Virginia’s law regarding the darkness of tinting on the windows of an automobile is very specific and can result in a traffic ticket and a fine, but more importantly an officer’s suspicion of “excessive window tinting” can justify a traffic stop to allow him to pry further in search of other criminal offenses. We have seen many clients pulled over so that the officer can check the degree of window tinting who end up charged with felony offenses for drug possession and distribution, firearms offenses, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
At Cook Attorneys, our attorneys in Harrisonburg VA bring their extensive experience as criminal defense and traffic defense lawyers to our clients who have received moving violations in Virginia, including defending clients who have been ticketed in VA for tinted automobile windows.
CAN YOU GET PULLED OVER FOR TINTED WINDOWS IN VIRGINIA?
If a police officer in Virginia suspects that an automobile’s windows are tinted more darkly than permitted by law, then they can use this for grounds to pull you over and issue a ticket. The law against darkly tinted windows is supposedly to ensure that the driver can safely see out, but it’s more likely a law enacted so that police officers can see into a vehicle.
WHAT IS THE LAW REGARDING TINTED WINDOWS IN VIRGINIA?
The Virginia General Assembly enacted the “Virginia Tint Law” in the year 1999 which sets limits on the degree to which various windows on an automobile can be darkened through tinting.
This degree is measured by the percentage of light that can shine through the film and therefore the window. This measurement of the darkness of tint is measured by VLT%: Visible Light Transmission Percentage.
In Virginia, there are different rules for the allowable window tinting on multi-passenger vehicles (such as SUV cars and vans) versus standard automobiles.
WHAT ARE THE ALLOWABLE PERCENTAGE LEVELS OF TINTED WINDOWS?
- Allowable VLT% for Standard Automobiles:
- Windshield Tint: Virginia does not allow for any tint on the front windshield except for above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. Above the AS-1 line, there is no restriction on tinting levels: any percentage is allowed.
- Front Side Windows Tint: Maximum allowable tint is 50%.
- Back Side Windows Tint: Maximum allowable tint is 35%.
- Rear Window Tint: Maximum allowable tint is 35%.
- Allowable VLT% for Multi-Passenger Vehicles:
- Windshield Tint: Virginia does not allow for any tint on the front windshield except for above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. Above the AS-1 line, there is no restriction on tinting levels: any percentage is allowed.
- Front Side Windows Tint: Maximum allowable tint is 35%.
- Back Side Windows Tint: There are no restrictions on how dark you can make the tint on the back windows of multi-passenger vehicles
- Rear Window Tint: There are no restrictions on how dark you can make the tint on the back windows of multi-passenger vehicles
- Rear Window Tint: There are no restrictions on how dark you can make the tint on the back windows of multi-passenger vehicles
HOW REFLECTIVE CAN THE TINT BE IN VIRGINIA?
The “Virginia Tint Law” also limits the amount of tint reflection allowed on automobile windows. Here are the limits:
- Allowable Tint Reflection for Standard Automobiles:
- Front Side Windows: Not allowed to be more than 20% reflective.
- Back Side Windows: Not allowed to be more than 20% reflective.
- Allowable Tint Reflection for Multi-Passenger Vehicles:
- Front Side windows: Not allowed to be more than 20% reflective.
- Back Side windows: Not allowed to be more than 20% reflective.
ARE THERE OTHER LAWS RELATED TO WINDOW TINTING?
In addition to adhering to the law by knowing what is the darkest legal tint in Virginia, you should also be aware of the following additional rules and regulations related to window tinting:
- In cases where tinted windows are needed for medical reasons, the State of Virginia can make an exemption when a medical waiver is obtained from a doctor.
- If a vehicle’s back window is tinted, then dual side mirrors are required.
- Window tints in the following colors are not allowed:
- Amber
- Red
- Yellow
- Unlike in some states where window film manufacturers are required to certify the film they sell, this is not required in Virginia.
REASONS FOR TINTING WINDOWS?
Given the many restrictions on tinted windows in the State of Virginia, why go to the trouble? There are many reasons and even many benefits:
- Reduce Glare
Window tinting can reduce or stop glare, thereby improving driver vision and safety, especially for individuals with sensitive eyes.
- Protect Vehicle Interior
Window tinting can prevent damaging UV light from entering your vehicle and fading or drying out your interior and upholstery.
- Hide Valuables
Tinted windows prevent would-be thieves from identifying items of value within your car and thereby preventing break-ins - Style
Darkened windows can enhance the sophistication and luxury feel of a car.
- Skin Protection
Window tint can block up to 99% of damaging UV rays which would otherwise have direct contact with your skin.
- Climate Control & Energy Efficiency
Tinted window film can reduce your vehicle’s interior temperature by as much as 60%. This thereby reduces your need to use the air conditioning as frequently, which will save on fuel efficiency.
SCHEDULE A FREE TRAFFIC DEFENSE CONSULTATION WITH COOK ATTORNEYS
We can help you to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. If you received a ticket for tinted windows in Virginia, you are in need of local lawyers that handle traffic tickets.
We invite you to contact us to schedule a free traffic defense consultation. Most consultations only require fifteen minutes, so what do you have to lose? Se habla español. Fill out the form below to request more information about how we can serve you. We look forward to hearing from you!