Washington Window Tinting Laws
Car window tinting laws in Washington were enacted in 2011.
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 Washington so make sure you read all about it below.
Window tint darkness in Washington
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 Washington is very specific and different for sedan cars and SUV cars or vans.
Tint darkness for sedans:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on 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.
Tint darkness for SUV and vans:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on 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.
Window tint reflection in Washington
Window tint can reflect incoming light and reduce glare and heat.
Washington 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 35% reflective.
- Back Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.
Tint reflection for SUV and vans:
- Front Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.
- Back Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.
Other Washington window tint rules and regulations:
Washington 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 this state if back window is tinted.
- Restricted Colors: Yellow, red and amber window tints are not allowed by Washington law.
- Certificates: Film manufacturers need to certify the film they sell in the state of Washington. Check with your dealer if they are using certified film.
- Stickers: The sticker to identify legal tinting is required between the film & glass on the driver’s side window.
- Medical Exceptions: Washington allows medical exemptions for special tint.
Keep in mind that Washington 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 Washington was last updated in 2023.
Tinting laws in Washington were enacted in 2011.
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!
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State of Washington Info
Washington is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States located north of Oregon, west of Idaho, and south of the Canadian province of British Columbia on the coast of the Pacific Ocean.
Named after George Washington, the first President of the United States, the state was carved out of the western part of the Washington Territory which had been ceded by Britain in 1846 by the Oregon Treaty as a settlement of the Oregon Boundary Dispute.
It was admitted to the Union as the 42nd state in 1889.
Washington is the 18th most extensive and the 13th most populous of the 50 United States.
Capital: Olympia
Population: 6,897,012
Area: 71,300 sq mi (184,827 km2)
Cities in Washington: Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Bellevue, Olympia, Redmond, Everett, Bellingham, Renton, Yakima, Kirkland, Vancouver, Puyallup, Issaquah, Federal Way, Bothell, Lynnwood, Bremerton, Kennewick, Kent, Auburn, Tri-Cities, Forks, Wenatchee, Port Angeles, Richland, Gig Harbor, Walla Walla, Pasco, Pullman, Port Townsend, Woodinville, Edmonds, Marysville, Anacortes, Sequim, Mercer Island, Mount Vernon, Lakewood, Ellensburg, Bainbridge Island, Leavenworth, Poulsbo, Lacey, Tukwila, SeaTac, Shoreline, Fort Lewis, Sammamish, Port Orchard
Counties in Washington: Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Clark, Columbia, Cowlitz, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferso, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lewis, Lincoln, Mason, Okanogan, Pacific, Pend Oreille, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Spokane, Stevens, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, Whatcom, Whitman, Yakima
Tint law references:
Revised Code of Washington section 46.37.430: Safety glazing – sunscreening or coloring