Window Tint Laws in Washington
Laws change. Verify current requirements with your local DMV/RMV before choosing or installing film. This is not legal advice.
VLT is visible light transmission: lower percentages mean darker windows. A film's labeled shade is not necessarily the finished glass-plus-film reading. The limits below cover ordinary passenger cars unless stated otherwise.
- Front side windows
- At least 24% net VLT; reflectance at most 35%.
- Rear side windows
- At least 24% net VLT; reflectance at most 35%.
- Back window
- At least 24% net VLT; reflectance at most 35%.
- Windshield strip
- Transparent strip outside AS-1 AND no farther than six inches; both conditions apply. Clear UV-reducing windshield film permitted.
Vehicle class and conditions
Measurement basis: Combined glass-plus-film visible light transmission, not the film label alone.
SUV, van and multipurpose-vehicle rear sides: Qualifying MPVs/trucks/motor homes may be below 24%, with at most 35% reflectance and both qualifying mirrors.
SUV, van and multipurpose-vehicle back window: Qualifying MPVs/trucks/motor homes may be below 24%, with at most 35% reflectance and both qualifying mirrors.
- Non-windshield film requires both mirrors showing 200 feet behind. Net screening includes manufacturer material and added film.
- One film sheet per window. Professional installer compliance sticker required. Medical and listed special-vehicle exceptions have separate conditions.
Sources and verification
Official source: State statute/regulation. Reviewed 2026-10-29. Laws and agency guidance can change after this review.
Laws change. Verify current requirements with your local DMV/RMV before choosing or installing film. This is not legal advice.