In Washington, even if you have a valid medical tint exemption certificate, law enforcement officers can still legally stop your vehicle if your window tint appears darker than the standard legal limits. This often raises questions and concerns for drivers who’ve gone through the proper channels to get a tint exemption for health reasons.
So what exactly happens during a stop if your windows are darker than usual, and what rights and responsibilities do you have as a medically exempt driver? In this blog, we’ll explain Washington tint laws, what a valid exemption allows, what to expect if you’re pulled over, and how to remain protected when using a service like ForeverTint.
Understanding Washington Tint Laws
Like most states, Washington has strict regulations on how dark your vehicle’s window tint can be. These laws are designed to maintain visibility, ensure driver safety, and allow law enforcement officers to see inside vehicles when necessary.
The legal limits for window tint in Washington are:
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Windshield: Non-reflective tint allowed only on the top 6 inches or above the AS-1 line
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Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 24% visible light
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Back Side Windows and Rear Window: Must also allow more than 24% visible light
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Reflective Tint: Not allowed
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Tint Color Restrictions: No red, yellow, or amber tint
If your tint is darker than these limits and you don’t have a medical exemption, your vehicle is considered non-compliant.
What Does a Medical Tint Exemption Allow?
Washington does not require that you file a special form with the DMV or submit state documentation to receive a tint exemption. Instead, the process is entirely based on a physician-signed certificate. This certificate must state that you have a medical condition requiring reduced exposure to sunlight or light sensitivity that justifies darker tint.
This is where ForeverTint comes in. Through our Washington tint exemption service, customers can complete the process online, schedule a quick phone consultation with a licensed physician, and—if approved—receive a signed exemption certificate via email.
This certificate allows you to legally exceed Washington’s default window tint limits for medical reasons. However, it does not prevent law enforcement from pulling you over.
Can Police Still Pull You Over with a Tint Exemption?
Yes. Law enforcement in Washington is still permitted to stop your vehicle if it appears to be in violation of tint laws. Here’s why:
From the outside, there is no way for an officer to immediately know that your tint is legally exempt due to medical necessity. If your windows appear darker than what the law typically allows, it could raise suspicion during a traffic patrol or roadside check.
That said, having your signed window tint exemption certificate on hand is what protects you from receiving a citation.
What to Do If You’re Pulled Over
If you’re stopped by law enforcement and asked about your window tint, remain calm and cooperative. Here’s what you should do:
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Politely inform the officer that you have a valid medical window tint exemption for Washington.
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Provide your exemption certificate—this should be printed and kept in your glove box at all times.
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Answer any follow-up questions the officer may have.
In most cases, once the officer verifies the legitimacy of your exemption certificate, the stop will end without issue.
Why Documentation is Critical
Your exemption certificate is what keeps you protected under Washington law. Without it, you could be cited for illegal tint—even if you have a qualifying medical condition. Officers are not required to take your word for it. You must have formal documentation that includes:
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Physician’s full name and medical license number
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Statement of medical necessity
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Your full name and issue date
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Physician’s signature and contact information
ForeverTint ensures that every certificate issued includes all required details and meets the legal standard for recognition by law enforcement in Washington.
Can You Still Get a Ticket?
If you have a valid exemption certificate but forget to carry it with you, the officer may still issue a citation for illegal window tint. In that case, you might need to appear in court or provide documentation later to avoid penalties.
To prevent this situation, we strongly recommend:
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Keeping a printed copy of your certificate in your vehicle
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Having a digital backup saved on your phone or cloud storage
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Renewing your certificate if it’s temporary and has expired
ForeverTint’s service includes instructions on how to properly store and use your certificate so you’re never caught off guard.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Trouble
Here are a few mistakes drivers make—even after getting a tint exemption:
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Not carrying the certificate in the vehicle
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Letting an exemption certificate expire without renewing it
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Modifying the tint after receiving the certificate (e.g., going darker without updating the physician)
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Failing to install the tint professionally—improper installation may raise questions
These errors can undermine your protection and result in unnecessary hassle during a stop.
Why Choose ForeverTint to Help With Your Washington Tint Exemption?
At ForeverTint, we’ve streamlined the entire exemption process so Washington drivers can legally protect their health and avoid issues with law enforcement.
With us, you’ll get:
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Licensed physicians who understand Washington’s tint laws
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Fast, online service—no in-person appointments required
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Signed medical certificate delivered via email
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Risk-free guarantee—get a full refund if you don’t qualify
Our process ensures that you receive a certificate that meets state requirements, giving you confidence every time you get behind the wheel.
Get Your Legal Window Tint Today
Don’t risk a ticket for protecting your health. If you need darker tint for a medical reason, ForeverTint can help you get the exemption you need—legally and quickly.
