So You Wanna Be a Shady Saint in Washington? The Lowdown on Windshield Tinting
Living in Washington? Sunshine got you feeling like a vampire who forgot their SPF 50? You might be considering slapping some tint on your windshield to create a cool, mysterious ride. But hold on to your sunglasses, because the laws around windshield tinting in the Evergreen State can be a bit...well, hazy.
Can You Tint Your Windshield In Washington State |
The Great Tint Wall: What You Can and Can't Do
Fear not, fellow sun-dodger! Here's the scoop on windshield tinting in Washington:
- Full-on Blackout? Fuggedaboutit. Washington says no way, Jos�, to tinting your entire windshield. It's a safety hazard, and they don't want you cruising around like a vehicular Darth Vader.
- A Little Slice of Shade is Okay. But there is a loophole! You can tint the top 6 inches of your windshield with non-reflective tint. So, you can have a little brow to block that high noon sun without blocking the view for that cute cop giving you the eye (wink wink).
Now, here's the important part: These rules apply to regular cars. If you rock a truck, SUV, or minivan (basically anything classified as a multipurpose passenger vehicle), the restrictions are a bit looser. You can still tint the top 6 inches of your windshield, but go wild on the rest of the windows!
Remember: Getting pulled over for tint violations is no laughing matter. It can lead to fines and having to remove the tint. So, before you go all Jackson Pollock on your windows, make sure you know the law!
Tip: Break down complex paragraphs step by step.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tint Time Troubleshoot
How to find out if your car is classified as a multipurpose passenger vehicle?
Check the manufacturer's label on your driver's door jamb. If it says "MPV," you're in the clear for darker tints on the side and rear windows.
How to tell if your tint is legal?
Tip: Read at your natural pace.
A reputable tint shop will use a light meter to measure the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) of the tint. This percentage indicates how much light gets through the window. For the front side windows on regular cars, the VLT needs to be over 24%.
How to get away with super dark tint? (Don't do this!)
We highly recommend following the law. Super dark tint can be dangerous and get you in trouble. But hey, if you're into living life on the edge, we recommend moving to a state with looser tint restrictions (and maybe hiring a good lawyer). This is a joke, please don't break the law.
QuickTip: Look for patterns as you read.
How to convince my friend their limo tint is a bad idea?
Show them this post! If that doesn't work, maybe point out that they might not see a pedestrian or another car when making turns. Safety first, friends!
How to find a reputable tint shop?
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
Look for shops that offer a warranty on their work and use high-quality film. Don't be afraid to ask questions and get quotes before you commit.
So there you have it! The world of windshield tinting in Washington, decoded. Now you can cruise in comfort (and legality) with a touch of shade. Just remember, keep it light on the front, and happy tinting!