The Tint On Your Windows
RCW 46.37.430 — twenty-four percent or more on every window but the windshield, and one sheet only
In Washington, no film sunscreening or coloring material that reduces light transmittance may be applied to a vehicle's safety glazing unless it meets the section's standards, and operating a vehicle in violation is a traffic infraction.
| The glass | What the statute allows |
|---|---|
| The glassAny window but the windshield | What the statute allowsTotal reflectance of thirty-five percent or less and light transmission of twenty-four percent or more, with outside mirrors on both sides |
| The glassTop of the windshield | What the statute allowsTransparent material not into the AS-1 portion or more than six inches from the top; clear ultraviolet film is allowed |
| The glassBehind the driver, on a truck, motor home, multipurpose vehicle and others listed | What the statute allowsLess than twenty-four percent transmittance, if reflectance is thirty-five percent or less and there are mirrors on both sides |
| The glassNot permitted | What the statute allowsMirror finish, red, gold, yellow or black film, brushed or sprayed film, or more than a single sheet |
A physician's written verification. A greater degree of light reduction is permitted on all windows and the top six inches of the windshield of a vehicle driven by, or carrying, a person with a licensed physician's written verification that they must be protected from sunlight.
The installer's sticker. A business tinting windows for profit within restricted areas puts a sticker on the driver's door post, certifying that the work meets the standards and naming the installer.
Factory-shaded glazing, decals and the older vehicles' compliance date are not all on this page. Whether a particular film passes, and how a reading was taken, are questions for a licensed Washington attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- RCW 46.37.430 — Safety glazing — Sunscreening or coloring
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Washington attorney.