Washington State Tint Law

Enacted: 1993

How dark can window tint be in Washington?

Darkness of tint is measured by Visible Light Transmission percentage (VLT%). In Washington, this percentage refers to percentage of visible light allowed in through the combination of film and the window.

• 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.

How reflective can the tint be in Washington?

Similar to sunglass lenses, some tinting film contain metallic elements that help in reflecting incoming light and reducing the glare and heat generated by visible light.

• Front Side Windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.
• Back Side Windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.

Other Washington Rules & Regulations:

Restricted Colors/Materials

The tint color(s) of Red, Gold, Yellow, or Black, are not legal by state law, neither are mirror finish products or sprayed on products.

Side Mirrors

Dual side mirrors are required if back window is tinted.

Certificate Requirements

Manufacturers of film need to certify the film they sell in the state. Ask your dealer if they are using ceritified film.

Sticker Requirements

The sticker to identify legal tinting is required between the film & glass on the driver’s side window.

Medical Exemption

State allows medical exemptions for special tint. For more details

As of January 2009, Washington State Law for window tinting is as follows…

You may tint your vehicle to 24% VLT for the front doors of any SUV. The back half can be any darkness you prefer. As for passenger vehicles, you may tint up to 24% on all windows except the windshield. All windshield tinting can only be tinted to a max of 6″ from the top or the as1 mark. The article below is from the Washington State Patrol as of 2009. With this in mind, we do offer an assortment of window film options, and can help guide you to a film that fits your indvidual needs.

Washington State Patrol Window Tint Regulations:

• Sunscreening devices are products, permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary, which reduce the adverse effects of the sun. RCW 46.37.430  
• Materials not permitted
• Mirror finish products
• Red, Yellow, Gold, or Black material
• Brushed or sprayed on material. RCW 46.37.430
• Sunscreening devices and/or recreational products may not be applied to, or suspended between the driver and the windshield, or to the windows to the immediate right and left of the driver. Recreational products may be applied to other windows only if they do not interfere, by their size and/or position with the driver’s ability to see other vehicles, persons, and objects.RCW 46.37.430
• Must have both left and right side-view mirrors if window tinting is applied, allowing a 200′ view to the rear. RCW 46.37.430
• The maximum level of sunscreening material to be applied to any window, except the windshield, shall have a total reflectance of 35% or less, and a light transmittance of 24% or more. RCW 46.37.430
• Exemption – Doctor’s orders. RCW 46.37.430 A greater degree of sunscreening may be applied to the top 6″ of the windshield. RCW 46.37.430