Can you be pulled over for tint in West Virginia?
Many car owners consider adding a tint to their vehicle for various reasons, including privacy, aesthetics, and sun protection.
Before you consider adding a tint to your car, it’s important to review your state’s window tint laws and how they will impact your decision.
West Virginia window tint laws specifically outline the parameters for drivers of both passenger and multi-purchase vehicles.
West Virginia Window Tint Laws
When Did Window Tint Laws Come Into Effect in West Virginia?
West Virginia initially introduced a window tint law in 1991, which provided drivers with standard laws that limit certain types of tint.
The law includes information about how dark the tint is allowed to be, the level of reflection, and allows specific windows to be treated.
Further details were added following the first implementation of this law, such as specific percentage levels for tints.
Legal Window Tint Limits in West Virginia
The VLT or visible light transmission is the amount of light that is allowed to pass through a tinted window.
West Virginia permits a tint that must allow for a minimum of 35% of the light to pass through the window.
Tints are permitted on all passenger side windows of the car at 35%.
The rules vary for passenger and multi-purpose vehicles.
Rules for Tinting Passenger and Multi-Purpose Vehicles
For passenger vehicles, such as sedans and cars, the 35% dark tint applies to windows on the passenger sides of the vehicle.
Only the top five inches of the front and rear windows can be tinted.
The tint must be non-reflective.
Specific SUVs, vans, and trucks (multi-purpose vehicles) may have 35% on passenger side windows and any level of dark tint on the side windows closest to the back and the rear windows.
Legal Limits on Reflective Tints
Some tints reduce the impact of heat and sun glare.
West Virginia allows for an anti-glare tint that is no more than 20% reflective.
This legal limit applies to all passenger windows along the sides.
For all types of vehicles, the 20% applies to all applicable windows, which doesn’t allow for a reflective tint that is higher than 20%.
If you’re interested in applying this treatment, always check to ensure the manufacturer follows the state’s window tint laws.
What Happens If a Driver is Pulled Over for Tinted Windows?
Can you get pulled over for tint in West Virginia?
If this happens, you must ensure that your windows are tinted according to the state’s laws.
If this is not the case, you will be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $200.
Before you get a tint treatment on your car’s windows, always check with your local DMV and ensure that the company performing the service is reputable and aware of the window tint laws in West Virginia.
Medical Exemptions for Window Tint Treatments
In some cases, a darker tint or variance from the legal tint limit is permitted except for certain medical conditions.
You must apply a sticker to your car to indicate that the tint complies with West Virginia’s laws.
The sticker must be visible between the glass and the film of each treated window on your car.
What Is Required for a Medical Exemption?
West Virginia accepts certain medical conditions as exemptions for certain types of window tints.
The driver must have an affidavit signed by a licensed physician or optometrist that explains the necessity of the exemption.
It must be signed and specifically indicate that the medical condition requires a darker tint.
If the driver has a legal guardian, they may have possession of this affidavit.
Window Tint Manufacturers Must Provide Certification
Before you pay for a window tint treatment, check to ensure that the manufacturer has a film certificate that complies with the state’s regulations.
They must provide proof to drivers that a certified film or tint is used in the application.
Not only will this certificate ensure that you receive a legally approved window treatment, but it will also prevent you from being pulled over.
Additional Regulations in West Virginia for Tinted Windows
There are several important laws related to tinted windows, including the type of color used in the treatment and the requirement of side mirrors.
If the rear windows are tinted, your vehicle must have two side mirrors on either side of your car to ensure you have sufficient visibility.
There are some restrictions on the colors you may use for tints.
Yellow, red, and amber are prohibited and must not be applied to your windows as a tint.
All other colors are permitted.
Reviewing Window Tint Laws with Local Authorities
If you’re uncertain about tint laws, always check with local authorities or the DMV before you pay for a window tint application.
This process will ensure you don’t risk being pulled over or fined for not following the state’s regulations.
If you use a multi-purpose vehicle and a passenger vehicle, it’s essential to review the differences between what is permitted for each type of car or van.
State window tint laws, including the regulations in West Virginia, may change over time.
While this is not likely to occur often, and revisions may be minimal, it’s always best to follow up with your state’s laws to ensure compliance.
Keeping up to date is also important if you move out of state or frequently travel, as every state has different laws for window tint applications.