Virginia Window Tinting Laws
Window tint darkness in Virginia
The percent of visible light allowed through your car windows is called VLT: Visible Light Transmission. The percentage of light allowed through your film and glass in Virginia is very specific and different for sedan cars and SUV cars or vans.
Tint darkness for sedans:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer's AS-1 line (or top 5 inches).
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than 50% of light in.
- Back Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
- Rear Window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
Tint darkness for SUV and vans:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than 50% of light in.
- Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
- Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.
With medical exemptions windshields can have 35% VLT on top 5 inches (AS-1 line) or 70% VLT across the entire windshield. Front side windows may have up to 35% VLT.
Window tint reflection in Virginia
Window tint can reflect incoming light and reduce glare and heat. Virginia window tint law permits a certain window reflection when using a tint so make sure you pay attention to this as well.
Tint reflection for sedans:
- Front Side windows: Must not be more than 20% reflective.
- Back Side windows: Must not be more than 20% reflective.
Tint reflection for SUV and vans:
- Front Side windows: Must not be more than 20% reflective.
- Back Side windows: Must not be more than 20% reflective.
Other Virginia window tint rules and regulations:
Virginia does have several other important laws, rules and regulations pertaining to window tinting. They include the following:
- Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required in Virginia if any window is tinted.
- Restricted Colors: Red, yellow and amber window tints are not permitted.
- Tint Variance: 7% variance in tint is allowed.
- Certificates: Film manufacturers don't need to certify the film they sell in Virginia.
- Stickers: Yes (unspecified).
- Medical Exceptions: Virginia allows medical exemptions for special tint.
- Penalties: Class 3 misdemeanor for first aoffense and Class 2 misdemeanor for subsequent offenses.