Washington tint limits at a glance
| Front side windows | 24% (mirrors on both sides) |
|---|---|
| Back side windows | 24% |
| Rear window | 24% |
| Windshield | Top 6 inches above the AS-1 line; clear UV film allowed |
| Reflectivity | 35% max |
| SUVs, vans and trucks | Trucks, multipurpose vehicles and motor homes: darker allowed 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 Washington?
This table shows whether a film with each rating is legal on a sedan in Washington. 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% | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| 50% | Legal | 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: 30% film or lighter
- Back side windows: 30% film or lighter
- Rear window: 30% 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
Traffic infraction.
Medical exemptions
Carry a licensed physician's written verification. It allows darker tint on all windows and the top 6 inches of the windshield.
For Washington tint shops
Shops must put a sticker on the driver's door post with the business name and state tax ID number.
The law
Washington's tint rules are set by RCW § 46.37.430. 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 Washington?
On a sedan, front side windows: 24% (mirrors on both sides). Back side windows: 24%. Rear window: 24%.
Is 20% tint legal in Washington?
Front: Not legal. Back: Not legal. Rear: Not legal. See the 20% film row.
Is 35% tint legal in Washington?
Front: Legal. Back: Legal. Rear: Legal. See the 35% film row.
Is tint allowed on the windshield in Washington?
Top 6 inches above the AS-1 line; clear UV film allowed
Are the rules different for SUVs and trucks in Washington?
Trucks, multipurpose vehicles and motor homes: darker allowed behind the driver
What is the fine for illegal tint in Washington?
Traffic infraction.
Can I get a medical exemption for window tint in Washington?
Carry a licensed physician's written verification. It allows darker tint on all windows and the top 6 inches of the windshield.
Related
Back to the full chart: Window tint laws by state
Neighboring states:
Data set last updated: