Key Points
- In Washington State, front side windows must allow more than 24% of light.
- There are no darkness level restrictions for back-side and rear windows.
- Reflective tint is prohibited on all windows.
- Medical exemptions are available for darker tints with the proper documentation.
- Violations of tint laws can result in fines and the requirement to remove the tint.
Washington DOL Tint Laws: Window Percentage, Legal Limits & Insurance Guide
Understanding Washington Tint Laws
Washington State has particular laws about how dark and reflective your car’s window tint can be. These laws are in place to ensure safety and visibility for all drivers on the road. Let’s break down these regulations so you can understand them clearly and avoid legal problems.
Understanding Legal Window Tint Percentages
The amount of light that can get through your window is called Visible Light Transmission (VLT). The lower the VLT percentage, the darker the tint will be. The state of Washington has different VLT requirements for other windows on your car.
| Window | Legal VLT Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front Side Windows | More than 24% | Must allow over 24% of light in |
| Back Side Windows | Any | No restrictions on darkness |
| Rear Window | Any | No restrictions on darkness |
| Windshield | Top 6 inches | Non-reflective tint allowed |
Specific Window Tint Percentages for Various Vehicles
Different vehicles may have different needs and uses for window tinting. It’s essential to know the particular requirements for your type of vehicle to ensure compliance with Washington State laws.
Front Side Windows Tint Guidelines
Washington law stipulates that the tint on the front side windows must allow over 24% of light to penetrate. This ensures that the driver has a clear and unobstructed view of the road and surrounding areas, essential for safe driving.
When you’re thinking about getting your front-side windows tinted, it’s important to choose a film that meets these guidelines. Most tinting shops can assist you in picking the right film and making sure it’s installed properly.
Rules for Tinting Back Side Windows
The laws are less strict for back-side windows. In Washington, you can choose any tint level for these windows. This allows you to provide more privacy and sun protection for the passengers in the back seat.
Even so, it’s crucial to ensure the tint isn’t so dark that it hinders visibility, especially when it’s dark out.
Regulations for Tinting Rear Windows
In Washington, the rear window can have any level of tint darkness like the back side windows. This provides the most significant level of privacy and protection from harmful solar radiation.
Remember that if you decide to tint your rear window and the tint is too dark to see through, you’ll need dual side mirrors. This is so you can still see cars and obstacles behind you.
Penalties for Unlawful Tinting
If you fail to adhere to Washington’s window tint laws, you could be subject to fines. The exact fine can differ, but the first violation usually costs about $124. Repeated infractions may result in increased penalties and additional consequences.
Remember, these fines are not just a financial burden; they also carry the inconvenience of removing the illegal tint. So, following the laws from the beginning is much easier and cost-effective.
Further Consequences and Legal Measures
In addition to fines, there are other consequences you could suffer for illegal tinting. Police officers can issue fix-it tickets, which demand that you fix the tint violation and demonstrate compliance within a specific period.
If you don’t follow these rules, you could face more legal trouble, like going to court and paying more fines. If you keep breaking the law, your car could even be impounded.
Required Certification Stickers Must Be Displayed
In addition to other requirements, Washington State law mandates that window tinting films be certified. This means the film must conform to specific standards established by the state. When your windows are tinted, inquire with the tint shop if their films have been certified for use in Washington.
Moreover, a sticker that indicates legal tinting is needed between the film and glass on the driver’s side window. This sticker assists law enforcement in quickly confirming that your tint adheres to state laws.
Window Tinting Medical Exemptions
Not everyone can comply with standard tint laws. That’s why Washington State offers medical exemptions for people with certain medical conditions that require darker tints.
These exceptions aren’t given freely. It would be best to have the right paperwork and the go-ahead from the right people. Let’s take a look at who can get one and how you can apply for a medical exception.
Qualifying for Medical Exemptions
To qualify for a medical exemption, you must have a medical condition requiring extra protection from sunlight. You might be eligible if you have lupus, photosensitivity, or other skin conditions.
- Get a written statement from a licensed doctor or eye doctor.
