Are you thinking about tinting your vehicle’s front windshield in Washington State? Drivers tint their windshields for a variety of reasons, including wanting to keep the inside of the car cooler, reducing glare and protecting the vehicle’s interior from the damaging UV rays, but before you apply tint to your windshield, you should review the laws surrounding front windshield window tint in WA. Washington, like many other states, limits how you can tint your windows.
Is it legal to tint the front windshield of a vehicle in Washington State?
It is legal to tint your windshield in Washington State. However, only the top 6 inches can be tinted with a non-reflective window tint. The rest of the glass must be clear. In addition to this, the window tint cannot be red, yellow or amber.
Why can drivers only tint the top six inches of their windshields in Washington State?
The window tinting laws in Washington State were enacted in 2011. Drivers can only tint the top six-inches because tinting more than that could impact the driver’s ability to see clearly through the window. In addition, pedestrians and bicyclists need to be able to see through the windshield from the outside for their safety. If the driver needs additional tint for medical reasons, medical exemptions are sometimes granted.
Benefits of Tinting the Front Windshield
Drivers tint their front windshields for a variety of reasons, but the most common reasons often involve being able to see better on bright, sunny days and protecting the car’s interior.
Blocks Harmful UV Rays
Tinting the top six inches of your windshield can help block dangerous UV rays. Harmful UV rays contribute to skin cancer in humans, and they also have the ability to fade the colors inside your car and cause cracking.
Prevents Glare from the Sun
Glare from the sun can result in eye fatigue and difficulty seeing clearly. Installing tint on the windshield can reduce glare from the sun by up to 30 percent.
Helps Keep the Car Comfortable
Window tint can help keep the car cooler, which helps keep passengers comfortable.
What other window tinting is available in Washington?
In addition to the windshield, drivers can also get the side windows and the rear window tinted. However, it’s important that drivers only allow licensed and experienced window tinters to tint their vehicle windows. This helps ensure that the tint is applied legally and correctly. It’s also important to note that the rules for tinting vary depending on the style of the vehicle.
Tinting the Windows on a Sedan
- Front and Rear Side Windows – The tint installed on the front side windows must let more than 24 percent of the light into the car, and the tint can’t be more than 35 percent reflective.
- Back Window – The back window must allow more than 24 percent of the light to enter the car, and like the side windows, the reflection can’t be more than 35 percent.
Tinting the Windows on a Van or SUV
- Front Side Windows – The front side windows of vans and SUVs must allow more than 24 percent of the light to enter the vehicle.
- Rear Side Windows – The state of Washington allows for any amount of darkness for the rear side window tint, but the reflection can only be 35 percent or less.
- Back Window – The back window can be tinted with any amount of darkness. However, like the side windows, the reflection can’t be more than 35 percent.
Does Window Tinting Affect Car Insurance?
Window tinting that is applied in accordance with the law usually doesn’t affect car insurance rates. Drivers usually only see car insurance increases if they get tickets for illegal car window tint. In the case of windshield tinting, drivers could get ticketed for having tint below the 6-inch threshold without a medical waiver or having a prohibited color installed on the car. To ensure that your window tints are in compliance with WA laws, always use an auto tinting company that’s professional, experienced and licensed.
Affordable Car Insurance from Boyd Insurance Brokerage Inc. in Spokane, Washington
If you need car insurance in Washington State, our agents at Boyd Insurance Brokerage Inc. can help you find an affordable policy. We can also help you find policies that cover custom details, modifications and upgrades, like custom window tints, under-car neon lights, wheel and suspension upgrades and custom paints. In addition to personal car insurance, we can also help you find commercial car insurance, homeowners insurance and business insurance.
To get a quote for car insurance that includes your vehicle’s custom modifications, give us a call at 509-340-2693
