In West Virginia, legal tint is measured by VLT — the percentage of light the filmed glass lets through. The numbers below are the darkest tint the law allows at each window position, labeled VLT MAX: install film darker than the listed VLT and the vehicle is out of compliance. Figures are compiled from official West Virginia state sources; laws change, so confirm the current statute before you tint.
| Window | Darkest Legal (VLT MAX) | Reflectivity |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Top strip only — a sun-screening device on the windshield must be nonreflective, may not be red, yellow, or amber, and may be used only along the top of the windshield, not extending downward beyond the ASI line or more than five inches from the top, whichever is closer to the top (§ 17C-15-36a(b)). No full-windshield percentage. | |
| Front side windows | 35% — side wings and side windows at the immediate right and left of the driver: light transmission of not less than 35%, reflectivity of not more than 20%, nonreflective type (§ 17C-15-36a(c)) | |
| Back side windows | 35% — side windows behind the driver: light transmission of not less than 35%, reflectivity of not more than 20% (§ 17C-15-36a(c)); on trucks, buses, trailers, mobile homes, and multipurpose passenger vehicles the transmittance requirement does not apply to windows behind the driver at all (§ 17C-15-36a(g)) | |
| Rear window | 35% — the rearmost windows carry the same 35% / 20% pair (§ 17C-15-36a(c)); same multipurpose-class lift under (g). If a device is used on glazing behind the driver, one right and one left outside rearview mirror is required |
How to Read These Numbers
- Windshield: The windshield rule controls the strip at the top of the glass and how far film or a visor band may extend down. Most states allow a non-reflective strip above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
- Front side windows: Front side windows — driver and front passenger — are the most tightly regulated and the ones checked first at a traffic stop or inspection.
- Back side windows: Rear side windows are usually allowed darker than the fronts, and on SUVs, trucks and vans they are sometimes exempt from the passenger-car limit.
- Rear window: The rear window rule often interacts with side mirrors: darker rear glass typically requires dual outside mirrors.
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West Virginia Tint Law Questions
What is the darkest legal tint in West Virginia?
For front side windows, West Virginia allows tint down to 35% — side wings and side windows at the immediate right and left of the driver: light transmission of not less than 35%, reflectivity of not more than 20%, nonreflective type (§ 17C-15-36a(c)) — the VLT MAX. Rear windows may allow darker film; check the table above for each position.
What happens if my tint is darker than West Virginia allows?
Over-dark tint can draw a citation and, in many states, a fix-it order requiring the film to be removed and the vehicle re-inspected. Laws also change — verify the current statute before tinting.