- Make sure the statement clearly states the medical need for darker window tint.
- Give the paperwork to the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) for approval.
After you are approved, you will get paperwork you must keep in your car to show to the police if necessary.
How to Apply for Medical Exemptions
If you need to apply for a medical exemption, here’s a simple guide to help you through the process:
- See your or eye doctor and tell them why you need darker window tint.
- Ask for a signed statement that describes your medical condition and why you need the exemption.
- Send the signed statement to the Washington DOL with any forms they need.
- Wait to hear back from the DOL. This might take a few weeks.
- Once you get the okay, keep the exemption paperwork in your car.
How Window Tint Affects Insurance and Safety
Window tinting can improve your car insurance and safety in several ways. While there are many benefits to it, it’s important to know how tinting can affect your insurance costs and safety features.
Effect on Insurance Costs
Tinting your windows doesn’t typically cause your insurance costs to rise. However, if your tinting is illegal, you could be fined or face legal problems, indirectly raising your insurance rates. It’s always a good idea to follow state laws to avoid issues.
Shielding from the Sun and UV Rays
Window tinting provides excellent protection from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Top-tier tint films can block as much as 99% of UV radiation, keeping your skin safe and lowering the chance of skin cancer. For more details on regulations, check out Washington State window tint laws.
Window tinting not only helps to keep the interior of your vehicle cooler, but it also reduces the amount of work your air conditioning system has to do. This can improve your fuel efficiency and make your driving more comfortable.
| Window Location | Visible Light Transmission (VLT) |
|---|---|
| Windshield | Non-reflective tint allowed on top 6 inches |
| Front Side | Must allow more than 24% of light |
| Back Side | Must allow more than 24% of light |
| Rear | Must allow more than 24% of light |
| Medical Exemption | Greater tint allowed with doctor’s note |
Reference:
https://midnightwindowtinting.com/auto-tinting/washington-state-tint-law/
Key Points Overview
Washington State has clear laws on window tinting for safety and visibility reasons. Front-side windows must let in more than 24% of light, while back-side and rear windows can have any level of darkness. Reflective tints are not allowed, and there are medical exemptions for specific conditions. If you break these laws, you could face fines and must remove the tint.
Final Thoughts
To avoid any legal trouble, make sure your window tint meets the laws of Washington State. Always opt for certified films and exhibit the necessary sticker on the driver’s side window. If you have a medical condition that requires darker tints, request a medical exemption through the Washington DOL. By adhering to these rules, you can reap the rewards of window tinting without fearing fines or other repercussions.
Also, consider how window tinting can affect your car’s insurance and safety. Tints that comply with the law can provide excellent sun protection and increase comfort without increasing your insurance costs. If you have any questions, make informed choices and consult with professionals.
Commonly Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers to help you better understand the window tint laws in Washington State.
What are the specific VLT percentages for front and rear windows in Washington State?
The tint must allow more than 24% of light to pass through the front side windows. The back side and rear windows can have any level of darkness. This ensures that the driver has a clear view of the road while allowing flexibility for privacy and sun protection in the vehicle’s rear. You can check out the Illinois SOS tint laws for more details on similar regulations.
Does Washington State have any restrictions on the reflectiveness of tint films?
Indeed, Washington State prohibits using reflective tints on vehicle windows to avoid creating glare that could obstruct the sight of other drivers on the road. Always opt for non-reflective tint films to comply with state laws. You can check out the
What colors are not allowed for window tinting in Washington?
Washington law has specific color restrictions for window tinting. You cannot use red, yellow, or amber tints. To make sure your tint is legal, use neutral or dark colors.
What steps should I take to ensure my window tint film is approved for use in Washington?
To ensure your tint film is approved, always buy from trustworthy sellers who can prove that their films comply with Washington State regulations. Furthermore, the installation should have a sticker between the film and the glass on the driver’s side window, showing that the tint is legal.
Adhering to these rules and understanding the specific criteria will allow you to reap the rewards of tinted windows while remaining in compliance with the laws of the state of Washington. Contact the Washington Department of Licensing or a professional tinting business for further information.
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