Washington State Window Tint Laws 2026: What's Legal, What's Not, and How to Avoid a Ticket

Window tint is one of the most popular vehicle upgrades in the Pacific Northwest — and one of the most misunderstood from a legal standpoint. Washington State has specific rules about how dark your tint can be, and they differ by window position. Getting it wrong can result in a fix-it ticket, a failed vehicle inspection, or in rare cases, a fine.

Washington State Tint Law Summary (2026)

Washington's tint laws are governed by RCW 46.37.430. Here are the current legal limits:

• Front windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed only on the top 6 inches. No tint below the AS-1 line.
• Front side windows (driver and passenger): Must allow more than 24% VLT (Visible Light Transmission). A 35% tint is legal; a 20% tint is not.
• Rear side windows: Any darkness is allowed.
• Rear window: Any darkness is allowed, provided the vehicle has dual outside mirrors.
• Reflectivity: Front and rear side windows must not be more than 35% reflective.
• Color restrictions: Red and amber tints are prohibited on any window.

What Does 24% VLT Actually Look Like?

VLT (Visible Light Transmission) is the percentage of visible light that passes through the film. Higher VLT = lighter tint. Lower VLT = darker tint.

• 70% VLT — Nearly clear. Barely visible tint. Blocks UV but minimal darkening.
• 50% VLT — Light tint. Subtle darkening, good UV and heat rejection.
• 35% VLT — Medium tint. Noticeably darker than stock. Legal on front windows in WA. Most popular choice.
• 24% VLT — The legal minimum for front windows in Washington. Quite dark — comparable to factory privacy glass on many SUVs.
• 20% VLT — Illegal on front side windows in WA. Common in other states. Often causes fix-it tickets.
• 5% VLT (Limo tint) — Legal on rear windows only. Very dark; significantly reduces rear visibility.

Medical Exemptions in Washington State

Washington State allows medical exemptions for tint darker than the legal limit on front windows. To qualify, you must have a condition that requires reduced sun exposure — such as lupus, melanoma, photosensitivity disorders, or certain medications that cause sun sensitivity.

To get a medical exemption, you need a signed statement from a licensed physician or optometrist. The statement must be kept in the vehicle at all times. There is no state-issued certificate — the physician's letter is the documentation. We can install any legal darkness with a valid medical exemption on file.

How Are Tint Laws Enforced in Kitsap County?

Washington State Patrol and local law enforcement use tint meters to measure VLT during traffic stops. If your front windows measure below 24% VLT, you'll typically receive a fix-it ticket — a correctable violation that requires you to remove the illegal tint and have the vehicle re-inspected within a set period.

Fix-it tickets in Kitsap County are taken seriously. The fine for a correctable violation is typically $136, but the bigger issue is the hassle of having tint removed and reinstalled. Installing legal tint from the start is always the better choice.

Why You Should Use a Local Shop for Tinting

Many online tint sellers and out-of-state shops don't know Washington's specific laws. We've seen customers come in with 20% tint on their front windows installed elsewhere — illegal in Washington and requiring expensive removal. At The Auto Glass Clinic, we only install tint that complies with Washington State law, and we'll tell you exactly what percentage is going on your windows before we start.