Virginia Window Tint Laws 2026

What VLT percentage is actually legal on your car? It’s a simple question with a surprisingly specific answer, because in Virginia, the rules change depending on which window you’re talking about. For the most common vehicles on the road—sedans and coupes—the law creates two distinct zones of tint darkness, and getting them mixed up is a fast track to a ticket.

For the windows right next to you as the driver, the front side window tint law in Virginia is the strictest, requiring them to let in more than 50% of light (50% VLT). Virginia law keeps these windows lighter for a clear and practical reason: safety. This ensures you have an unobstructed view of your mirrors and surroundings, and it also allows law enforcement officers to see inside the vehicle during a traffic stop.

Moving to the back of the car, the rules become a little more forgiving. For a standard car like a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, your back side windows and the rear windshield are permitted to be darker. These windows must allow more than 35% of light to pass through (35% VLT), giving you more privacy and heat rejection where it impacts driver visibility the least.

This means your front windows are held to a much higher standard than your back ones. The illustration below shows this difference at a glance, mapping out the legal tint percentage in VA for cars like yours. Just remember that these rules are for sedans; the VA tint laws for a sedan vs SUV are not the same.

Do Different Tint Rules Apply to My SUV, Truck, or Van?

If you drive a truck, van, or SUV, you’re in luck—Virginia law gives you more flexibility. The rules for these "multi-purpose vehicles" are different, and more lenient, than the ones for standard sedans. This is a common point of confusion, but understanding this one difference can save you a lot of hassle and expense.

The rule for your front side windows is exactly the same as it is for a sedan. They must still allow more than 50% of light to pass through (50% VLT). This law is consistent across all passenger vehicle types to ensure driver safety and visibility for law enforcement. No matter what you drive, your two front doors have the same standard to meet.

The major difference for multi-purpose vehicles is that the back side windows and the rear windshield have no darkness limit. You can have tint as dark as you want on any window behind the driver's seat. So if you're wondering what tint is legal on a truck in Virginia, the answer for your rear windows is simple: any level is fine, from a light factory shade all the way to a full "limo tint."

Beyond Darkness: Rules for Windshields, Colors, and Reflections

While the darkness level (VLT) is the most common concern, Virginia’s laws also cover other important factors like reflectivity and color. These rules exist to ensure that your view isn’t dangerously obstructed and that law enforcement can see into your vehicle when necessary.

Your front windshield has specific rules. You cannot apply tint to the entire surface. Instead, tint is only permitted on a small strip at the very top. Most vehicles have a tiny marking that says “AS-1” etched into the glass near the top corners; according to the Virginia tint rule, any tint must stay above this AS-1 line. This keeps your main field of vision completely clear.

Reflectivity is another key part of Virginia’s vehicle window tinting requirements. If you’re wondering, “Is reflective tint legal in Virginia?” the answer is a clear no. Your tint must not be more than 20% reflective, meaning any film that gives your windows a mirror-like appearance is illegal. Finally, on the front windshield, the colors red, amber, and yellow are prohibited.

• Windshield: Tint is allowed only above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.

• Reflectivity: Tint must not be more than 20% reflective (no mirror look).

• Colors: Red, amber, and yellow are not allowed on the front windshield.

How to Get a Medical Exemption for Darker Tint in Virginia

For some drivers with light-sensitive medical conditions like lupus or certain skin cancers, the standard tint limits may not offer enough protection. Virginia law recognizes this and provides a clear pathway for obtaining a medical exemption. The process for getting a tint waiver in Virginia is straightforward and officially managed by the DMV.

The first step is to speak with a licensed physician. Your doctor must certify in writing that your medical condition requires additional sun shading beyond what the law normally allows. You will need to download the official Virginia window tint medical exemption form, which is called "Application for Sun-Shading Medical Waiver" (Form MED-20), directly from the Virginia DMV’s website for your doctor to fill out.

With the completed form in hand, you will submit it to the DMV for review. This application is a key part of the official VA DMV window tint rules for special cases, ensuring that exemptions are granted based on legitimate medical needs. The instructions on Form MED-20 will guide you on where and how to submit your paperwork correctly.

If your application is approved, the DMV will issue a medical waiver. It is absolutely crucial to keep this official waiver in your vehicle at all times. This document is your proof of exemption to show law enforcement during a traffic stop or to pass a state inspection. Without it, your otherwise legal medical tint could still result in a ticket.

What Happens If My Tint Is Too Dark? Tickets & State Inspections Explained

Driving with window tint that's darker than Virginia law allows can catch the eye of law enforcement. The immediate penalty for illegal tint in VA is a traffic ticket, which comes with a fine. This initial cost, however, is often just the first step in a frustrating and potentially expensive process.

Perhaps the bigger headache for Virginia drivers is the mandatory annual state inspection. Your vehicle will automatically fail this inspection if its tint doesn't meet the legal VLT levels. To pass a VA state inspection with tinted windows, the inspector will use a special meter to measure the light transmission. If your windows are too dark, you won't receive a passing sticker until you fix the problem.

Most tint violations are considered "fix-it tickets." This means the court will likely require you to remove the illegal film from your windows to resolve the citation. You may even need to provide proof that the issue has been corrected, either by having an officer sign off on the fix or by presenting a receipt from a shop that handled the removal.

Your Virginia Tint Law Checklist: A 3-Step Plan for Staying Legal

Navigating Virginia window tint laws no longer has to be a guessing game. You now understand exactly how the rules work, empowering you to make a confident, legal choice for your vehicle.

Here is a simple plan for getting it right:

1. Know Your Vehicle (Sedan vs. SUV/Truck).

2. Know Your Numbers (Front: 50%, Back: 35% for sedans).

3. Get Proof (Always ask your installer for a receipt specifying the VLT % of the film used).

A receipt that specifies the VLT is your best tool. It serves as clear proof of your informed decision and can provide peace of mind during inspections or traffic stops.