Virginia Window Tint Laws

The state of Virginia regularly enforces laws with regards to window tinting. Window tinting laws vary from state to state, and it is always best to check with your state or locality to insure that any window tinting film meets the current requirements for your locality. Failure to meet those requirements could result in failed inspections, traffic tickets or citations, fines, imprisonment and/or impounding of your vehicle.

Virginia requires that any vehicle with window tint or sun shading film must have side view mirrors on both sides of the vehicle, so the driver can see at least 200 feet behind them.. The front windows (adjacent and forward of the driver) may be tinted with a film or sun shading material, as long as it is not darker than 50%. All rear windows may be tinted with a film or sun shading material no darker than 35%. The film material or glazing must also have a light reflectance of 20% or less, and may not have a holographic or prism appearance. This does not apply to windows which were tinted by the vehicle's manufacturer (factory tinted). Another exception made by Virginia law, is that it does not apply to vehicles tinted prior to July 1, 1987. The driver must be able to produce a receipt confirming that the tint was purchased or installed prior to the above mentioned date. Front windshield tinting is becoming more and more common, and the state of Virginia has addressed that issue as well. The windshield may be tinted only to replace the manufacturer's sun-shield, and must fall above the AS-1 line.

The penalty in the state of Virginia for having illegal window tint is not as strict as some other states. A driver found to be in violation of the law would initially be guilty of a traffic infraction. On second and subsequent violations, the driver may be ordered to remove the film or sunshading material. The penalties for the installer of illegal window tint film are much harsher. The first offense for an installer is a Class 3 misdemeanor, while second and subsequent violations the installer would be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. A few vehicles are exempt from the previously mentioned regulations: limousines, executive sedan carriers, and law enforcement vehicles. Check with your locality to find out the specific regulations governing these vehicles.

Police officers are cracking down on drivers with what is considered illegal window tinting. In some areas, the officers are equipped with light meters that gauge the VLT% (Visible Light Transmission) of your tint on the spot. Safety issues do come into play with window tint film for law enforcement officers. Window tinting, if the film is too dark, can impair a driver's vision at night or even in the daytime. Another issue raised is that of the officer's ability to see inside the vehicle, possibly threatening the officer's safety.