Virginia tint limits at a glance
| Front side windows | 50% |
|---|---|
| Back side windows | 35% |
| Rear window | 35% |
| Windshield | Factory sun strip or clear film only |
| Reflectivity | 20% max; no holographic or prism film |
| SUVs, vans and trucks | Multipurpose vehicles and pickups: any darkness behind the driver |
Percentages are the minimum visible light transmission with the film installed, including the factory glass. A lower number means darker tint.
Is 5%, 20%, 35% or 50% tint legal in Virginia?
This table shows whether a film with each rating is legal on a sedan in Virginia. Factory glass blocks some light, so a film reads darker once it's installed.
| Film rating | Front side windows | Back side windows | Rear window |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | Not legal | Not legal | Not legal |
| 15% | Not legal | Not legal | Not legal |
| 20% | Not legal | Not legal | Not legal |
| 35% | Not legal | Likely too dark once installed | Likely too dark once installed |
| 50% | Likely too dark once installed | Legal | Legal |
| 70% | Legal | Legal | Legal |
'Likely too dark once installed' means the film rating meets the limit, but on typical factory glass the combined reading usually falls under it. Meter the window to be sure.
Choosing a film that stays legal
Assume factory side glass passes about 80% of light.
- Front side windows: 65% film or lighter
- Back side windows: 45% film or lighter
- Rear window: 45% film or lighter
Factory privacy glass on many SUVs already reads well under 30%, so any film added over it will read darker still. Always meter after the install.
Fines and penalties
Driving with illegal tint is a traffic infraction with no points, and police can't stop a vehicle for tint alone. Applying illegal film is a Class 3 misdemeanor (Class 2 for repeat offenses).
Medical exemptions
Medical exceptions are set out in Va. Code § 46.2-1053.
Meter tolerance
Virginia allows a tolerance of 7% on officer readings when officers meter a window. A tolerance covers meter error. It isn't extra room to go darker.
Law history
- : Clear windshield film allowed (SB 506).
The law
Virginia's tint rules are set by Va. Code § 46.2-1052. Read the source
This page is a reference for drivers and installers, not legal advice. Enforcement can vary by city and county.
Frequently asked questions
How dark can you legally tint your windows in Virginia?
On a sedan, front side windows: 50%. Back side windows: 35%. Rear window: 35%.
Is 20% tint legal in Virginia?
Front: Not legal. Back: Not legal. Rear: Not legal. See the 20% film row.
Is 35% tint legal in Virginia?
Front: Not legal. Back: Likely too dark once installed. Rear: Likely too dark once installed. See the 35% film row.
Is tint allowed on the windshield in Virginia?
Factory sun strip or clear film only
Are the rules different for SUVs and trucks in Virginia?
Multipurpose vehicles and pickups: any darkness behind the driver
What is the fine for illegal tint in Virginia?
Driving with illegal tint is a traffic infraction with no points, and police can't stop a vehicle for tint alone. Applying illegal film is a Class 3 misdemeanor (Class 2 for repeat offenses).
Can I get a medical exemption for window tint in Virginia?
Medical exceptions are set out in Va. Code § 46.2-1053.
Related
Back to the full chart: Window tint laws by state
Neighboring states:
Data set last updated: