What to Keep in Your Glovebox for a Washington Tint Stop

If you use medical window tint on your vehicle in Washington, you have more to keep in your glovebox than just your registration and insurance. Washington State Patrol and local law enforcement are strict about window tint laws. If you have tint that is darker than the standard legal limits, you need to be ready to show your medical exemption paperwork on the spot. If you are not prepared, you could be facing an easy $136 ticket for illegal tint, even if you qualify for an exemption.

Washington Tint Laws at a Glance

Washington tint laws are straightforward. For most drivers, the limits are:

• Front side windows: 24% visible light transmission (VLT) minimum
• Back side windows: 24% VLT minimum
• Rear window: Any darkness allowed
• Windshield: Non-reflective tint only, above the AS-1 line or top 6 inches

If your tint is darker than these limits and you do not have a medical exemption, you risk being cited. For details on which medical conditions can qualify you, see all qualifying conditions.

What Paperwork Must You Carry?

Washington law requires you to keep your medical window tint exemption documentation in your vehicle at all times. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you must present this paperwork on request. The exemption document must be signed by a licensed physician and should clearly state your medical need for darker tint, as well as the recommended duration of the exemption. If you do not have this paperwork on hand, your tint is considered illegal and you can be fined.

Drivers who got their exemption through a telemedicine consultation, like the one offered here, receive official, state-accepted documents to print and keep in the glovebox. If your medical need is for a condition like photophobia or lupus, make sure your paperwork mentions the diagnosis, since officers may ask.

How a Medical Window Tint Exemption Works in Washington

Washington permits qualified drivers to receive a medical exemption for window tint darker than the usual legal limits. The exemption is not open-ended. It lasts for the period recommended by your physician, so pay attention to the expiration date on your paperwork and renew if needed. Applying is straightforward through a telemedicine provider. The process includes:

1. Booking a consultation (the fee is $225, one-time, which covers your physician evaluation and documentation)
2. Remote evaluation with a licensed Washington physician
3. If approved, receiving signed exemption paperwork to print and keep in your vehicle

If you do not qualify, your fee is refunded. To see if you qualify, book your exemption online and connect with a doctor from home.

What to Keep in Your Glovebox for a Tint Stop

Don’t just toss your tint exemption paper in the center console. Law enforcement expects you to present it quickly, like insurance or registration. Here’s what you should always have ready:

• Your signed medical tint exemption document (make a couple of copies, just in case)
• Your vehicle registration
• Your driver’s license
• Your insurance card
• A copy of the current Washington tint laws for reference (optional, but helpful if a new officer is unsure)

Any delay in producing your exemption document could result in a ticket. Some officers will let you show a digital copy, but it’s safer to have a physical printout. This is especially true if your exemption is for a less common condition like erythropoietic protoporphyria or xeroderma pigmentosum.

What Happens During a Tint Stop?

During a traffic stop, officers often check window tint with a handheld meter. If your tint is darker than the standard 24% VLT limit, they will ask for your exemption paperwork. You must show your exemption and proof it matches the vehicle you are driving. Officers do not have to accept verbal explanations or a doctor’s note that is not in the required format. Only official exemption documents, signed by a licensed physician, are valid.

If your paperwork is up to date and in order, you should be allowed to continue without a fine. If your exemption has expired or you cannot provide it, you will likely receive a $136 ticket per violation. That means multiple windows could mean multiple fines.

How to Renew or Update Your Exemption

Medical needs can change. Washington’s exemption lasts only as long as your physician recommends. If your exemption is expiring or you need to update your condition, you must book a new evaluation. The renewal process is the same as your initial application. You can book a new exemption consultation easily online, even if your last exemption came from another provider.

If your diagnosis has changed (for instance, if you now have macular degeneration in addition to your original condition), make sure your new paperwork lists all relevant diagnoses. This keeps your exemption valid and lowers your risk of problems at a stop.

Common Questions About Medical Tint Exemptions

Many Washington drivers have questions about how the exemption process works, what conditions qualify, and what to do if stopped. If you want to learn more about tint and health, browse our blog or check our frequently asked questions page. For a full list of conditions that may qualify, see all qualifying conditions. Some of the most common medical reasons for a tint exemption include migraines, photophobia, and lupus.

Tips for Staying Legal and Prepared

• Always keep your exemption paperwork with you, not just at home.
• Renew your exemption before it expires. Do not wait until the last minute.
• If you change vehicles, make sure your exemption covers the new car.
• Double check your tint shop understands your medical exemption and the specific VLT you are allowed.
• If you have questions about conditions or the process, check our frequently asked questions or the About Washington Tint Exemption page.

Staying organized and prepared is the best way to avoid an unnecessary ticket and keep your medical tint legal in Washington. With the right documents in your glovebox, you can drive confidently and focus on your health and safety.