Get Your Washington Medical Window Tint Exemption Online

Washington: Everything You Need to Know

• Washington Window Tint Exemption Laws

  Washington's medical window tint exemption is authorized under RCW 46.37.430. The law permits a greater degree of light reduction on all windows and the top six inches of the windshield for vehicles operated by or carrying passengers with qualifying medical conditions.

  • The exemption requires written verification from a licensed physician.

  • The physician's letter must state that the operator or passenger must be protected from exposure to sunlight for physical or medical reasons.

  • The written verification must be carried in the vehicle at all times.

  • You must present the verification to law enforcement upon request.

  • Washington does not require a state-issued permit or DMV application, the physician's letter is your exemption.

  • The exemption applies to the person with the medical condition, not a specific vehicle.

  • No specific VLT limit is mandated with an exemption, darker tint is permitted based on medical necessity.
• Documents You'll Need

  To qualify for a medical window tint exemption in Washington, you'll need:

  • Physician verification letter stating that the operator or passenger requires protection from sunlight exposure

  • Letter must specify the physical or medical condition requiring the exemption

  The Physician's Letter must be completed by one of the following:

  • Licensed physician (MD or DO)

  If applying through a telehealth service like TintedMD, you can get your evaluation done completely online. You'll receive:

  • A signed physician verification letter on official letterhead delivered via email, ready to keep in your vehicle

  Note:

  Washington does NOT require a state application or DOL-issued permit – your physician letter IS your exemption. Keep your physician letter in your vehicle at all times and present it to law enforcement upon request.

• Legal Tint Limits

  Washington law sets specific limits on how dark your vehicle windows can be tinted. With a valid medical exemption, you can legally install tint darker than standard limits, protecting both your health and your compliance with Washington law.

  Standard Washington Tint Limits (Without Exemption):

  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint permitted only on the top 6 inches. Clear UV-blocking film is allowed on the entire windshield.

  • Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 24% of visible light (24% VLT). Anything darker is illegal without an exemption.

  • Back Side Windows: Minimum 24% VLT for sedans; SUVs, trucks, and vans may use any darkness.

  • Rear Window: Minimum 24% VLT for sedans; SUVs, trucks, and vans may use any darkness.

  • Reflectivity: No more than 35% reflective on any window.

  • Prohibited colors: Red, gold, yellow, black, and mirror-finish films are not permitted.

  With a Medical Exemption:

  • Front Side Windows: May be tinted to a greater degree of light reduction than standard limits.

  • Back Side Windows: May be tinted to a greater degree of light reduction than standard limits.

  • Rear Window: May be tinted to a greater degree of light reduction than standard limits.

  • Windshield: Top 6 inches may be tinted to a greater degree of light reduction.

  • Reflectivity limit of 35% still applies.

  • Prohibited colors still apply.

  • Dual side mirrors required if any window behind the driver is tinted.