The window tint darkness and tint percentage laws in Virginia clearly define how dark and reflective car windows can be. Drivers, vehicle owners and tinting installers should be aware of these regulations before tinting. Even if the tint appears to be perfect, it may still be illegal because it lets in too much light, reflects too much light or is applied to a restriction on the windshield.
Virginia tint laws say, what the rules are for each type of vehicle, any restrictions on tinting windshields, any medical exemptions, what the consequences are if you don’t uphold the law, what concerns they have about the inspection process, what the older tint laws were like, and what you can do to be compliant.
Note: This article is intended to give general legal information, and is not a substitute for legal advice. Tint laws can be changed in Virginia, and it’s important for drivers to check with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles or Virginia State Police before making changes to a vehicle window tint.
Virginia Window Tint Law Summary
Here is a summary of the Virginia Window Tint Law.
The law in Virginia for most passenger vehicles calls for:
| Window Area | Legal Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front side windows | 50% VLT or more |
| Rear side windows (3rd side) | 35% VLT or higher |
| Rear window | 35% VLT or more |
| Windshield | No tint – limited upper windshield sunshade area |
The reflectivity of the windows shall not exceed 20%.
- No Holographic or prism tint allowed
- Tinting on vehicle windows is also mandated with two exterior side mirrors by Virginia law
Tinting films, sun-shading materials, decals, stickers, and other materials on the glass of a motor vehicle are regulated by Virginia Code § 46.2-1052.
In Virginia Tint Laws, What Does VLT Mean?
VLT is the acronym for Visible Light Transmission. Measures the amount of visible light a window and tint film can allow to pass through in percentage.
The darker the tint the higher the VLT percentage. The VLT percentage is lower, the darker the tint.
Examples of VLT Percentages
- 70% VLT means that 70% of the visible light can pass through the material.
- 50% VLT means that 50% of the light is visible.
- The 35% VLT means that 35% of the light is visible.
- 20% VLT means that 20% of the light is seen, the remaining 80% is absorbed and the rest is blocked.
The rear-window rule is more lenient than Virginia’s front-window rule. The rear side windows and rear window generally shall have at least a 35% light transmittance and the front side windows shall have a minimum light transmittance of 50%.
Virginia Front Side Window Tint Limit
The front side windows in Virginia must be on a minimum of 50% total light transmittance.
The windows on the front of the vehicle, to the side of and in front of the driver seat, are called front side windows. This usually includes:
- The driver’s side front window
- The front passenger-side window
The law is based on the overall light transmittance of the glass and tint. This is important as factory glass can already diminish light. The 50% tint film does not guarantee to achieve 50% compliance in the State of Virginia.
That’s why we suggest drivers request the professional tint installer to test the finished job with a calibrated tint meter.
Virginia Rear Side Window Tint Law
The 2012 Virginia rear window tint law sets the tint darkness at 25% (D035).
Re: Driving the standard passenger vehicle, Virginia regulations require rear side windows to have 35% VLT.
The rear side windows are behind the driver seat. These are the rear windows on the back seat area of sedans. In bigger vehicles, they might incorporate numerous windows behind the front row seating.
Drivers are not legally allowed to use very dark tint (20%, 15% or 5% “limo tint”) on the rear side windows of a standard passenger car if 35% tint is not an exception.
The tint percentage in Virginia is 35. The tint % for Virginia is 35.
Virginia Rear Window Tint Law
The minimum VLT for the rear window of a standard passenger car is 35%.
The rear window is the glass behind the passenger compartment that is approximately parallel to the windshield. All vehicles must be equipped with two exterior mirrors on both sides with a 180 degree horizon view of the highway when tint is on the rear window.
Virginia has laws mandating that each outside mirror provide the driver with a view of the road at least 200 feet behind.
Pickup Trucks and SUVs: Special Rear Tint Rules
There is an exception to this for some cars in Virginia.
The 35% limit on rear window and rear side window does not apply to:
- Pickup trucks
- Multipurpose passenger vehicles
A multipurpose passenger vehicle is a vehicle that seats up to 10 passengers, is built on a truck chassis or has features designed for off-road use. There are lots of SUVs in this category.
