Virginia Window Tinting Laws

Car window tinting laws in Virginia were enacted in 1999. We have provided all the necessary information about your car's window tint, including how dark or reflective the tint is allowed in your state. There are also additional car window tinting rules and regulations in Virginia so make sure you read all about it below.

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.
Keep in mind that Virginia tinting laws and regulations may be interpreted differently in your county or place of residence. We always recommend double-checking our information with your local DMV or law enforcement authorities.
Our information about window tint laws in Virginia was last updated in 2021. Tinting laws in Virginia were enacted in 1999. In case any of our info provided is not up to date or correct be sure to contact us so we can fix it. Thanks!

State of Virginia Info

Virginia is a U.S. state located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. The geography and climate of the Commonwealth are shaped by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chesapeake Bay, which provide habitat for much of its flora and fauna. The capital of the Commonwealth is Richmond; Virginia Beach is the most populous city, though Fairfax County is the most populous political subdivision.

Capital: Richmond

Population: 8,185,866

Area: 42,774.2 sq mi (110,785.67 km2)

Cities ▼

Cities in Virginia: Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, Charlottesville, Newport News, Alexandria, Williamsburg, Chesapeake, Roanoke, Fredericksburg, Fairfax, Hampton, Manassas, Portsmouth, Falls Church, Lynchburg, Jamestown, Suffolk, Blacksburg, Harrisonburg, Leesburg, Winchester, Herndon, Quantico, Ashburn, Petersburg, Woodbridge, Staunton city, McLean, Vienna, Danville, Lexington city, Chincoteague, Altavista, Langley, Front Royal, Christiansburg, Midlothian, Abingdon, Culpeper, Warrenton, Waynesboro city, Farmville, Emporia, Glen Allen, Tangier, Stafford, Colonial Heights, Hot Springs, Salem

Counties ▼

Counties in Virginia: Accomack, Albemarle, Alexandria, Alleghany, Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox, Arlington, Augusta, Bath, Bedford, Bland, Botetourt, Bristol, Brunswick, Buchanan, Buckingham, Buena Vista, Campbell, Caroline, Carroll, Charles City, Charlotte, Charlottesville, Chesterfield, Clarke, Clifton Forge, Colonial Heights, Covington, Craig, Culpeper, Cumberland, Danville, Dickenson, Dinwiddie, Eastern Shore, Elizabeth City, Essex, Fairfax, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Fauquier, Floyd, Fluvanna, Franklin, Franklin, Frederick, Fredericksburg, Galax, Giles, Gloucester, Goochland, Grayson, Greene, Greensville, Halifax, Hampton, Hanover, Harrisonburg, Henrico, Henry, Highland, Hopewell, Isle of Wight, James City, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Lee, Lexington, Loudoun, Louisa, Lunenburg, Lynchburg, Madison, Manassas, Manassas Park, Martinsville, Mathews, Mecklenburg, Middlesex, Montgomery, Nansemond, Nelson, New Kent, Newport News, Norfolk, Northampton, Northumberland, Norton, Nottoway, Orange, Page, Patrick, Petersburg, Pittsylvania, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince George, Prince William, Princess Anne, Pulaski, Radford, Rappahannock, Richmond, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Russell, Salem, Scott, Shenandoah, Smyth, Southampton, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Staunton, Suffolk, Surry, Sussex, Tazewell, Tidewater Area, Virginia Beach, Warren, Warwick, Washington, Waynesboro, Westmoreland, Williamsburg, Winchester, Wise, Wythe, York

Wikipedia

State website


Tint law references:

Code of Virginia § 46.2-1052. Tinting films, signs, decals, and stickers on windshields, etc.; penalties.

Code of Virginia section 46.2-1052: Equipping certain motor vehicles with sun-shading or tinting films or applications

Vehicle Sun-Shading and Medical Waivers (Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles)


Medical exemption info:

Virginia DMV - Vehicle Sun-Shading Medical Authorization

Virginia DMV - Sun-Shading Medical Authorization Application (.pdf file)

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