Is 15% Window Tint Legal in West Virginia After the 2026 Law Changes?

Yes, 15% window tint is legal in West Virginia for the rear windows of passenger vehicles under W. Va. Code § 17C-15-33, provided it meets the state’s reflectivity and darkness standards. Front-side windows must allow over 35% light transmission, while the rear may go as dark as 20% if non-reflective. Local law enforcement, including the West Virginia State Police, enforces these limits during roadside inspections, with violations resulting in fines up to $100 under municipal ordinances.


Key Regulations for 15% Window Tint in West Virginia

  • Front-side windows must transmit more than 35% of light (effective January 2026, per WV Legislative Rule 17C-15-33.1), barring 15% tint. Medical exemptions require a physician’s certification filed with the DMV.
  • Rear windows may use up to 20% tint if non-reflective, but 15% is permissible if the vehicle has side mirrors on both sides (W. Va. Code § 17C-15-33(b)).
  • Reflectivity limits cap at 20% for all windows, measured by ASTM D3334 standards. Excessive reflectivity (e.g., mirrored tints) triggers citations under WV’s vehicle equipment laws.