Washington, D.C. Window Tint Laws
Washington, D.C. requires 70% VLT on the windshield and front side windows and 50% on rear windows (minivans: 55% and 35%), and applies to every vehicle on its streets, registered there or not.
Washington, D.C. Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Washington, D.C. Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Washington, D.C. vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | 70% | 70% |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 70% | 70% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | 50% | 50% |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 50% | 50% |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in Washington, D.C.
Operating a vehicle with tint darker than statutory limits is classified as a misdemeanor. Citations escalate significantly upon repeat violations:
First Conviction
Classified as a misdemeanor with a fine up to $100 and/or up to 10 days in jail.
Second Conviction
Fine of up to $200 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
Third Conviction
Criminal citation with a fine up to $300 and/or up to 3 months in jail (within 1 year).
Washington, D.C. Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
§50-2207.02 does not require side mirrors.
Prohibited Tint Colors
§50-2207.02 has no color restrictions.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
§50-2207.02 does not require a label or compliance certificate.
Medical Tint Exemptions
Exemption from the DMV Director if the owner has a medical condition that requires darker windows.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington, D.C. Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Washington, D.C.? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Washington, D.C., front side windows must allow at least 70% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow 50%, and the rear window requires 50%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow 50%.
Can you tint the front windshield in Washington, D.C.? +
Under Washington, D.C. law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: 70% (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Washington, D.C.? +
While law enforcement in Washington, D.C. enforces the state vehicle code (D.C. Code §50-2207.02), officers generally extend interstate reciprocity to visiting motorists whose vehicles comply with the legal tint statutes of their home registration state. However, if the tint is excessively dark and prevents officers from seeing the driver, you can still be stopped for safety verification.
Is 20% or 5% (limo tint) legal in Washington, D.C.? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Washington, D.C. because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 70% VLT. On SUVs, trucks, and vans, 20% or 5% limo tint is legally permissible only on the windows behind the driver (rear sides and back window).
How do police test window tint in Washington, D.C., and is there an official tolerance? +
Police officers and state troopers use handheld, certified light meters that slide over the roll-down window to measure total net light transmission. Washington, D.C. statutes recognize a Not specified. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Washington, D.C. allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Washington, D.C. permits medical tint waivers for individuals with certified photosensitivity or UV-reactive conditions (such as lupus or porphyria). An official affidavit signed by a licensed physician must be approved and carried in the vehicle at all times.
Do I need a compliance certification sticker on my windows in Washington, D.C.? +
A compliance label between the glass is not legally mandated in Washington, D.C., but the vehicle must be capable of passing an optical light meter test during routine traffic stops or state inspections.
What are the penalties and fines for illegal window tint in Washington, D.C.? +
Driving with non-compliant tint is classified as a traffic infraction or misdemeanor. First convictions carry fines starting around $100 plus court costs, typically accompanied by a 'fix-it' compliance order requiring removal or replacement of the illegal film.
Top-Rated Window Tint Shops in Washington, D.C.
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