West Virginia window tint laws
Middle of the national pack for front-side tint (17 of 51 jurisdictions are stricter).
The legal limits
Will your film pass in West Virginia?
A trooper's meter reads the film and the glass. Factory glass runs about 78% VLT, so net VLT = film × glass — which is why "35% film" can fail a 35% state. Common shades over factory glass:
| Film | Meters at | Front side | Back side | Rear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70% | 54.6% VLT | Pass | Pass | Pass |
| 50% | 39.0% VLT | Pass | Pass | Pass |
| 35% | 27.3% VLT | Fail | Fail | Fail |
| 20% | 15.6% VLT | Fail | Fail | Fail |
| 5% | 3.9% VLT | Fail | Fail | Fail |
Different glass or an odd shade? Run the exact numbers in the tint-law tool — it also emails you if West Virginia's law changes.
Across the state line
Shops near a border tint cars registered in both states. West Virginia front side: 35% VLT min — the neighbors:
West Virginia tint law FAQs
What is the darkest legal tint in West Virginia?
Front side windows must let through at least 35% of light, back side 35%, and the rear window 35%. Anything darker fails a meter check.
Is 20% tint legal in West Virginia?
A 20% film over factory glass meters about 15.6% VLT. That fails West Virginia's 35% front-side rule and it also fails the back-side limit (35% vlt min).
Does West Virginia allow medical exemptions for darker tint?
Yes — West Virginia allows darker film with a qualifying medical exemption. The state also requires a compliance sticker between the film and glass, so carry the exemption paperwork with the vehicle.
Is reflective or mirrored tint legal in West Virginia?
West Virginia permits some reflectivity within state limits — check the current administrative code for the exact percentage before installing mirrored film.
What is the windshield tint rule in West Virginia?
West Virginia allows windshield tint only at the top of the glass: Top 5". Full-windshield film (outside a medical exemption) fails inspection.
Reviewed against state DOT/DPS regulations as of 2025. States amend tint law — verify with the West Virginia authority before installing. This is reference material, not legal advice.
Run a tint shop in West Virginia?
Wraptor quotes tint, wrap, and PPF jobs with the legal limits built in — plus scheduling, deposits, and a CRM that remembers every VIN.