WA window tint laws: how dark can you legally go?

The limits

VLT is visible light transmission: the share of light that gets through. Lower is darker. A 35% film lets 35% of light through.

What “including factory tint” means

The limit is for the glass and film together. Most factory glass is lightly tinted already (around 70 to 80% VLT), so a 35% film on a 75% window ends up darker than 35%. We measure every window with a VLT meter and choose the film that lands on the legal number, not the film labelled 35%.

Cars with factory privacy glass on the rear windows are usually around 20 to 30% already. Film can still be added behind the B-pillar if the result stays at or above 20%. The Department of Transport can grant exemptions on medical grounds, with documentary evidence from a medical specialist. Without one, these limits apply to every car.

What happens if you go darker

Illegal tint is a vehicle defect. You can be issued a defect notice (a “yellow sticker”) and ordered to remove the film and have the car inspected, with a fine on top. It can also be an issue for your insurer after a crash. It’s not worth it, which is why we don’t fit it.

How to get a dark look legally

The legal limits already give you a lot. 20% on the rear windows is properly dark; 35% on the front gives privacy without a blacked-out look. If what you’re after is a cooler car rather than a darker one, a ceramic film like SunTek CIR or Evolve rejects far more heat than a carbon film at the same shade. Compare the films or see our tint prices.

Questions

Is 35% tint legal on the front windows in WA?

Yes, 35% VLT is the minimum for front side windows. The glass and film together must let at least 35% of light through.

Is 5% (limo) tint legal in WA?

No. Without a medical exemption from the Department of Transport, the darkest legal shade on any window is 20%, and only behind the B-pillar.

Can I tint my windscreen?

Only a band across the top, above the wipers, covering no more than 10% of the windscreen.

Source: WA Department of Transport, Vehicle Safety and Standards Information Bulletin IB-119D, Window Tinting.