Can someone please confirm what the tint laws are in WA? I have been to three different places in Pullman & Clarkston and have gotten three different answers. Also, can someone recommend a good tint shop in Spokane. These guys down here want outrageuos money.
Thanks

 

Google easily reveals the state statutes... must allow 35% light in. In other words, no more than 65% tinted.

 

RCW says... 35% on all side windows only allowed a strip at the top of the windshield. All have to be non-mirrored.

(a) The maximum level of film sunscreening material to be applied to any window, except the windshield, shall have a total reflectance of thirty-five percent or less, plus or minus three percent, and a light transmission of thirty-five percent or more, plus or minus three percent, when measured against clear glass resulting in a minimum of twenty-four percent light transmission on AS-2 glazing where the vehicle is equipped with outside rearview mirrors on both the right and left. Installation of more than a single sheet of film sunscreening material to any window is prohibited. The same maximum levels of film sunscreen material may be applied to windows to the immediate right and left of the driver on limousines and passenger buses used to transport persons for compensation and vehicles identified by the manufacturer as multi-use, multipurpose, or other similar designation. All windows to the rear of the driver on such vehicles may have film sunscreening material applied that has less than thirty-five percent light transmittance, if the light reflectance is thirty-five percent or less and the vehicle is equipped with outside rearview mirrors on both the right and left. A person or business tinting windows for profit who tints windows within restricted areas of the glazing system shall supply a sticker to be affixed to the driver's door post, in the area adjacent to the manufacturer's identification tag. Installation of this sticker certifies that the glazing application meets this chapter's standards for light transmission, reflectance, and placement requirements. Stickers must be no smaller than three-quarters of an inch by one and one-half inches, and no larger than two inches by two and one-half inches. The stickers must be of sufficient quality to endure exposure to harsh climate conditions. The business name and state tax identification number of the installer must be clearly visible on the sticker.

(b) A greater degree of light reduction is permitted on all windows and the top six inches of windshields of a vehicle operated by or carrying as a passenger a person who possesses a written verification from a licensed physician that the operator or passenger must be protected from exposure to sunlight for physical or medical reasons.

(c) Windshield application. A greater degree of light reduction is permitted on the top six-inch area of a vehicle's windshield. Clear film sunscreening material that reduces or eliminates ultraviolet light may be applied to windshields.

(d) When film sunscreening material is applied to any window except the windshield, outside mirrors on both the left and right sides shall be located so as to reflect to the driver a view of the roadway, through each mirror, a distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear of the vehicle.

(e) The following types of film sunscreening material are not permitted:

(i) Mirror finish products;

(ii) Red, gold, yellow, or black material; or

(iii) Film sunscreening material that is in liquid preapplication form and brushed or sprayed on.

Nothing in this section prohibits the use of shaded or heat-absorbing safety glazing material in which the shading or heat-absorbing characteristics have been applied at the time of manufacture of the safety glazing material and which meet federal standards and the standards of the state patrol for such safety glazing materials.

(6) It is a traffic infraction for any person to operate a vehicle for use on the public highways of this state, if the vehicle is equipped with film sunscreening or coloring material in violation of this section.

 

It's the +/- in the percentage allowed. That's what gets you going with the vendors. State Patrol pulls you over, they have you place your driver's license against the driver's window. If they can not read it, they'll say it's too dark. They only check the front side windows, not the back. Local law enforcement may have a light meter. I know some of Seattle's finest have them.

If a vendor is legit, they know the % already and shouldn't be giving you the run around. Make them provide in writing what they'll do if you get cited for too dark of a tint.


Bob K.

 

Aroma of Tacoma....WOW that brings back memories. The first time I drove the I-5 corridor, I drove past exit 127. Being a southern boy, I thought, 'Ain't that cordial, they want me to pull y'all up.' I was the laughing stock for a month or two on post. It took me that long to figure out Puyallup was an Indian Nation. And then there's my story about the cop with a pony tail takin' my fishin' gear on the Nisqually River. I called him a rent a cop, and ended up in front of the Fedral Magistrate. It was hard lessons learned. But, I love this place, have for the past 22 years.

Bob K. Ex-Army guy.