Darker tint for the rear side window(s) and rear window are allowed on qualifying pickup trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles. The front side window limit is still relevant, though, and there is still no reflective, holographic or prism-effect tint.
Drivers should not presume that all crossover and family cars are equipped. Registration and manufacturer classification can be important as well, so it’s a good idea to check what type of registration your vehicle is and what classification the manufacturer has assigned it before you select darker rear tint.
Virginia Windshield Tint Law
In Virginia, windshield tint is regulated.
Any tint film or tinting material is prohibited on the windshield other than a replacement of the original sunshade located in the top of the windshield. This means that the windshield should be kept clear, with a small strip in the top that does not obstruct the driver’s view.
When a dark strip runs in the windshield too long, the driver can be issued a failure warning or be pulled over for a traffic stop. A tint professional should also make sure that the windshield tint won’t obstruct necessary windshield inspection stickers or other approved windshield materials.
The current vehicle inspection guidance for Virginia also applies to windshield sunshading, and mandates an appropriate cutout for the placement of the inspection sticker if necessary.
Is it Legal to Have Reflective Window Tint in Virginia?
Tint films with higher than 20% light reflectance are not allowed under Virginia law.
This is because there are cases where window tint films are mirrored, chrome or highly reflective even though they comply with the legal tint level. A film could be light enough, but at the same time it would still be illegal due to the amount of light it reflects.
Prohibited Tint Effects
- A holographic effect
- A prism effect
- A rainbow or iridescent effect which changes depending on the angle at which it is observed
Decorative films which give a “rainbow effect” or “very shiny” appearance should not be used by drivers.
Virginia Window Tint Law Medical Exemption
Medical tint is permitted in Virginia to people who have a medical condition that would make it unsafe for them to be in the sun or bright artificial light.
Sun-shading and tinting on the windshield and all other windows of a qualifying vehicle are allowed when operated or regularly used by, or regularly to transport, the person with the qualifying medical condition.
But there are conditions to this exemption.
Medical Tint Limits
Even if there was a medical authorization:
- Window tinting allows for a minimum VLT of 35%.
- Windshield tint is required to be 70% VLT or higher.
- The top 5″ of the windshield (or AS-1 line if closer to top) may be treated differently.
Required Medical Documentation
Applicant shall provide a signed statement from a licensed physician or licensed optometrist for authorizations. The statement should contain the person’s name requesting authorization, and state that tinting is required for protection of that person’s health.
The authorization is by written order of the Virginia DMV Commissioner. The authorization is granted by written order of the Virginia DMV Commissioner. The authorisation is to be held in the vehicle when it is in operation. It will be valid as long as the medical condition persists or until the car is sold.
Just a doctor’s note may not be sufficient during traffic stop. Drivers are urged to make sure they have the proper written permission from the state mandated in Virginia.
Virginia Window Tint Meter Tolerance
According to Virginia law, law enforcement must use approved equipment to measure tint light transmittance.
The statute gives a variance of seven percent for measurements. This isn’t a reason for drivers to purposely put window tint down under the legal limit. It implies that there may be a limited legality tolerance on measurement equipment and testing conditions.
As an example, a tint reading could be judged against the statutory level; however, it is recommended that the driver select a tint that is definitely within the legal tint level, and not within the tint tolerance level.
Penalties for Illegal Window Tint in Virginia
The regulations for illegal window tinting in Virginia are strict. The laws of illegal window tinting in Virginia are very strict.
Drivers who drive with tinted vehicles may be issued with a traffic ticket. Under Virginia law, this type of tint violation won’t incur any DMV demerit points.
Possible Consequences
- A traffic citation
- Court costs
- Fines
- Required tint removal
- A safety inspection was not performed in Virginia and was therefore unsuccessful
- Pupils’ time and expenses of replacing illegal film
A Virginia law allows courts discretion to dismiss a tint summons if the driver can prove compliance before the court date. This could be used if illegal tint is removed or fixed quickly.
If someone receives multiple windshield tint fines for the same car, they may be required to remove the tinted or smoked windshield as well as being issued other fines.
Tint Shops and Tint Installers Penalties
The State of Virginia has made it more serious for businesses and individuals who tint their cars and trucks to 100% film. The State of Virginia has made illegal tinting of cars and trucks to 100% film more serious.
