West Virginia Car Window Tint Laws (Updated)

Tint laws vary from state to state, so if you’re planning a trip through West Virginia, you may be wondering: what exactly are the laws on tinted windows in West Virginia?

Quick Answer

Here are the tint laws for West Virginia:

• Windshield – Cannot be tinted below the AS-1 line. Can be tinted above the AS-1 line, or 5 inches below the top.
• Driver and passenger windows – Must be non-reflective with reflectivity no more than 20% and light transmission no less than 35%.
• Rear window & rear side windows – Light transmission no less than 35% and a reflectivity no more than 20%.

Here we’ll explain exactly what the tint laws are in West Virginia so you don’t have to worry about being pulled over.

Window Tinting in West Virginia  – What Does The Law Say?

Just like every other state, West Virginia has laws on how dark your windows can be. It is measured by reflectivity and light transmission percentages.

Can Windows Be Tinted in West Virginia?

Windows can be tinted in West Virginia. Here’s what you need to know:

Front windshield can only be tinted above the AS-1 line: The AS-1 line is typically set by the manufacturer. In West Virginia, the tint can only come down to this line or 5 inches below the top of the windshield, whichever comes first.

Passenger, rear, and rear side windows can be tinted: All other windows on the vehicle can be tinted to a certain percentage of light transmission and reflectivity. Some vehicles are exempt from this law, depending on type and purpose.

What Windows Can Be Tinted in West Virginia?

Let’s break down each window, and how dark you can tint it and remain within the law. These laws are in place mainly for the safety of you and other drivers. Some exemptions for medical reasons will allow for darker tint. To find more specifics on this law, it is located in Chapter 17 C, Article 15-36A of the West Virginia Code.

Front windshield: The front windshield must be clear and transparent, except above the AS-1 line or 5 inches below the top of the windshield, whichever comes first. Above this line, you cannot have red, yellow, or amber-colored tint. Other than that, the law does not specify a particular percentage of light transmission or reflectivity.

Back windshield: The rearmost window must have a light transmission of 35% or greater, and have a reflectivity of 25% or less. This code can be found in sub-section C of the West Virginia Code. The rules for the back window also apply to the rear side windows behind the passenger and driver.

Driver and passenger windows: The window immediately to the left and right of the driver must be nonreflective and have a reflectivity of 20% or less and have a light transmission of 35% or more. This also refers to the side wings on a vehicle, which has the same rules and regulations.

Rear side windows: The windows behind the passenger and driver on either side have the same tinting and reflectivity requirements as the back windshield: Light transmission must be 35% or greater and reflectivity must be 25% or less to avoid a ticket and to be compliant with the West Virginia Code.

Restricted colors: In the state of West Virginia, you cannot have red, yellow, or amber tint on any windows of your vehicle.

West Virginia Window Tint Law Medical Exemption

Tints with less light transmission and greater reflectivity can be legal for those with medical exemptions, such as physical or visual-related conditions. These exemptions differ from state to state. West Virginia requires an affidavit with the following information on it to be exempt:

Signed by a licensed professional: Your affidavit must be signed by a physician or an optometrist licensed within the state of West Virginia.

State the condition: The affidavit must state that the person has a physical condition that makes it necessary to equip tint (sun-screening material) that violates the laws of West Virginia in terms of light transmission and reflectivity.

Must keep in your possession: The person, or their legal guardian, must possess the affidavit at all times while operating the vehicle which has been changed to violate the tint laws of the state of West Virginia. Be prepared to present the affidavit to local law enforcement if you are pulled over for any reason.

Install Correctly: In the state of West Virginia, all after-market tint installation must contain the manufacturer’s name and the percentage of light transmission on a sticker located in the lower-left corner of each glazing.

Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia Car Window Tinting Laws

Because tint laws vary so much between states, you’ll want to make sure you comply to avoid fines and tickets.

What Does VLT Mean According to West Virginia State Law? VLT stands for ‘visible light transmission.’ In West Virginia, light transmission refers to “the ratio of the amount of total light to pass through a product or material to the amount of the total light falling on the product or material.”

How Much Does Car Window Tinting Cost in West Virginia? Window tint cost will vary depending on your location in West Virginia. On average, window tinting costs between $180-$225 in West Virginia. In Martinsburg, WV for example, it costs between $181-$216. The closer you are to the city, the more expensive it will get.

How dark can your windows be in West Virginia? The lower the VLT, the darker your windows will be. 50% light transmission is much lighter than 20%. In West Virginia, light transmission requirements are the same for all windows (except the front windshield, which must be clear). It must be 35% or greater.

Is reflective or colored tint legal in West Virginia? Reflective tint is not legal on the front windshield or the front side windows. It can be used on the rear windshield as well as the rear side windows. Colored tint is legal, but cannot be red-, yellow-, or amber-colored.

Can you get a ticket for tinted windows in West Virginia? If you are pulled over in West Virginia and the officer sees that your windows have a lower light transmission or greater reflectivity than what is legal in the state, you may be guilty of a misdemeanor and can receive a fine of no more than $200.

Wrap Up

Be sure to stay within the law when it comes to tinted and reflective windows. This will help you avoid fines, tickets, and a whole lot of headaches!