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Don't let the rain fool you — Washington allows a properly dark 24% on every window, one of the most generous uniform rules in the country. Seattle's gray skies still pass plenty of UV, and interiors fade just the same.
Reviewed July 2026 · Passenger cars (sedans)
| Glass | Rule for passenger cars |
|---|---|
| Windshield | Non-reflective tint allowed on the top 6 inches. |
| Front side windows | 24% VLT or lighter |
| Back side windows | 24% VLT or lighter |
| Rear window | 24% VLT or lighter |
| Reflectivity | No more than 35% reflective. |
| Medical exemption | Available with qualifying documentation |
VLT — Visible Light Transmission — is the percentage of outside light that makes it through your glass. The number printed in the law is a floor: film may be that bright or brighter. Because factory glass already blocks a little light, an officer's meter reads the combined darkness of glass plus film. A film sold as "24%" on top of factory glass can meter a few points darker — which is why professional installers measure the final result, not the box label.
Quality matters as much as darkness. Dyed films fade purple and bubble; ceramic films like ULTRASHIELD SHADOW reject heat and up to 99% of UV at any legal darkness, with no signal interference — so you get the comfort without gambling on the number.
Certified shops that install to your state's exact legal limit and register your warranty with CARFAX.
Tacoma, WA · Mobile service
Ceramic Coating · Window Tint · Paint Protection Film
This page summarizes Washington statute as published and was last reviewed July 2026. It is not legal advice. Laws change and local enforcement varies — confirm current rules with the Washington DMV before tinting.
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