West Virginia tint rules at a glance
- Front side windows
- 35%
- Minimum VLT, film and glass together
- Back side windows
- 35%
- Minimum VLT, film and glass together
- Rear window
- 35%
- Minimum VLT, film and glass together
- SUVs, trucks and vans
- Behind the driver: back side windows any darkness, rear window any darkness.
- Windshield
- Nonreflective film along the top only, not below the AS-1 line or more than 5 inches from the top (whichever is closer), and never red, yellow or amber.
- Reflectivity
- Film must be nonreflective with reflectivity of 20% or less on every window.
- Film colors not allowed
- red, yellow, amber (windshield)
- Medical exemption
- Yes, with documentation
- Sticker or certificate
- Required
- Two outside mirrors
- Required when the rear window is tinted
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor with a fine of up to $200 (W. Va. Code 17C-15-36a(i)).
VLT is the share of light the glass lets through, film and glass together. Source: W. Va. Code § 17C-15-36a, checked Nov 5, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the statute before tinting.
West Virginia regulates window tint through W. Va. Code § 17C-15-36a. Below: the minimum visible light transmission (VLT) for each window, the windshield rule, what counts as too reflective, who can get a medical exemption, and how an officer checks a car at the roadside.
Legal tint limits in West Virginia
- Front side windows: at least 35% VLT.
- Back side windows: at least 35% VLT.
- Rear window: at least 35% VLT.
SUVs, trucks and vans follow a different rule behind the driver: back side windows any darkness and the rear window any darkness.
VLT is measured through film and glass together. Factory glass already blocks some light, usually landing between 70% and 80% VLT before any film, so a roll sold as "35%" on a window that started at 75% ends up darker than 35% once installed. Officers meter the finished window, not the box the film came in.
Windshield
Nonreflective film along the top only, not below the AS-1 line or more than 5 inches from the top (whichever is closer), and never red, yellow or amber.
Federal standard FMVSS 205 sets the baseline for the glass itself: the windshield and front side windows of a new car must transmit at least 70% of visible light. State law decides what film may be added afterwards, which is why the windshield rule is usually a strip above the AS-1 line rather than a percentage.
Reflective and colored film
Film must be nonreflective with reflectivity of 20% or less on every window. Film colors not permitted: red, yellow, amber (windshield).
Medical exemptions
West Virginia allows darker tint with a medical exemption. A signed affidavit from a physician or West Virginia-licensed optometrist stating the medical need must be kept in the vehicle at all times; the vehicle must be registered to the patient or guardian.
Stickers, mirrors and enforcement
A certificate or sticker identifying legal tint is required. Each treated window must carry the manufacturer's label (up to 1.5 sq in) showing its name and light transmission in the lower left corner; installers must affix it permanently. If the rear window is tinted, the car must have outside mirrors on both sides. Misdemeanor with a fine of up to $200 (W. Va. Code 17C-15-36a(i)).
In practice
West Virginia applies one 35% light-transmission and 20% reflectivity standard to all side and rear windows of passenger cars, measured on film and glass together. Windows behind the driver on trucks, buses, motor homes, trailers and multipurpose passenger vehicles are exempt from the transmission floor, which is why SUV limits differ. Factory-installed tint and certain unmarked law-enforcement and K-9 vehicles are exempt. Film makers must certify compliance to the State Police and DMV and supply installation instructions.
Sources
Checked Nov 5, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the statute before tinting.
Common questions about tint in West Virginia
Is 35% tint legal on front windows in West Virginia?
Yes. 35% is the darkest West Virginia allows on front side windows: the glass and film together must let at least 35% of visible light through. Anything darker fails a meter check.
Can I tint my windshield in West Virginia?
Nonreflective film along the top only, not below the AS-1 line or more than 5 inches from the top (whichever is closer), and never red, yellow or amber. Film below that line is not permitted for ordinary drivers.
Does West Virginia allow darker tint for medical reasons?
Yes, with documentation. A signed affidavit from a physician or West Virginia-licensed optometrist stating the medical need must be kept in the vehicle at all times; the vehicle must be registered to the patient or guardian.
What happens if my tint is too dark in West Virginia?
Misdemeanor with a fine of up to $200 (W. Va. Code 17C-15-36a(i)).
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