Virginia window tint laws set the darkness, reflectivity and optical effect limits of window coatings and decals on vehicles in the state. These limits are set for three reasons. First, the laws reduce the risk that a tint or decal will obscure the driver’s vision, a potential cause of motor vehicle accidents.
Second, the laws prohibit coatings and decals that may produce glare or optical effects that could distract or even blind other motorists. Again, traffic accidents can occur when a driver cannot see the other vehicles on the roadway.
Third, the laws prevent drivers from shielding the inside of their vehicles from police officers. When an officer approaches a vehicle, they need to see what the driver and passengers are doing. The risks to officers increase significantly if they cannot see inside vehicles.
Free Personal Injury Case Review
Preparing Case Review Form. ConsumerShield is transforming the way consumers experience law.
Window Tint Darkness Limits in Virginia
The darkness of tint determines how much light passes through the film or coating. A higher transmissivity number means more light passes through. Thus, a clear coating would have 100% transmissivity while an opaque coating has 0% transmissivity.
Virginia law allows tint of the following darkness:
- Transmissivity of 35% or higher on rear side windows or rear windows
- Transmissivity of 50% or higher on the front side windows
No tint is allowed on the windshield, except to replace the manufacturer’s sunshield at its top margin.
Window Tint Reflection Limits in Virginia
Virginia prohibits any coating or decal with a reflectance over 20%. Therefore, highly reflective films are prohibited.
Free Personal Injury Case Review
Preparing Case Review Form. ConsumerShield is transforming the way consumers experience law.
Other Tint Regulations in Virginia
Virginia bars any tint that produces a holographic or prism effect. As defined in the statute, these effects include images that change with the viewing angle, iridescent effects and rainbow effects.
Exemptions and Special Cases
Virginia has a grandfather clause that allows vehicles to keep any tint installed before July 1, 1987, as long as it was legal when applied. The burden falls on the vehicle owner to prove the age of the tint with receipts or other records.
Free Personal Injury Case Review
Preparing Case Review Form. ConsumerShield is transforming the way consumers experience law.
Penalties for Illegal Tint in Virginia
Violations of Virginia window tint laws are minor. A tint violation is a traffic infraction punishable with a fine. However, you will not face any jail time or demerit points on your driving record. Moreover, you can avoid the fine if you prove that you had your tint corrected before your court date.
Virginia law allows the state to suspend your registration for equipment violations. Thus, correcting your tint before going to court may help you avoid a fine and keep your registration.
Need Legal Help With Tint Violations?
ConsumerShield helps people facing tint citations for violating Virginia window tint laws to understand their legal risks and find lawyers to help. Contact us for a free case review and an attorney referral.
Free Personal Injury Case Review
Preparing Case Review Form. ConsumerShield is transforming the way consumers experience law.
Other virginia Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Police officers are only allowed to enforce window tint laws as a secondary violation. This means you cannot be stopped for tint violations. Instead, you can only receive a tint citation if you were stopped for some other reason, like speeding.
-
Virginia does not have an exception for medical conditions.
