Virginia Window Tinting Laws

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David Lawrence

As you drive down Virginia’s highways, the sun’s rays filtering through your windshield are like a veil of uncertainty, hinting at the unseen rules governing your vehicle’s appearance. But what lies beneath the surface? The state’s window tinting laws are more than just a bureaucratic requirement – they’re a complex web of regulations that can ensnare even the most unsuspecting driver.

With fines starting at $96 per citation and escalating penalties for repeat offenders, it’s essential to understand the intricacies of Virginia’s window tint laws. But where do you start, and what secrets are hidden in the fine print?

Virginia Window Tinting Laws

Virginia Window Tint Laws

When it comes to driving in Virginia, understanding the state’s window tint laws is crucial to avoid fines and certify safety on the road.

You need to guarantee your car’s window tint complies with Virginia window tint laws.

The state’s Window Tinting Laws dictate that front side windows must allow more than 50% of light in, while back side windows and the rear window must allow more than 35% of light in.

This means you can opt for a legal tint that allows the required amount of Visible Light Transmission (VLT).

Additionally, you’ll need dual side mirrors if you have back tinted windows.

If you have a medical condition, you may be eligible for medical exemptions, but be sure to carry proof in your vehicle at all times.

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Prohibited Materials and Exceptions

Frequently, drivers in Virginia may wonder what materials are prohibited on their vehicle’s windows.

According to Virginia law, it’s unlawful to operate a motor vehicle with any sign, poster, colored or tinted film, sun-shading material, or other colored material on the windshield, front or rear side windows, or rear windows.

This means you can’t apply any films or materials that alter the light transmittance of your windows.

However, there are exceptions.

You’re allowed to display certificates or papers required by law or permitted by the Superintendent on your windshield or window.

Additionally, stickers or decals used by counties, cities, and towns in lieu of license plates are permitted, as long as they comply with regulations.

Window Tint Darkness and Reflection

Virginia’s window tint laws dictate specific guidelines for window tint darkness and reflection. As regards window tint darkness, the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage determines how much light can pass through the tinting films.

Vehicle TypeWindow PositionMinimum VLT
SedansFront side windows> 50%
SedansRear side windows and rear window> 35%
Multi-purpose vehiclesFront side windows> 50%
Multi-purpose vehiclesRear side windows and rear windowNo restriction
All vehiclesReflectance of light≤ 20%

You should verify your window tint complies with these rules to avoid any issues. Note that a 7% variance in tint is allowed in Virginia, making it easier to conform to the state’s window tint rules.

Medical Exemption and Waiver

Your vehicle’s window tint can be exempt from the standard darkness and reflection rules if you have a medical condition that requires special sun-shading measures.

With a medical exemption, you can have darker tints on your windows, including a 35% VLT tint on your front-side, rear-side, and rear windows.

Your windshield can also have a 35% VLT tint on the upper 5 inches or to the AS-1 line, or 70% tint on the entire windshield.

To obtain this exemption, you’ll need to fill out a medical authorization application, which must be signed by a licensed physician or optometrist.

The Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles will then issue a written authorization based on this signed statement.

You’ll need to carry the registration card in your vehicle at all times.

Fines and Penalties

If you’re caught driving a vehicle with illegally tinted windows in Virginia, you’ll face fines and penalties.

For a first-time offense, you can expect to pay a fine, but repeat offenders will face more severe consequences, including increased penalties.

Depending on the circumstances, you may even face jail time, so it’s essential to understand the specific laws and penalties in Virginia.

First Offense Fines

When you’re caught driving a vehicle with window tint that’s too dark, you’ll face a traffic infraction, which comes with a fine starting at $96 per citation.

This infraction is a result of violating Virginia’s window tint laws, which regulate the light transmittance of tinting films on motor vehicles.

If you’re found guilty of applying or affixing sun-shading or tinting films that reduce light transmittance below required levels, you’ll be charged with a Class 3 misdemeanor for the first offense.

Law enforcement officers use specialized equipment to measure light transmittance, guaranteeing accurate enforcement of these laws.

It’s essential to comply with Virginia’s window tint laws to avoid escalating penalties, including jail time, and to verify your safety on the road.

Repeat Offense Penalties

Repeat offenders of Virginia’s window tint laws face stiffer penalties, including the possibility of jail time, increased fines, and even license suspension or revocation.

If you’re caught with illegal window tint for a second time within a year, you’ll be charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor, which carries a higher fine than the initial $96 citation.

A court may also order the removal of your tinted windshield upon conviction. Repeat offenders may face higher fines and more severe penalties, including potential license suspension or revocation.

Remember, law enforcement officers have the authority to measure light transmittance through your windows, and their measurements have a tolerance of minus seven percentage points.

