So You Want to Be a Shadow Warrior: A Guide to Window Tinting in Washington (Without Getting Pulled Over)
Let's face it, the Washington sun can be a bit of a bully sometimes. Between the glare and the heat, it's enough to make you wish you could drive around in a giant sunglasses disco ball. But fear not, fellow driver! Window tinting is here to save the day (and your retinas). But before you go all Batman on your car windows, there are a few things you need to know about the tinting laws in Washington.
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| What is The Darkest Tint You Can Get In Washington State |
The Great Tint Showdown: Cars vs. SUVs
The rules of the road get a little blurry (pun intended) when it comes to window tinting. Here's the breakdown for your chariot, depending on its classification:
Tip: Keep your attention on the main thread.
Cars (Sedans and Coupes): Channel your inner ray of sunshine because you can only go as dark as 24% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) on all the side windows and the back windshield. That means 24% of the light gets in, while the other 76% is like, "Nope, not today sunshine!"
SUVs and Vans: Now we're talking! For these bad boys, you can rock that same 24% VLT on the front side windows. But guess what? The back side and rear windows? Those are free to party with any level of tint your heart desires. Go ahead, unleash your inner limousine!
Important Note: The windshield is a bit of a stickler. You can only add a non-reflective tint to the top 6 inches, basically a tiny visor for your car.
QuickTip: The more attention, the more retention.
Reflective? Not So Much, Washington Says No Thanks
Thinking of going full disco ball with a super reflective tint? Washington politely says, "Uh uh, not so fast." The law limits reflectivity to 35% for all windows except the top of the windshield (which can't be reflective at all). So, while you can look cool, you can't blind oncoming traffic with your dazzling windows.
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FAQ: Tinting Like a Pro
How to find out the VLT of your existing tint? Most reputable tint shops can measure the VLT of your current windows.
How to choose the right tint darkness? Consider factors like sun exposure, desired privacy, and of course, how cool you want to look while driving.
How much does window tinting cost? Prices vary depending on the type of tint, the size of your vehicle, and the shop's rates.
How long does the window tinting process take? Generally, a professional tinting job can be done in a few hours.
How to care for your newly tinted windows? Avoid rolling down the windows for a couple of days after installation to allow the tint to cure properly.
So there you have it! Now you can cruise down the Washington highways with the perfect balance of sun protection and legal compliance. Just remember, with great tint comes great responsibility. Don't go overboard and end up looking like a suspicious unmarked police car (unless you're actually an undercover cop... in which case, hi there!).
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
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