Windshield laws in Washington
Auto repair

Windshield laws in Washington

09.11.2022 /

Every time you drive on the roads of Washington, you know you must follow the rules of the road to make sure you and those around you get to your destination. Motorists are also required to ensure that their vehicles comply with safety regulations. Below are the Washington State windshield laws that drivers must follow.

windshield requirements

Washington has requirements for windshield and related devices:

  • All vehicles must have windshields when driving on the roadway.

  • Windshield wipers are required on all vehicles and must be in working order to effectively remove rain, snow and other debris from the windshield.

  • All windshields and windows throughout the vehicle must be safety glass, which is glass combined with an insulating glass layer that greatly reduces the chance of the glass breaking or shattering on impact or shattering.

Obstacles

Washington also requires drivers to be able to see the road and intersecting roads clearly by adhering to the following rules:

  • Posters, signs, and other types of opaque materials are not allowed on the windshield, side windows, or rear windows.

  • Hood visors, decals, visors, and other aftermarket items other than wipers and hood ornament may extend more than two inches in the area measured from the top of the steering wheel to the top of the hood or front fenders.

  • Stickers required by law are allowed.

Window tinting

Washington allows window tinting that meets the following rules:

  • Windshield tinting must be non-reflective and limited to the top six inches of the windshield.

  • Tinting applied to any other window must provide more than 24% light transmission through the combined film and glass.

  • Reflective tinting should not reflect more than 35%.

  • Dual exterior side mirrors are required on all vehicles with tinted rear windows.

  • Mirror and metallic shades are not allowed.

  • Black, red, gold and yellow tint is not allowed.

Cracks and chips

There is no specific guidance in Washington regarding the size and location of cracks or chips in a windshield. However, the following applies:

  • No motorist is allowed to drive a vehicle on the roadway if it is in an unsafe condition and could harm another person.

  • It is forbidden to drive on the carriageway of vehicles with equipment that is not adjusted and not in good working order.

  • These rules mean that it is up to the ticket sales officer to determine if any cracks or chips obstruct the driver's view of the roadway and crossing roadways.

Violations

Any driver who fails to comply with the above windshield laws is subject to a fine of up to $250.

If you need to inspect your windshield or your wipers aren't working properly, a certified technician like one of AvtoTachki can help you get back on the road safely and quickly so you're driving within the law.

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