Washington window tint laws

Washington allows 24% VLT on the front side windows of a car. That is darker than 47 states allow and lighter than 1 state permit, and 1 other state uses the same limit. If you want to see what 24% VLT actually looks like on glass, compare it in our tint percentage examples.

Washington borders Idaho and Oregon. Film that is legal here can get you a ticket in Idaho and Oregon, where the front-window limit is stricter. Our guide to crossing state lines with tinted windows explains how out-of-state cars are treated.

Washington treats multi-purpose vehicles differently. A sedan or coupe can run 24% VLT on the back side windows and 24% VLT on the rear window, while SUVs, pickups and vans can run any darkness behind the driver and any darkness on the rear glass. The front side windows are the same for both (24% VLT). Your vehicle type is printed on the federal certification label in the driver’s door jamb.

Many SUVs and trucks leave the factory with dark privacy glass behind the driver. Because most states measure the combined reading of film plus glass, adding film over privacy glass drops the number further than the film label suggests. See how film and glass add up in our VLT guide.

The rule for the windshield is: Non-reflective tint on top 6 inches only, not into AS-1 area. The AS-1 line is a small mark etched near the top of the glass; our guide shows how to find the AS-1 line on your car.

Reflectivity is regulated too: total reflectance of film on any window may not exceed 35%; mirror-finish film is prohibited. Metallic films are the type most likely to run into reflectivity limits, while carbon and ceramic films are non-reflective. Compare them in types of window tint film.

Most installers in Washington meter the glass before and after the install so you leave with a reading inside the limit. Ask for the meter reading on your receipt; it is useful if you are ever stopped.

Need an installer who knows these rules? Browse Washington tint shops on TintingNearMe.com.

Operating a vehicle with illegal film is a traffic infraction. Installers who apply noncompliant film or omit the required label face misdemeanor charges under RCW 46.37.435

Professional installers must place a compliance sticker on the driver's door post next to the manufacturer's ID tag showing the installer's business name and state tax ID number. To see how Washington stacks up, read window tint penalties by state. If you need darker film for a medical reason, the medical exemption guide covers what most states ask for.