How dark can you legally tint your windows in Washington?
Short answer
Washington law sets the limit for front side windows at 24% visible light transmission on every vehicle. On sedans and other passenger cars, the rear side windows and back glass have the same 24% minimum. On SUVs, trucks and vans, the rear side windows and back glass can be darker, as long as the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides. Full windshield tint is not legal in Washington. These are Washington's rules. If your vehicle is registered in another state or in Canada, different rules may apply.
Quick facts
| Front side windows | At least 24% of visible light on every vehicle |
|---|---|
| Rear windows, sedans and passenger cars | At least 24% |
| Rear windows, SUVs, trucks and vans | Can be darker with outside mirrors on both sides |
| Windshield | Top strip allowed |
| Non-compliant tint | A traffic infraction |
What does the 24% mean?
The number is visible light transmission, or VLT: how much light passes through the window. The lower the number, the darker the window. A 24% limit means at least 24% of visible light passes through.
Why are the rules different for SUVs, trucks and vans?
Washington allows darker rear side windows and back glass on SUVs, trucks and vans, as long as the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides. Which rule applies depends on how the manufacturer classifies the vehicle, not just how it looks.
Can you tint the windshield?
Full windshield tint is not legal in Washington. A tint strip across the top of the windshield is allowed. See Can you tint a windshield in Washington?
What happens if your tint is too dark?
Driving with tint that doesn't meet the law is a traffic infraction.
How APC Auto Spa does it
APC stocks Ceramic IR window tint in 15%, 25%, 35% and 70%, and every shade has the same heat and UV protection. A lighter shade gives the same heat rejection as a darker one.
If your car has factory privacy glass in the rear, APC can tint the front windows and keep them within the 24% limit, though they may not visually match the darker rear glass. See How do you match factory privacy glass on the front windows?
Frequently asked questions
- Is 24% the limit for all windows?
- On sedans and other passenger cars, yes. On SUVs, trucks and vans, only the front side windows have the 24% limit, as long as the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides.
- Does my SUV count as an SUV under the law?
- It depends on how the manufacturer classifies the vehicle.
- Is a windshield strip legal?
- A tint strip across the top of the windshield is allowed. Full windshield tint is not legal in Washington.
Reviewed by Heather Humphrey, co-owner of APC Auto Spa ยท Last updated October 2026
Heather leads customer education and training at APC's Tukwila and Monroe shops.