Window Tint Laws in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

June 18, 2025 apsrustandtint 0 Comments

 

Window Tint Laws in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

Planning to tint your car windows? Make sure you’re not breaking the law. One of the most confusing things for car owners is that there is no national standard for window tinting — every state sets its own rules.

Why This Matters

Whether you’re driving through Fairfax, commuting from Maryland, or parking in D.C., your tint must comply with local regulations. Ignoring them could lead to inspection failures, fines, or even being ordered to remove the tint altogether.

Virginia Window Tint Laws

  • Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 50% visible light transmission (VLT)
  • Rear Side & Back Windows: Minimum 35% VLT
  • Reflectivity: Cannot exceed 20%

Maryland Window Tint Laws

  • Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 35% VLT
  • Rear Side & Back Windows: Also 35% VLT
  • Reflectivity: Must be non-reflective

D.C. Window Tint Laws

    • Front Side Windows: Minimum 70% VLT
    • Rear Side & Back Windows: 50% VLT or darker allowed
    • Reflectivity: No mirror-like tint permitted

Windshield Rules & AS-1 Line

All three jurisdictions allow some windshield tint, but it’s restricted:

      • Non-reflective tint is allowed only above the AS-1 line (a marking on your windshield)
      • If there’s no AS-1 line visible, a general rule is no more than 5 inches from the top

Medical Exemptions: A full windshield tint may be legally applied if you obtain a medical waiver. This requires:

      • A completed medical authorization form signed by a licensed physician, dermatologist, or optometrist
      • Submission of that form to the DMV for approval
      • You must carry proof of the exemption in your vehicle at all times

These waivers are designed to protect drivers with documented light sensitivity or other qualifying medical conditions. Each state has its own process for applying, so check with your local DMV.

Virginia’s 3rd Brake Light Rule

Virginia requires that your center-mounted third brake light remains fully visible. Any rear window tint that obscures it — even partially — is considered a violation.

Need Help Choosing the Right Tint?

At APS in Fairfax, we don’t just apply tint — we help you choose the right film for your car and make sure it’s 100% legal wherever you drive.

Explore our window tinting services and contact us with any questions!

Call Now: (703) 591-0900
Visit Us: APS Fairfax – Serving Northern VA since 1979