What happens if I’m pulled over with dark tint but I have a Washington tint exemption?

In Washington, law enforcement officers frequently check for window tint violations during routine traffic stops. If your vehicle has tint darker than the legal limit, it could raise questions—unless you have a valid medical window tint exemption. If you’re wondering what happens if I’m pulled over with dark tint but I have a Washington tint exemption?—you’re not alone. Knowing how to handle the situation and what your rights are can save you from citations and unnecessary stress.

In this blog, we’ll walk through what to expect during a traffic stop, what the law says about tint exemptions in Washington, and how having proper documentation from ForeverTint keeps you protected and legally compliant at all times.

Washington Tint Law: A Quick Overview

Washington state law regulates window tint based on Visible Light Transmission (VLT%), which is the percentage of light that must pass through your windows. The darker the tint, the lower the VLT%. Here are the legal limits for most vehicles:

Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed only on the top 6 inches or above the AS-1 line.
Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 24% of light in.
Back Side Windows: Must allow more than 24% of light in.
Rear Window: Also must allow more than 24% of light in unless the vehicle has dual side mirrors.
Reflectivity and Color: Red, yellow, or amber-colored tints are not allowed, and reflective film is prohibited.

If your vehicle’s tint is darker than these limits, it’s considered illegal—unless you have a valid Washington medical tint exemption certificate.

What Is a Medical Tint Exemption in Washington?

A medical tint exemption allows individuals with qualifying health conditions to legally install window film darker than the state’s standard limits. The exemption is issued by a licensed physician or optometrist, and the signed certificate must be kept in the vehicle at all times.

The law does not require filing with the DMV or any state agency. Instead, you must be able to present your certificate on demand during a traffic stop or inspection.

ForeverTint helps Washington residents obtain this exemption legally and easily through a 100% online process. Learn more or start your application here:
👉 https://forevertint.com/legal-tint-exemption-washington/

What to Expect During a Traffic Stop

If you’re pulled over and the officer suspects your window tint is darker than what’s allowed under Washington law, here’s what typically happens:

1. The Officer May Use a Tint Meter

Law enforcement may use a tint meter to measure the VLT% of your windows. If the reading comes back lower than 24%, the officer will ask for an explanation.

2. Present Your Medical Tint Exemption

This is where your documentation comes into play. If you’ve gone through ForeverTint, you should have received a signed certificate from a licensed physician, stating your medical need for darker window tint.

3. Officer Reviews the Certificate

The officer will check that your certificate includes the necessary elements:

Your full name and identifying information
The physician’s name, signature, license number, and contact info
A clear explanation of the medical necessity
The date of issuance and exemption duration

As long as your certificate is complete, valid, and matches the vehicle’s information, the officer will typically accept it as legal proof and end the tint-related portion of the stop.

Why You Must Keep the Certificate in Your Vehicle

Even if you have a legitimate medical exemption, not carrying the document in your vehicle can lead to a citation. Washington law requires that your medical tint exemption certificate be readily available at all times when operating the vehicle.

This is why ForeverTint emails your certificate promptly upon approval—so you can print it, store it in your glove compartment, and avoid problems during traffic stops.

What If You Don’t Have Your Certificate With You?

If you’re pulled over and don’t have your exemption certificate in the vehicle, you may face the following consequences:

A citation or fine for illegal window tint
An order to remove or replace your tint
A failed vehicle inspection if reviewed by the Department of Licensing or law enforcement agency

Even if you later prove that you had a valid exemption, the inconvenience and potential costs could have been avoided by simply carrying the document.

What If Your Certificate Is Expired or Incomplete?

If your certificate has expired or is missing key information—like the physician’s license number or a statement of medical necessity—it may not be accepted as valid by law enforcement. This is why it’s critical to work with a reputable provider like ForeverTint, which ensures that every certificate:

Meets all legal requirements
Is signed by a Washington-compliant licensed physician
Includes all required information for compliance

If your condition is long-term or permanent, our physicians may issue an exemption with a longer validity period. However, always check your certificate’s expiration date and update it when necessary.

How ForeverTint Protects You From Tint Tickets

ForeverTint helps Washington residents get and maintain legal protection from tint tickets through our physician-led, online exemption service. Here’s how we help:

Licensed Physician Review: You’ll have a real consultation with a licensed medical professional who understands state law and exemption qualifications.
Valid Documentation: Your signed certificate meets all state legal requirements for compliance.
Fast Turnaround: Most certificates are delivered via email within 24–48 hours.
Risk-Free Guarantee: If you don’t qualify, we offer a full refund.

You can begin the process any time at:
https://forevertint.com/legal-tint-exemption-washington/

How to Stay Protected After a Traffic Stop

If you’ve been pulled over and used your exemption to avoid a ticket, take the following steps to ensure long-term protection:

Store your certificate safely in your glove box or center console
Keep a digital copy on your phone or email as backup
Renew your certificate before it expires
Update your certificate if you change vehicles

Being proactive means fewer surprises down the road and less risk of costly tickets or vehicle inspections.

Final Thoughts: Documentation is Your Defense

Being pulled over for window tint can be stressful, but if you have a medical exemption through ForeverTint, you’re in a strong legal position. Your physician-signed certificate is your defense—and as long as it’s valid and present in your vehicle, you are legally allowed to have darker tint in Washington.

Don’t assume that just having a condition is enough. Washington requires documented proof, and verbal explanations won’t protect you from a citation.

Ready To Get Your Legal Window Tint Today?

If you want to protect your health while staying compliant with Washington tint laws, ForeverTint is here to help. We make it easy to legally exceed tint limits with a physician-reviewed exemption that’s valid across the state.