Window tints feel like a blessing on a sunny day.
But there is a lot of complication around laws and regulations of window tints. Some states allow it, while others prohibit its use.
If you’re wondering about window tint laws in Virginia, you have come to the right place. This article will discuss the Virginia window tint law and everything around it in detail.
If you live in Virginia, this article is for you.
These Virginia window tint laws, recently updated in 2023, were actually enacted in the year 1999.
What are Window Tint Laws? Why These Laws Exist?
Stipulations in law that underline the restrictions on various specifications of window tints are commonly referred to as window tint laws.
These laws determine if you can use window tints in a specific state or not. If yes, then what will be the allowable visible light transmission (VLT) percentage and reflectivity? The law also covers the penalties for violation and parties exempt from following it.
These laws exist for security and safety reasons. With increasing crime rates and car-jacking incidents, it is important for law enforcement personnel to be able to see the driver.
A dark tint enables criminals to get away without any identification. This is why, to ensure the safety of all citizens, window tint laws have been implemented in all states.
Additionally, a dark tint hinders the view of the driver. This is why the traffic administration authority ensures that drivers are able to see through glass properly.
What are the VLT% Restrictions in the State of Virginia?
Visible Light Transmission or VLT percentage is the percentage of the visible light that passes through the glass window.
A lower VLT% means a darker tint since it allows a lesser percentage of visible light to pass through it. Similarly, a higher VLT% means a lighter tint since it allows a higher percentage of visible light to pass through it.
Almost all states, including Virginia, have imposed restrictions on the VLT% of tints. VLT% restrictions can be divided into two main categories: passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
Let’s discuss both these categories in Virginia according to the Code of Virginia § 46.2-1052. Tinting films, signs, decals, and stickers on windshields, etc.; penalties:
For Passenger Cars
For Front Side Windows: The Virginia window tint law defines that a minimum of 50% visible light should be passing through the tint film on the front side windows. (A variance of up to 7% is allowed, so you can go as dark as 43%.)
For Rear Side Windows: According to the Virginia window tint law, a minimum of 35% visible light should be passing through the tint film on the front side windows. (A variance of up to 7% is allowed, so you can go as dark as 28%.)
For Commercial and Multi-purpose Vehicles
For Front Side Windows: The Virginia window tint law defines that a minimum of 50% visible light should be passing through the tint film on the front side windows. (A variance of up to 7% is allowed, so you can go as dark as 43%.)
For Rear Side Windows: As far as the rear side windows go, there are no VLT% restrictions on commercial and multi-purpose vehicles.
Can You Use Tint on Windshields in Virginia?
Most states allow the application of tint film on the top 4-6 inches of the windshield.
Because the angle of incidence for sunlight is such that it falls right on top of the windshield, more than 70% of heat and UV rays enter at the top.
Now, let’s see what the Virginia tint law says about the use of window tint on windshields.
For Passenger Cars
Front Windshield: Window tint can only be applied on the top 5 inches of your front windshield for passenger cars in the State of Virginia.
Rear Windshield: The State of Virginia imposes restrictions on the VLT% of the rear windshield. The rear windshield of your passenger car must allow at least 35% of visible light through it.
For Commercial and Multi-purpose Vehicles
Front Windshield: You can only use window tint on the top 5 inches of your front windshield for commercial vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles in Virginia.
Rear Windshield: In the state of Virginia, you are allowed to apply a tint of any darkness on the rear windshield of your commercial and multi-purpose vehicles.
What are the Reflectivity Restrictions in Virginia?
Reflectivity is slightly different from visible light transmission percentage.
Where VLT% decides the amount of visible light passing through the glass film, reflectivity is a measure of light dispersed or reflected by a tint film.
A lower reflectivity reflects less light from the window glass. Conversely, high reflectivity reflects more light.
Let’s see if there are any reflectivity restrictions in Virginia.
Passenger Cars
For Front Side Window: According to the Virginia window tint law, the front windows should not reflect more than 20% of the visible light for passenger cars.
For Rear Side Windows: According to the Virginia window tint law, the rear windows should not reflect more than 20% of the visible light for passenger cars.
Commercial and Multi-purpose Vehicles
For Front Side Window: According to the Virginia window tint law, the front windows should not reflect more than 20% of the visible light for commercial and multi-purpose vehicles.
For Rear Side Windows: According to the Virginia window tint law, the rear windows should not reflect more than 20% of the visible light for commercial and multi-purpose vehicles.
Can You Use a Colored Window Tint in Virginia?
Yes, you can use a colored window tint in Virginia. However, the state of Virginia prohibits the use of red, yellow, and amber-colored window tints. Other colors, such as blue, green, or gray, can be used for window tinting in Virginia.
Is Anyone Exempt From the Virginia Tint Laws?
Yes, people with legitimate medical conditions are exempt from Virginia window tint laws. You can apply with the Virginia DMV for permission to use a darker tint by filling out this form: Virginia DMV – Vehicle Sun-Shading Medical Authorization.
DMV works on the recommendation of a licensed doctor. So, you can apply for relaxation in window laws only if you have a diagnosis of photosensitive allergy.
Exempted people can apply a tint as dark as 35% on the front windows as compared to the actual 50%. Similarly, they can also apply a full 70% tint film on the front windshield.
Are there any Penalties for Not Complying With the Window Tinting Laws of Virginia?
Yes, you can be charged with a Class 3 misdemeanor for the first offense, whereas the subsequent offense will be charged as a Class 2 misdemeanor. The penalties for a Class 3 misdemeanor start at $96 per citation. It may rise up to $250 for subsequent offenses.
The court can impose a heavier fine on you for repeated offenses. You are required to remove the illegal tint after the first conviction. Failure to do so might result in steeper penalties.
Source: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, TintingHub
