Washington Window Tint Laws 2026
Washington uses one flat number for sedans, 24% VLT, on the front side windows, back side windows, and rear window alike. No sedan versus SUV split on the front, no separate rear rule for passenger cars, just a single uniform standard. SUVs, vans, trucks, and a short list of special vehicle types get unlimited darkness on the windows behind the driver.
Unusual color rule: Washington bans black tint outright, alongside red, gold, and yellow. Most states only restrict red and amber, so a dark neutral film that's fine elsewhere can still fail Washington's color rule if it reads as black.
Quick Reference
| Window | Sedan | SUV / Van / Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Top 6" above AS-1 line, non-reflective | |
| Front side windows | 24% VLT | 24% VLT |
| Back side windows | 24% VLT | Any darkness |
| Rear window | 24% VLT | Any darkness |
How Dark Can Your Tint Actually Be
24% VLT is genuinely dark, one of the more permissive front-window standards in the country, and Washington applies that same number to every window on a sedan, not just the front. Factory front glass typically measures 75% to 80% VLT, so a 30% to 35% aftermarket film usually lands the combined reading around 23% to 28%, comfortably near the legal line with a small buffer.
Behind the driver's seat, the rules open up for a specific list of vehicles. SUVs, vans, and trucks can go any darkness on the back side and rear windows with dual outside mirrors, and Washington extends this same freedom to hearses, limousines, ambulances, and collector vehicles, a broader exempt list than most states specify.
Washington does not allow any tint below the AS-1 line on the windshield. A transparent, non-reflective strip is permitted along the top edge, up to 6 inches down from the top, without needing physician documentation.
Legal vs Illegal
Legal
- ✓24%+ VLT film on every window of a sedan
- ✓Any darkness on SUV, van, or truck rear windows
- ✓Non-reflective strip on top 6 inches of windshield
Illegal
- ✕Any window below 24% VLT on a sedan without exemption
- ✕Red, gold, yellow, or black tint colors
- ✕Mirror-finish or highly reflective film
- ✕Tint below the AS-1 line on the windshield
Fines and Penalties
Driving with illegal tint is a traffic infraction under RCW 46.37.430(7), with a flat fine of $124, not a criminal charge for the driver. Installing non-compliant tint is treated far more seriously under a separate statute.
| Party | Statute | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | RCW 46.37.430(7) | Traffic infraction, $124 flat fine |
| Installer (knowing violation) | RCW 46.37.435 | Misdemeanor |
Medical Exemptions
Qualifying conditions
Washington grants medical exemptions under RCW 46.37.430 for conditions including photosensitivity disorders, lupus and related autoimmune conditions, xeroderma pigmentosum and other skin conditions, certain eye conditions, and some post-surgical sensitivity cases.
How the exemption works
A licensed physician provides a written exemption certificate on letterhead, including their full name, license number, contact information, and a statement verifying the medical need. Washington does not accept a verbal explanation or a handwritten note, only a properly documented and signed certificate satisfies the requirement. The certificate must be carried in the vehicle at all times and covers the specific windows named in the documentation, it does not automatically extend to every window on the car.
Enforcement: What Actually Happens on the Road
Tint is a primary offense in Washington. State Patrol and local departments can stop a vehicle based on tint appearance alone using a handheld meter, and since the standard is a single flat percentage across every window on a sedan, verification is straightforward compared to states with a front-versus-rear split.
What Legal Tint Actually Costs in Washington
Since 24% allows real, visible darkness on every window, most Washington sedan installs use a consistent shade front to back rather than a sharp clear-front, dark-rear contrast. Nano-ceramic film is a common choice for UV and infrared rejection at any given VLT.
| Film Type | Sedan | SUV / Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Dyed film | $130 to $250 | $190 to $360 |
| Carbon film | $190 to $310 | $250 to $400 |
| Ceramic film | $220 to $430 | $310 to $580 |
Use the calculator to get an estimate specific to your vehicle before contacting any shop.
Free Tint Cost CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
Tint Enforcement by City
Seattle
Seattle PD and Washington State Patrol both actively enforce. I-5 and I-90 are commonly cited corridors.
Spokane
Consistent enforcement pattern on I-90, standard statewide 24% rule applies.
Tacoma
Part of the greater Seattle metro enforcement pattern, I-5 corridor sees regular patrol presence.
Vancouver (WA)
Near the Oregon border, I-5 corridor enforcement, standard statewide procedure applies.
Bellevue
Eastside Seattle metro, high-income market with strong demand for maximum legal front darkness.
Related Reading
Window Tint Laws by State
Washington tint law is one piece of a bigger picture. Every state sets its own VLT limits, and they vary more than most drivers expect. Browse the full directory below.
Washington tint law reference: RCW 46.37.430 and RCW 46.37.435 (installer misdemeanor). Laws can change. Always verify current requirements with Washington State Patrol before getting your windows tinted.