Window tint laws in District of Columbia (2026)

The rules, window by window

Windshield

The front windshield must allow at least 70 percent light transmittance, except that reduced transmittance is permitted above the AS-1 line or within 5 inches from the top of the windshield.

Medical exemption

The Director may exempt a vehicle because the owner has a medical condition requiring windows that allow less light transmittance.

Enforcement

Initial violation carries a 50 dollar citation with a 5 day period to bring the vehicle into compliance; continued non-compliance can bring fines up to 1,000 dollars, and up to 5,000 dollars for a second or subsequent violation, plus possible registration suspension for failure to respond to notices.

Notes

Passenger vehicle values: front windshield and front side windows at least 70 percent light transmittance; rear side windows and rear windshield at least 50 percent. Minivans (and the statute's multipurpose class) have lower floors: 55 percent for the front windshield and front side windows and 35 percent for rear side windows and the rear windshield. The section also exempts limousines, ambulances, buses, hearses, church-owned vehicles, official government vehicles, and vehicles with factory-installed tinting that met standards at manufacture. No reflectivity limit or color ban appears in the section text reviewed. This summary is informational and is not legal advice.