Virginia Window Tint Law
The Virginia window tint law lets you tint above the AS-1 line, up to 50% tint darkness on your front windows, and up to 35% tint darkness on the back windows.
Written by Tiffany Leung
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
The
Virginia
window tint law allows you to tint up to five inches of your windshield or above the AS-1 line, up to 50% tint darkness on your front seat side windows, and up to 35% tint darkness on your back seat side windows and rear windows.Tinting your windows can improve your privacy and the look of your car. However, it must be within the parameters set by state tint laws. Many states impose limits on window tint darkness to ensure that it doesn’t impair visibility, which could lead to an accident.
To help you ensure that your vehicle is tinted correctly
Jerry
, has compiled a guideline for tinted window laws in Virginia.What is the visible light transmission percentage?
The visible light transmission (VLT) percentage is the amount of light a window tint film allows through the car windows. The legal limit varies from state to state.
A higher VLT means the tint is lighter and will allow more light to pass through the film. For example, a 75% tint is much lighter and will let 75% of light through, whereas a 5% tint (also known as a “limo tint”) will only allow 5% of light through.
What is the Virginia window tint law?
The Virginia window tint law was enacted in 1999 to impose a limit on how dark window tints can be. The limits for passenger vehicles are as follows:
- Front windshield: Non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line
- Front seat side windows: Must allow more than 50% light transmission
- Back seat side windows: Must allow more than 35% light transmission
- Rear window: Must allow more than 35% light transmission
For SUVs and vans:
- Front windshield: Non-reflective tint above AS-1 line
- Front seat side windows: Must allow more than 50% light transmission
- Back seat side windows: Any darkness
- Rear window: Any darkness
All vehicles must have dual side mirrors if any windows are tinted and a 7% light transmission tolerance is allowed.
There is also a 20% reflectivity limit, and red, yellow, and amber tints are not permitted.
The tint film manufacturers are not required to certify the film they are selling in Virginia, but you will need to have a sticker to identify legal tinting.
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Medical exemptions
Virginia law allows the following medical exemptions:
- Front windshield: 35% light transmission up to AS-1 line (or top 5 inches) or 70% VLT across the entire windshield
- Front side windows: Up to 35% light transmission
You must obtain medical authorization before adding sun-shading or tinting to your windows.
Penalties for violating the window tint law
If you are caught with window tinting beyond the legal limits, you can be charged with a Class 3 misdemeanor for a first offense. You will also be given a ticket with a $110 fine and be required to remove or replace the tint.
You will be charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor for subsequent offenses and/or fines of up to $1000.
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FAQs
How much does it cost to tint windows?
Window tinting can cost between $150 and $500 on average. These prices will vary depending on the different tint options available, your vehicle model, and where you get the tint job done.
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