt vehicles, and penalties and fines.
Latest major law change in 2009 enacted by Chapter 142 adjusted the maximum legal tint darkness from the older 35% limit down to a more permissive 24% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) for most windows.
Our tint laws strictly reference official sources. You are welcome to verify data in official state laws linked below, or get in touch with your local DMV or police department to make sure you are not breaking Washington window tinting laws, rules and regulations.
Our article about Washington tint laws is up to date as of 2026. Last change was made on November 3rd, 2026 (approximately 1 day ago).
You can rest assured our legal experts are immediately notified of changes, and will always update this article with latest legislation when required.
Official law sources:
Revised Code of Washington section 46.37.430: Safety glazing – sunscreening or coloring. (official link, Washington State Legislature)
Washington State Patrol: Vehicle & Equipment Requirements (see Window Tinting in bottom)
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