West Virginia tint limits at a glance
| Front side windows | 35% |
|---|---|
| Back side windows | 35% (mirrors on both sides) |
| Rear window | 35% (mirrors on both sides) |
| Windshield | Top strip above the AS-1 line or top 5 inches |
| Reflectivity | 20% max |
| SUVs, vans and trucks | Multipurpose vehicles: exempt 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 West Virginia?
This table shows whether a film with each rating is legal on a sedan in West 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% | Likely too dark once installed | Likely too dark once installed | Likely too dark once installed |
| 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: 45% 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
Misdemeanor, fine up to $200.
Medical exemptions
Keep an affidavit from a West Virginia-licensed physician or optometrist in the vehicle.
For West Virginia tint shops
Each tinted window needs the manufacturer's label (name and light transmission) in the lower left corner.
The law
West Virginia's tint rules are set by W. Va. Code § 17C-15-36a. 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 West Virginia?
On a sedan, front side windows: 35%. Back side windows: 35% (mirrors on both sides). Rear window: 35% (mirrors on both sides).
Is 20% tint legal in West Virginia?
Front: Not legal. Back: Not legal. Rear: Not legal. See the 20% film row.
Is 35% tint legal in West Virginia?
Front: Likely too dark once installed. Back: Likely too dark once installed. Rear: Likely too dark once installed. See the 35% film row.
Is tint allowed on the windshield in West Virginia?
Top strip above the AS-1 line or top 5 inches
Are the rules different for SUVs and trucks in West Virginia?
Multipurpose vehicles: exempt behind the driver
What is the fine for illegal tint in West Virginia?
Misdemeanor, fine up to $200.
Can I get a medical exemption for window tint in West Virginia?
Keep an affidavit from a West Virginia-licensed physician or optometrist in the vehicle.
Related
Back to the full chart: Window tint laws by state
Neighboring states:
Data set last updated: