ILLEGAL WINDOW TINT

Legal Tint Limits in Virginia:
What Can Trigger a Traffic Stop

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Window Tint Violations – VA Code § 46.2-1052

Many drivers invest in their vehicle's appearance and comfort, only to discover later that their window tint is darker than what Virginia law allows. Even factory tint can sometimes exceed the legal limit when combined with aftermarket film.

Under VA Code § 46.2-1052, Virginia strictly regulates the level of light that must pass through your front side windows, rear windows, and windshield. If your tint is too dark, you can be pulled over and cited, and that stop can lead to further legal trouble if an officer suspects DUI or traffic offense.

A tint violation may seem minor, but it adds zero tolerance to your driving record, can result in fines and required inspection, and often becomes the pretext for broader stops, especially at night or in high-traffic areas.

At Battlefield Law Group, we look at more than just the tint — we look at why you were pulled over, how the stop was handled, and whether your rights were violated in the process. If your case involves DUI or reckless driving, your defense starts with challenging the justification for the stop.

Virginia regulates window tint based on Visible Light Transmission (VLT). The percentage of light that must pass through the window and tint film combined.

Passenger Vehicles:

  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed only above the AS-1 line (or first 5 inches if there's no AS-1 line).

  • Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 50% of light through.

  • Rear Side Windows: Must allow at least 35% of light through.

  • Rear Window: Must allow at least 35% of light through.

Multi-Purpose Vehicles (SUVs, vans, trucks):

  • Windshield: Same rule as passenger vehicles — tint only above the AS-1 line.

  • Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 50% of light through.

  • Rear Side Windows & Rear Window: No minimum VLT requirement, so darker tints are allowed.

Reflectivity Restrictions:

  • Tint must not be more than 20% reflective on any window.

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Window Tint Violation? Let Battlefield Law Group Handle It — Fast, Professional Defense.

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Nuestros abogados litigantes conocen la ley de Virginia y entienden lo duros que pueden ser los fiscales. Nos aseguramos de que su voz sea escuchada, sus derechos sean protegidos, y su futuro sea defendido. Con estrategias de defensa agresivas adaptadas a su caso, nuestra misión es simple: luchar por el mejor resultado posible para usted.

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 Battlefield Law Group - Defensa Penal y de DUI de Confianza en el Norte de Virginia

Situado en Old Town Manassas, Virginia, Battlefield Law Group es una firma de defensa de confianza que sirve con orgullo a clientes en todo el norte de Virginia. Con un compromiso de atención personalizada y representación calificada, nuestros abogados experimentados practican en una amplia gama de áreas, incluyendo: defensa criminal, DUI/DWI, multas de tráfico, conducción temeraria, órdenes de proteccióny mucho más... Tenemos el honor de ayudar a las personas y familias en los siguientes condados: Prince William, FairfaxFairfax, Loudoun, Fauquier, y Stafford. Si usted está navegando un asunto legal complejo o en busca de orientación a través de un momento difícil, Battlefield Law Group está aquí para proporcionar una fuerte defensa y apoyo compasivo en cada paso del camino.