Washington Window Tint Laws
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)
Legal tint limits in Washington
| 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 |
What VLT means (and how police check it)
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 combineddarkness 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.
Washington tint FAQ
What is the darkest legal tint in Washington?+
Can I tint my windshield in Washington?+
Does Washington allow medical exemptions for darker tint?+
Is ceramic tint legal in Washington?+
Are mirrored or reflective films legal in Washington?+
ULTRASHIELD installers in Washington
Certified shops that install to your state's exact legal limit and register your warranty with CARFAX.
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.
Local answers for Washington drivers
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