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understanding window tint percentages
When choosing window tint, you'll often hear terms like 5%, 20%, 35%, or 50%. These numbers refer to Visible Light Transmission (VLT) — the amount of visible light that can pass through the window. The lower the percentage number, the darker the tint.
5%
20%
35%
50%
wv tint law
Understanding West Virginia's window tint laws is essential before choosing the right film for your vehicle. These laws regulate how dark or reflective your tint can be to ensure driver visibility and road safety. In this quick guide, we’ll cover legal tint percentages, medical exemptions, and what’s allowed for sedans, SUVs, and trucks in WV.
5% window tint
This is the darkest tint available, allowing only 5% of light through. It offers maximum privacy and significant heat and glare reduction, but it also makes it difficult to see out of at night.
Common uses: Rear windows on limousines, SUVs, or vans.
Darkest Available
20% window tint
Medium Shade
20% tint offers a dark, sleek appearance while still allowing some visibility from the inside. It’s a popular choice for rear passenger windows and back glass, offering strong UV and heat protection.
Common uses: Rear windows on limousines, SUVs, or vans.
35% window tint
WV Legal on Front 2 Doors
A balanced choice that blocks a good amount of heat and glare without being too dark. 35% is often chosen for its classy look and daytime visibility, while still reducing UV exposure.
Common uses: Front side windows of sedans, SUVs, and trucks.
50% window tint
Very Light Tint
Light tint that offers moderate heat and glare reduction without drastically changing visibility. It gives your vehicle a subtle, factory-like appearance.
Common uses: Windshields (in states that allow it), or full-vehicle matching when you want minimal darkening.
80% window tint
Virtually Clear
These nearly clear films are often used when drivers want UV and heat protection without altering the appearance of the glass. Many ceramic tints fall in this range, offering advanced IR heat rejection even with high visibility.
Common uses: Full windshield (with medical exemption), luxury vehicles, or anyone looking for maximum visibility with protection.
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