The person or company who installs tint on a vehicle that does not meet the legal tint VLT, tint reflectivity, or creates the prohibited holographic or prism effect can be fined as follows:
- A Class 3 misdemeanor if it is the first offense
- For a second offence – Class 2 misdemeanor
Which is why it is important to have a reputable installer do the final VLT reading after installation, and inform the customer that the final VLT will be influenced by factory installed glass.
Virginia Safety Inspection and Window Tint
Window tint can impact whether your vehicle is safe enough to pass the Virginia safety test.
Tint May Cause Inspection Problems When It:
- Is too dark
- Is placed on windshields in areas prohibited by law
- Is scratched, wrinkled, distorted or cloudy
- Blinds the driver’s vision to the surroundings
- Produces an “illegal” prism or reflective effect
- Does not ensure correct positioning of inspection approval stickers
A specific section in Virginia’s inspection manual discusses scratching, distorting, wrinkling or anything else which clouds the vision through the glass.
Drivers should check for bubbles, peeling edges, film discoloration and film damage prior to an inspection. Any tint, even legal tint is a problem when it interferes with vision.
Old Virginia Tint Laws and Grandfather Clause
There are also old Virginia Tint Laws and Grandfather tint laws. Old Virginia Tint Laws are also present and Grandfather tint as well.
An older grandfather provision is included in Virginia’s tint law for tinting installed prior to July 1, 1987.
Tint that was properly installed prior to that date may be legal, if the owner can demonstrate by proper receipts that the tint was installed before July 1, 1987.
This is a small exception. It does not provide room for owners of modern vehicles to install old or darker tint as per historical regulation. The exception is only for tints installed prior to the date mentioned above and not illegal at the time of installation.
The VLT, reflectivity, windshield, and mirror regulations in effect today are applicable to most vehicles on Virginia roads today.
Virginia Window Tint Laws by Vehicle Type
Sedans and Coupes
For the majority of sedans and coupes:
- Facing side windows: 35% VLT minimum
- Rear side windows: 35% minimum VLT
- The rear window is 35% or lower VLT
- Window: Some upper sunshade area
- The reflectivity of the building’s roof is 20% or less
Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (SUVs)
In the case of qualifying multipurpose passenger vehicles:
- Curtains: 50% or more VLT minimum on front side windows
- Carpets: 60% VLT minimum on all surfaces
- Rear side windows: Darker tint is okay
- The rear window: It may have a darker tint than is permitted
- Windshield: Upper sunshade is limited to just a portion of the windshield
- This will not exceed 20% reflectivity
Pickup Trucks
For pickup trucks:
- Back side windows: 40% VLT maximum
- Rear side windows: Darker tint can be used
- Rear window: Darker tint is allowed
- Tyre: No upper sunshade area and limited lower upper sunshade area
- Reflectivity: No more than 20%
How to Choose Legal Window Tint in Virginia
Before choosing window tint in Virginia, drivers should confirm the legal VLT limit for their specific vehicle type. Passenger cars usually have stricter rear-window tint limits than pickup trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Drivers should also remember that factory glass already has some level of light reduction. This means the final tint percentage may be different after film is applied. A tint film labeled as 50% may not always produce a final 50% reading once combined with factory glass.
The safest approach is to:
- Choose a tint level clearly within Virginia’s legal limits
- Avoid reflective, holographic, prism, rainbow, or mirror-style tint
- Keep the windshield clear except for the allowed upper sunshade area
- Use two outside mirrors if the rear window is tinted
- Ask the installer to test the final VLT with a calibrated tint meter
- Keep medical authorization in the vehicle if using a medical exemption
Final Thoughts on Virginia Window Tint Laws
Virginia window tint laws are designed to balance driver comfort, privacy, visibility, and road safety. The most important limits to remember are 50% VLT for front side windows, 35% VLT for many rear side and rear windows on passenger vehicles, no more than 20% reflectivity, and limited windshield tinting.
Because vehicle type, factory glass, medical exemptions, and inspection rules can affect compliance, drivers should always verify their tint before installation. Choosing legal tint from the beginning can help avoid traffic citations, failed inspections, fines, and the cost of removing or replacing illegal window film.
