For many drivers in Washington, window tint isn’t just about style—it’s about comfort, privacy, and protection. However, the state has specific limits on how dark your window tint can be, and failing to follow those rules can result in fines, citations, and forced tint removal. If you’ve ever asked, “How do you get around Washington tint laws and avoid tint tickets?”—you’re not alone. The good news is, there is a legal and medically approved way to do just that.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Washington tint laws, how to legally exceed them with a medical exemption, and how ForeverTint makes the process easy, fast, and fully compliant with state law.
Understanding Washington Window Tint Laws
Before getting into how to avoid tint tickets, it’s important to understand what Washington’s window tint laws actually say.
According to the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), these are the current legal limits:
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Windshield: Tint is only allowed on the top 6 inches or above the AS-1 line and must be non-reflective.
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Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 24% of visible light in.
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Back Side Windows: Must allow more than 24% of visible light in.
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Rear Window: Must also allow more than 24% of visible light in, unless you have dual side mirrors.
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Reflectivity & Color: Red, yellow, and amber tint colors are prohibited. Tint must not be reflective.
These restrictions are enforced by law enforcement and vehicle inspection stations. If your tint is darker than what’s legally allowed and you don’t have the proper documentation, you could face a citation.
The Only Legal Way to Get Around Washington Tint Laws
The only way to legally get around Washington’s tint laws is through a medical window tint exemption.
Washington allows individuals with certain health conditions to exceed standard tint limits if they can prove medical necessity. This exemption must be documented and signed by a licensed physician or optometrist and kept in the vehicle at all times.
A valid Washington tint exemption gives you legal permission to install darker window tint that exceeds the 24% VLT (Visible Light Transmission) rule for side and rear windows.
You can learn more about how the process works by visiting our dedicated Washington page:
👉 https://forevertint.com/legal-tint-exemption-washington/
Qualifying Conditions for a Tint Exemption in Washington
To qualify for a tint exemption in Washington, you must have a legitimate medical condition that requires protection from UV rays, visible light, or heat. Some of the most common conditions that qualify include:
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Lupus
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Albinism
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Photosensitivity
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Rosacea or other sun-triggered skin disorders
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Chronic migraines caused by light exposure
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Melanoma or a history of skin cancer
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Eye conditions that require limited light exposure
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Severe burns or post-operative skin conditions
Each case is evaluated individually, and ForeverTint’s licensed physicians are trained to assess these needs during your consultation.
What Happens if You’re Pulled Over?
Even with a legal tint exemption, law enforcement officers can still pull you over if they suspect your tint is too dark. However, if you have your signed medical exemption certificate in the vehicle, you’re protected.
Your certificate must include:
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Your name and identifying information
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A statement of medical necessity
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The name, license number, and signature of the physician
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The duration of the exemption (temporary or permanent)
Without this documentation, you could still be fined or ordered to remove your tint—even if your condition is legitimate.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Tint Tickets
Many Washington drivers unintentionally break tint laws and end up with tickets. Here are the most common mistakes:
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Getting windows tinted before securing a medical exemption
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Assuming verbal confirmation from a doctor is enough
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Not keeping the certificate in the vehicle
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Using illegal tint colors or reflective film
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Assuming out-of-state laws apply in Washington
To avoid these errors, the safest route is to get your exemption before you tint your windows and ensure it’s documented by a licensed physician.
How ForeverTint Helps You Avoid Tint Tickets
ForeverTint makes it easy for Washington residents to legally exceed window tint limits by offering a 100% online medical exemption process. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Visit the Washington Exemption Page
Go to https://forevertint.com/legal-tint-exemption-washington/ and select Washington to get started.
Step 2: Purchase Your Exemption Package
Complete your purchase securely online. Everything is included—no hidden fees.
Step 3: Schedule a Phone Consultation
Our team will reach out to schedule a brief 5–10 minute call with a licensed physician to review your condition.
Step 4: Receive Your Certificate
If approved, your official Washington tint exemption certificate is emailed directly to you. Print it and keep it in your vehicle.
Step 5: Install Your Legal Tint
Once you have your exemption, you’re cleared to tint your windows darker than the legal limit—legally and with protection from citations.
Is the ForeverTint Exemption Certificate Recognized in Washington?
Yes. The certificate provided by ForeverTint meets all Washington legal requirements. It is signed by a licensed physician and contains all necessary information, including your medical need and the provider’s licensing details.
As long as you keep the certificate in your car and present it when asked, you are fully protected under Washington law.
What If You Don’t Qualify?
If our physician determines that your condition does not meet the criteria for a tint exemption, ForeverTint offers a full refund—no questions asked. That means there’s no risk to see if you qualify.
Most customers who begin the process do qualify, especially if they’ve experienced issues with UV sensitivity or have a medically documented condition.
Final Thoughts: Get Protected the Right Way
There’s only one legal way to get around Washington’s tint laws: by obtaining a medical tint exemption from a licensed physician. Verbal claims, handwritten notes, or assumptions about out-of-state rules won’t hold up if you’re pulled over or inspected.
ForeverTint takes the guesswork out of the process. We provide the tools, the physician, and the documentation to ensure you’re protected under Washington law—and we do it all online.
