West Virginia Window Tinting Laws

Photo of author

David Lawrence

As you navigate the Mountain State’s winding roads, a veil of darkness may be tempting, but beware: West Virginia’s window tinting laws are watching, like a hawk perched on a roadside billboard. You’re probably wondering what’s allowed and what’s not.

The truth is, the rules can be as murky as a foggy morning on the Kanawha River. But don’t get caught in a haze of confusion – understanding the laws can save you from a costly ticket. So, what’s the deal with West Virginia’s window tinting laws, and how can you avoid getting pulled over?

West Virginia Window Tinting Laws

Window Tint Laws Overview

With window tint laws dating back to 1991, West Virginia has a long history of regulating the level of tint permitted on vehicle windows.

As a driver in West Virginia, it’s essential to understand the window tinting laws to avoid fines of up to $200 per infraction.

The law requires a minimum of 35% light transmission through the front windows, measured by Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage. This means that at least 35% of visible light must be allowed to pass through your front windows.

Understanding West Virginia Window Tint Laws is vital to guarantee adherence and avoid repeated citations. By following these window tinting rules, you can protect your vehicle’s interior from UV damage while staying within the bounds of the law.

[adinserter block=”17″]

Windshield and Window Tint Rules

In West Virginia, understanding the specific rules governing windshield and window tint is essential to avoiding fines and ensuring your vehicle meets the state’s regulations. You need to know that non-reflective window tint is allowed on the top 5 inches of the windshield, marked by the AS-1 line, and cannot be yellow, amber, or red in color.

Window TypeVisible Light Transmission (VLT) Requirement
WindshieldTop 5 inches: non-reflective, no yellow/amber/red tint
Side WindowsAt least 35% VLT
Rear WindowAt least 35% VLT
Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs)No VLT restriction, up to 20% reflective window film

Vehicle Type-Specific Regulations

Typically, the type of vehicle you own determines the window tinting regulations you need to follow in West Virginia.

As a passenger vehicle owner, you’ll need to certify your side windows and rear window allow at least 35% of visible light to pass through.

However, if you own a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) like an SUV or van, the rules are different.

You can apply window film with any darkness level to your rear side windows and rear windshield. Still, your front side windows must guarantee at least 35% of visible light to pass through.

Additionally, MPV window film can be up to 20% reflective, but yellow, amber, and red window tint colors are prohibited.

Metallic tint colors are permitted on both passenger vehicles and MPVs.

Medical Exemptions and Exceptions

Certain medical conditions can exempt you from West Virginia‘s window tinting laws.

If you have a medical condition that requires you to limit your exposure to sunlight, you may be eligible for a medical exemption. This exemption allows you to have a darker tint on your windows, specifically on the top 5 inches of the windshield and on your side windows.

Must allow at least 35% of light to pass through, and you must certify the film you use meets West Virginia Window Tint Laws.

The state allows medical exemptions for certain conditions, such as melanoma, porphyria, and photosensitivity.

If you think you qualify, consult with a medical professional and submit the required documentation to obtain an exemption.

Penalties and Enforcement Details

Compliance with West Virginia’s window tinting laws is crucial, as noncompliance can result in penalties.

If you’re caught with illegal window tint, you’ll face fines and penalties. Law enforcement officers are trained to identify legal tinting and can easily spot non-compliant vehicles.

They’ll look for the certified sticker on your windshield, which reflects your adherence with West Virginia Window Tint rules and regulations. If you’re exempt due to medical conditions, you’ll need to carry proof of your medical exemptions.

Don’t risk the penalties – guarantee you understand the enforcement details and follow the laws. Failure to comply can lead to fines, and in some cases, even vehicle impoundment.

Stay informed to avoid these consequences and enjoy safe, legal driving in West Virginia.

WikipediaState website

Tint Law References

West Virginia Code, Article 17C, Chapter 15, Section 17C-15-36a: Sun-screening devices; penalty

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.

Leave a Comment