Don’t take the risk – guarantee your windows comply with Virginia’s window tint laws to avoid these penalties.

Jail Time Consequences

You’re likely aware that Virginia’s window tint laws come with penalties, but the consequences of illegal tint can be even more severe than you think.

A first-time offense for unlawful window tint can result in a Class 3 misdemeanor, which carries a fine and potentially jail time.

Repeat offenses are classified as Class 2 misdemeanors, leading to more severe penalties, including longer jail sentences.

Upon conviction, a court may order the removal of the tinted windshield from your vehicle.

Fines can start at $96 per citation, and repeat offenses can lead to increased fines and potential jail time.

It’s essential to comply with Virginia’s window tint provisions to avoid these penalties.

Additional Provisions and Resources

Beyond the core regulations governing window tinting in Virginia, there are additional provisions and exemptions that drivers should be aware of.

You should know that no film or darkening material can be applied on the windshield, except to replace the sunshield in the uppermost area as installed by the manufacturer.

A single sticker, no larger than 20 square inches, may be affixed to the rear window if it’s totally contained within the lower five inches of the glass.

Additionally, sun-shading material applied or installed prior to July 1, 1987, in compliance with Virginia law at the time, is still lawful.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, under the Motor Vehicle and Equipment Safety Act, enforces these laws in Virginia.

It’s essential to familiarize yourself with these provisions to guarantee compliance and avoid penalties.

WikipediaState website

Tint Law References

Code of Virginia § 46.2-1052. Tinting films, signs, decals, and stickers on windshields, etc.; penalties

Code of Virginia section 46.2-1052: Equipping certain motor vehicles with sun-shading or tinting films or applications

Vehicle Sun-Shading and Medical Waivers (Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles)

Medical Exemption Info

Virginia DMV – Vehicle Sun-Shading Medical Authorization

Car Window Tinting Laws By State

Click on the state you’re interested in for a complete guide to its tint laws and regulations. If you spot any errors, let us know through our contact page.

StateFront Side WindowsBack Side WindowsRear WindowsWindshield
Alabama32%32%32%6 inches
Alaska70%40%30%5 inches
Arizona33%ANYANYtinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line
Arkansas25%25%10%5 inches
California70%ANYANY4 inches
Colorado27%27%27%4 inches
Connecticut35%35%ANYnon-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Delaware70%ANYANYnon-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Florida28%15%15%non-reflective tint above the as-1 line
Georgia32%32%32%6 inches
Hawaii35%35%35%Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield
Idaho35%20%20%non-reflective tint above the as-1 line
Illinois35%35%35%6 inches
Indiana30%30%30%non-reflective tint above the as-1 line
Iowa70%ANYANYnon-reflective tint above the as-1 line
Kansas35%35%35%non-reflective tint above the as-1 line
Kentucky35%18%18%non-reflective tint above the as-1 line
Louisiana40%25%12%non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Maine35%35%35%top 4 inches
Maryland35%35%35%top 5 inches
Massachusetts35%35%35%top 6 inches
Michigan35%ANYANYtop4 inches
Minnesota50%50%50%Top 6 inches
Mississippi28%28%28%non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 5 inches
Missouri35%ANYANYnon-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Montana24%14%14%non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Nebraska24%20%20%top 6 inches or as-1 line, whichever comes first
Nevada35%ANYANYnon-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
New Hampshire35%35%35%Allowed for the manufacturer’s AS-1 line
New JerseyIllegalANYANYTop 6 inches
New Mexico20%20%20%5 inches or as-1 line, whichever comes first
New York70%70%70%top 6 inches
North Carolina35%35%35%non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
North Dakota50%ANYANYTop 6 inches
Ohio50%ANYANYTop 5 inches
Oklahoma25%ANYANY5 inches or as-1 line, whichever comes first
Oregon35%35%35%Top 6 inches
Pennsylvania70%70%70%Top 3 inches
Rhode Island70%35%35%non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
South Carolina27%27%27%non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
South Dakota35%20%20%non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Tennessee35%35%35%non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Texas25%25%25%5 inches or as-1 line, whichever comes first
Utah43%ANYANYnon-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 4 inches
Vermont70%ANYANYILLEGAL
Virginia50%35%35%non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Washington24%24%24%Top 6 inches
West Virginia35%35%35%Top 5 inches
Wisconsin50%35%35%non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Wyoming28%28%28%Top 5 inches or as-1 line, whichever comes first
About the author
David Lawrence
David grew up among mechanics and off-road enthusiasts, gaining deep knowledge in car mods, off-roading techniques, and automotive engineering, making him a trusted 4x4 expert.

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