Carbon and ceramic window tint
Washington Window Tint Law, in Plain English
How dark you can go, what is not allowed, and the doctor's letter exception.
In Washington you can tint any window except the windshield, as long as the window still lets through 24% or more of the light and reflects no more than 35%. If any window is tinted, the car needs side mirrors on both sides. Red, gold, yellow and black film, mirror-finish film and spray-on tint are not allowed.
Tint is sold by its visible light transmission, or VLT: the share of light that gets through. The lower the number, the darker the tint.
70% and up: barely noticeable
50%: a light tint
35%: clearly darker from the outside
20%: dark, hard to see into the car
5%: 'limo' tint, very dark
Most car glass already blocks a little light before any film goes on. A tint meter reads the window as it is, glass and film together, so the reading comes out darker than the film's own number. A film sold as 25% can read under 24% once it's on your glass. Ask us which shade will stay legal on your car before you choose.
Why the number on the box isn't the whole story
| Carbon tint | Ceramic tint | |
|---|---|---|
| The look | Dark, even, low-glare finish | Dark, even, low-glare finish |
| Heat | Keeps the cabin cooler than bare glass | Made to keep out more heat than carbon |
| Phone and GPS signal | No interference | No interference |
| Two front windows | from $149 | from $199 |
| Full coupe | from $299 | from $425 |
| Full sedan | from $349 | from $599 |
| Best for | Privacy and style at the lower price | Cars that sit in the sun, and drivers who feel the heat most |
Source: Washington State Patrol, vehicle equipment requirements (checked October 2026). The law itself is RCW 46.37.430.
No, not on the windows the 24% rule covers. Both let through less than 24% of the light. The only exception is a written medical need from a licensed physician, covered below.
That's why drivers who want a dark look usually choose a shade that still reads 24% or more once it's on the glass.
If a licensed physician gives you written verification that tint is necessary for you, Washington allows darker tint on the windows and on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
There is no form to fill in or send to the state.
Keep the doctor's letter in the car at all times.
Show it to a police officer if you're asked.
Many SUVs, trucks and vans leave the factory with darker 'privacy glass' on the rear windows. Ask us before adding film over it, and we'll tell you what applies to your vehicle.
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24% on the windows the rule covers, which is every window except the windshield. The glass itself blocks some light, so choose a film that still reads 24% or more once it's on.
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Not if it reflects more than 35% of the light, and mirror-finish products are not allowed at all.
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The 24% rule doesn't cover the windshield, and the rules there are stricter. A doctor's letter can allow tint on the top 6 inches. Ask us before tinting any part of it.
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No. There is no form. Keep the doctor's letter in the car and show it if you're asked.
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Yes. Washington requires both a left and a right side mirror when window tint is applied.
Call or text us for a quote or to book. We work by appointment, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
6702 Bethel Rd SE Suite 101, Port Orchard, WA 98367
Customers come to us from Port Orchard, Bremerton, Gig Harbor, Silverdale, Belfair, Allyn and Poulsbo.
This page is a plain-English summary of Washington's rules, not legal advice. For the full wording, see RCW 46.37.430 and the Washington State Patrol.