West Virginia State Window Tint Law

This guide has collected the West Virginia State window tint laws, including the standard information such as tint percentage. Other necessary laws covered include: how dark can a window tint be, how reflective can a window tint be, and restrictions and regulations. West Virginia introduced window tint laws in 1991. 

West Virginia State Automotive Window Tinting Rules

How dark can window tint be in West Virginia?

Tint VLT: Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 5 inches of the windshield.

Tint VLT: Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.

Tint VLT: Back Side Windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.

Tint VLT: Rear Windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.

How reflective can window tint be in West Virginia?

Tint Reflection: Front Side Windows: Must not be more than 20% reflective.

Tint Reflection: Rear Side Windows: Must not be more than 20% reflective.

Other West Virginia automotive window tinting rules & regulations:

Restricted Colors: Tint colors YELLOW, AMBER, and RED are restricted in the state of West Virginia.

Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required if any window behind the driver is tinted.

Certificate Requirements: Manufacturers of film are required to certify the film sold in this state.

Sticker Requirements: A sticker is required between the film and glass of each tinted window to identify legal tinting.

Penalties for Non-Compliance: Misdemeanor with a $200 fine.

West Virginia Tint Law Reference

West Virginia Code, Article 17C, Chapter 15, Section 17C-15-36a: Sun-screening devices; penalty

Exterior Window VLT Tint

How Much Does Car Window Tinting Cost in West Virginia State?

The average cost of a standard window tint in the state of West Virginia is $200. Tinting a four-door sedan with a basic film will generally cost between $150 and $250. For a higher quality tint, such as a ceramic film, expect to spend an average of $400. The cost increases depending on the size of the car, and the number of windows that require tinting. The most cost-effective method for window tinting is DIY. A home tinting kit in the State of Maryland can cost less than $100.

How Does Car Window Tinting Work?

When you tint a window, a lightweight film is applied to the inside pane of the glass. It is not applied to the outside of the glass. This is to protect the tinting from wear and tear, flying debris, and harsh sunlight. 

The first layer will be a strong polyester laminate which should improve the performance of the windows. The polyester is a transparent film. 

The next film will have tinting agents like metals and dyes, which create the shading effect. This is the layer that blocks UV rays to protect your skin from overexposure to harsh sunlight.

What Is The Best DIY 35% Tinting Product?

With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to find a tint that will actually work well on your car, especially if you buy it online. We have done a lot of research to figure out the best tinting product to apply to your vehicle yourself, and we recommend using the MKBROTHER.

Why Is This The Best?

We praise MKBROTHER so highly because of their easy-to-apply directions, their 99% UV blocking, and their scratch-resistant materials.

The MKBROTHER has a strong tint which allows in visible light but rejects the heat of the sun and the UV rays up to 99% while still sticking to the 35% restriction. This blocking doesn’t create a glare which means you won’t be distracted by the moving sunlight. The lack of glare also means that your vehicle’s interior won’t be affected by the sun rays, allowing it to stay showroom-ready for longer.

As the film is not made from metal fragments, you don’t have to worry about the tinting blocking any of your technology which normally relies on signaling.

How To Apply To Your Car

The tint is made of an adhesive film, which means all you need to do is apply the tint to the car’s window, with no special equipment on hand. 

First, you need to clean the glass on your car to remove any impurities. Next, you want to cut the film to match your car’s window size. We would advise that you check their sizing section before buying, as you will want more than enough to cover your window.

After that, you can pull one corner of the tint’s protective layers to expose the adhesive. You will be given a spray solution. Spray this solution onto the adhesive side of the film and onto the inside of the window you are planning on tinting.  At this point, depending on your state, you would apply the legalization sticker.

Lastly, you should place the film onto the window with the adhesive sides connecting. Then flatten out any bubbles which may have occurred in the process. If you have left any film on the edge of the window, you can cut it off with an extractor knife. 

Pros & Cons Of DIY vs Professional Fitting

There is an obvious reason for doing a DIY fitting instead of hiring a professional, and that’s the price. DIY tinting is so much cheaper that it is definitely worth considering. This can help you either save money or allow you to buy better quality film without the higher charge that the professional will ask for.

However, there is a reason why professionals charge these higher prices. It’s because creating a seamless installation isn’t always easy. If you put the tinting on incorrectly, it won’t last as long, nor will it protect you as much as it should. 

Medical Exemption

West Virginia State does offer medical exemptions for those who require a darker or more reflective window tint. To receive a medical exemption, the person afflicted, or their legal guardian, must contact a licensed physician or optometrist. The physician or optometrist must then sign a legal affidavit attesting that the person in question requires a special tint as a medical need. This signed affidavit must be in the possession of the person afflicted, or their legal guardian, at all times when in the vehicle. They must be able to produce the affidavit when requested by a police officer.