Car window tinting laws in Washington D.C. – Are you thinking about getting your car windows tinted in Washington D.C.?
If so, you must know the state’s window tinting laws. In Washington D.C., specific rules and regulations on the darkness of window tint are allowed.
This guide will explain the window tinting laws for each part of your car in Washington D.C.. We’ll also discuss the penalties for violating these Window Tinting Laws in Washington D.C..
Window tint darkness in Washington D.C.
The percent of visible light allowed via your car windows is called Visible Light Transmission (VLT). The percentage of light allowed through your glass and film in Washington D.C. is particular and different for sedan cars and vans or SUV cars.
Darkest legal tint for Sedans in Washington D.C.
| Front Side windows: | Must allow more than 70% of light in. |
| Back Side windows | Must allow more than 50% of light in. |
| Windshield | Non-reflective tint is allowed along the top of the windshield above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5″ |
| Rear window | Must allow more than 50% of light in. |
Darkest legal tint for SUVs and Vans in Washington D.C.
| Front Side windows: | Must allow more than 70% of light in. |
| Back Side windows: | Must allow more than 35% of light inside. |
| Windshield: | Non-reflective tint is allowed along the top of the windshield above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5″ |
| Rear window: | Must allow more than 35% of light in. |
Window Tint Reflection in Washington D.C.
Window tints reflect light, reducing heat and glare. Washington D.C. window tint law allows the reflection of a specific window when tinted; you should be aware of this, too.
Tint reflection for sedans:
| Front Side windows: | No reference in current laws. |
| Back Side windows: | No reference in current laws. |
Tint reflection for SUVs and vans:
| Front Side windows: | No reference in current laws. |
| Back Side windows: | No reference in current laws. |
Washington D.C. window tint rules and regulations
Washington D.C. has several other significant laws, regulations, and guidelines relating to window tinting. These include:
| Side Mirrors: | No restrictions. |
| Certificates: | Tint certificates are not required in the District of Columbia. |
| Restricted Colors: | No tint colors are explicitly forbidden. |
| Medical Exceptions: | Washington D.C. Medical waivers are permitted, consult your local DMV for further info. |
| Stickers: | No sticker to identify legal tinting is necessary. |
| Penalties: | $50 citation. Up to $1000 fine if not in compliance after 5 days. |
Remember that Washington D.C. tinting regulations and laws could differ in your locality or residence. Always make sure to double-check the accuracy of our information with your nearby DMV as well as law enforcement authorities.
Window Tint Violations in Washington D.C.
If you can quickly remove the illegal tint from your vehicle, Window tint violations within Washington, D.C., are not much of a problem.
A ticket for an illegal tint will cost you $50, which is a rate at which you might consider it to be a “fix-it ticket,” which is a relatively low-cost penalty that includes a requirement to have the tint replaced.
However, you’ll be given just five days from the issuance of the ticket to repair the tint, which is illegal. When that time is over, you could be fined $1000 if you fail to bring your vehicle into conformity.
That’s far more than what you’ll have to pay to replace the tint you’re not legally allowed to use. The best option is to obtain legal tint for your windows in Washington, D.C., in the first place.
Window Tint Laws in Washington D.C. for Trucks, Vans, and SUVs
In the current law on tints within D.C., larger privately owned vehicles, including SUVs, vans and trucks, are permitted to have tints of the 70% VLT level for the windows in front. However, darker tints are permitted on windows behind the front row.
Larger cars in Washington, D.C., can have windows that let up to 35% or more of the sun’s sunlight into the rear and rear windows of the vehicle.
Car Window Tint Laws in Washington D.C.
The majority of Washington D.C. cars, that is, specifically private coupes or sedans that are not SUVs, trucks or vans, could have tinted windows on the side that are rated as 70 percent VLT or lower, which means the tint permits at 70 percent of the visible light to enter the.
This tinting provides some privacy, yet it makes it possible to look inside the vehicle, which could be crucial for police officers at a traffic stop.
Cars can have window tints as dark as 50 percent VLT on the side window behind the driver’s shotgun seat. This same tint of 50% VLT is also permitted for cars’ back windows (AKA the rear windshield).
Windshield Tint Rules in Washington D.C.
Like several states as well, in Washington D.C., you may have window tint on the front of the windshield. It is situated over the AS-1 line, a line on the top of the windshield, usually delineated by the letters and numbers “AS-1.”
If no AS-1 line is evident, you may legally apply window tint to the windshield up to five inches below the surface of the glass.
The tint on the windshield of Washington D.C. must be non-reflective. The same rules apply to vehicles, trucks, SUVs, and cars.
Tint Law References:
FAQs For Washington D.C. Window Tint Laws
You could be issued a citation if caught with illegal window tint in Washington D.C. The fine for illegal window tint is $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and $300 for the third and subsequent offenses.
Yes, you can get a medical exemption for illegal window tint in Washington D.C. You must provide a doctor’s note stating that you have a medical condition requiring you to have darkly tinted windows.
Two primary kinds of window tints are Reflective and non-reflective. The reflective tint can be described as the kind of tint on most vehicles. It is composed of an aluminum film reflecting light, which helps keep the car cool in the summer. Non-reflective tints are the kind of tint applied to cars that have to meet legal specifications. It is made from film, which does not reflect sunlight. However, it blocks certain sunlight.
The cost of window tinting varies depending on your type of tint, the size of your windows, and the installer. Window tinting generally costs between $100 and $500 per car.
Window tinting can last for a long time when it is installed correctly and maintained. It is nevertheless important to check your window tinting every couple of years to ensure it remains efficient.
There are numerous places where you can get window tinting in Washington D.C. You can find a list of installers on the Washington D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles website.