If you’re a driver in Washington looking to reduce glare, protect your skin, or enhance your vehicle’s appearance, window tint is a popular solution. But before you head to a tint shop, it’s important to understand what is the darkest legal car tint in WA, and how medical exemptions can give you access to legally darker window film.
Washington has specific regulations regarding how much light must pass through each vehicle window. Violating these laws without proper documentation can result in fines and forced tint removal. However, Washington also offers legal pathways for individuals with qualifying medical conditions to install darker tint than typically allowed.
In this blog, we’ll break down Washington’s legal tint limits, explain how medical exemptions work, and show how ForeverTint helps you get your exemption legally and completely online.
Understanding Washington’s Tint Laws
Washington law defines window tint limits based on Visible Light Transmission (VLT%), which is the percentage of visible light allowed to pass through your car windows. The lower the VLT%, the darker the tint.
Here are the standard legal limits for most passenger vehicles in Washington:
- Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 24% of light in
- Back Side Windows: Must allow more than 24% of light in
- Rear Window: Must allow more than 24% of light in
- Windshield: No tint allowed below the AS-1 line (a horizontal line marked near the top of the windshield), and any tint above the line must not be reflective
- Reflectivity: Tint must not be more reflective than a standard window
- Color Restrictions: Washington does not allow red, yellow, or amber-colored tints
These regulations apply to standard vehicles without a medical exemption. Tint that falls below these limits is considered illegal unless you have a certified tint exemption from a licensed medical provider.
What Happens If Your Tint Is Too Dark?
Driving with tint that violates Washington’s VLT limits can result in:
- Fines or citations from law enforcement
- Orders to remove the tint
- Inspection failure
- Vehicle registration delays
Washington law enforcement may pull over vehicles suspected of illegal tint and check whether proper documentation is present. If you have a valid medical reason for darker tint, you must show your exemption certificate at the time of the stop.
Medical Exemptions for Darker Tint in Washington
While Washington’s standard tint laws are strict, the state allows certain individuals to bypass these limits if they have a qualifying medical condition that makes sunlight or UV exposure harmful.
In Washington, there is no need to apply through the DMV or any other state agency to get a tint exemption. Instead, drivers must carry a signed statement or prescription from a licensed physician or optometrist stating:
- The medical necessity for darker tint
- The condition requiring protection from sunlight
- The duration of the exemption
- The provider’s license number and signature
This document must be kept in the vehicle at all times and presented to law enforcement upon request.
What Conditions Qualify for a Tint Exemption?
Common medical conditions that may qualify for a tint exemption in Washington include:
- Lupus
- Photosensitivity
- Albinism
- Rosacea
- Skin cancer or a history of melanoma
- Eye disorders that require limited light exposure
- Migraines triggered by light
- Post-surgery recovery or severe burns
If you have any of these conditions—or another health issue that makes UV exposure a concern—you may qualify for a medical window tint exemption.
ForeverTint helps streamline this process by connecting you with a licensed physician who will review your condition and issue an exemption certificate if you qualify.
How to Get a Tint Exemption for Darker Tint
If you want legally darker tint than the standard 24% VLT allows, you must obtain an official medical exemption certificate before installing the film. ForeverTint makes this easy with a 100% online and physician-led process.
Here’s how to get started:
- Visit https://forevertint.com/select-your-state/
- Select Washington as your state
- Purchase the Online Tint Exemption Package
- Schedule a brief 5–10 minute phone consultation with one of our licensed physicians
- Receive your signed certificate by email (usually within 24–48 hours)
This document is legally recognized in Washington and gives you the right to install tint darker than the normal state limits—as long as you keep the certificate in your vehicle.
Why You Should Get the Exemption Before Tinting
A common mistake many Washington drivers make is tinting their windows first, then seeking an exemption later. Unfortunately, if you’re pulled over before you have your documentation, you could be cited—even if you do qualify for an exemption.
It’s always best to get your exemption certificate first, then move forward with your tint installation. This ensures you’re legally protected from day one.
ForeverTint’s fast turnaround means you won’t have to wait long to get your certificate. Most customers complete the process and receive their signed exemption within two business days.
Benefits of Legal Dark Tint With an Exemption
Once you’ve obtained your exemption, you’ll be allowed to tint your windows darker than 24% VLT—depending on your medical needs. This offers several benefits:
- Reduced UV exposure for sensitive skin and eyes
- Increased privacy inside your vehicle
- Lower interior temperatures during hot weather
- Reduced glare and more comfortable daytime driving
- Enhanced protection for vehicle interiors against sun damage
Having an exemption allows you to legally enjoy these benefits without the risk of fines or legal issues.
Why Choose ForeverTint?
ForeverTint is trusted by drivers throughout Washington for our reliable, secure, and fast exemption service. We take care of everything for you—from physician evaluation to documentation—so you don’t have to worry about navigating state laws or finding a local doctor.
With ForeverTint, you get:
- Access to licensed physicians familiar with Washington laws
- Fast consultation and certificate delivery
- 100% online service with no in-person appointments
- Full refund if you are not approved
Our goal is to make it easy for you to get the protection you need—legally and without stress.
Ready To Get Your Legal Window Tint Today?
If you’re ready to install darker window tint in Washington for medical reasons, ForeverTint is your go-to solution. With a quick phone consultation and legally valid documentation, you’ll be protected from citations and free to tint your vehicle windows to the level your condition requires.
Visit https://forevertint.com/select-your-state/, select Washington, purchase your tint exemption package, and get connected with a licensed physician today.
