VirginiaSB5062026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Vehicle equipment; clear film on windshields.

Sponsored By: Jen Kiggans - to resign 12/31 (Republican)

Became Law

Summary

Vehicle equipment; films on windshields. Authorizes the application of clear film to the windshield of a vehicle, so long as it is maintained in a condition consistent with federal requirements.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Criminal penalties for illegal tint installers

Installers and businesses that put on illegal tint face criminal charges. A first offense is a Class 3 misdemeanor. Any later offense is a Class 2 misdemeanor. This applies when films block too much light, reflect more than 20%, or create holographic or prism effects.

More rear tint for SUVs and pickups

Multipurpose passenger vehicles and pickup trucks may use darker tint on rear side and rear windows. These vehicles are not bound by the 35% light rule on those rear windows.

How police enforce tint rules

The state sets the standards for devices that measure window tint. Police must use approved equipment. A minus 7 percentage-point tolerance applies to officers’ measurements. Police may not stop a vehicle just for a tint violation. Any evidence from an illegal tint-only stop cannot be used in court, even if you consented.

Special vehicle exemptions from tint limits

Law‑enforcement vehicles are exempt from these tint rules. For EMS vehicles that carry patients, the rear and rear‑side windows are exempt. Licensed security canine handlers on private security duty are not subject to the listed tint limits while working. Sightseeing and contract passenger carriers defined in law are exempt from the specified subdivision.

Core window tint limits for drivers

The law bans most films and colored materials on windshields and windows, with limited exceptions. Rear side and rear windows must let in at least 35% of light. Front side windows must let in at least 50% of light. Film reflectance cannot be over 20%, and films cannot make holographic or prism effects. You must have side mirrors that show at least 200 feet behind to use any tint. On the windshield, only the factory sunshade area may be replaced, and clear film is allowed only if it meets the federal glazing standard (49 C.F.R. § 571.205).

Fines and fixes for illegal tint

Using illegal tint is a traffic infraction, but the state does not give demerit points. If you show proof you fixed the issue by your court date, the judge may dismiss the case. If you are convicted again within one year for driving the same vehicle with a tinted or smoked windshield, the court can order you to remove that windshield.

Sticker and mirror rules for windows

If your side mirrors show at least 200 feet behind, you may use one clear right‑angle rear‑view lens (up to 18 inches round or 11 by 14 inches) and put any stickers on rear side or rear windows. You may also drive even if your rear window view is blocked when you have those mirrors. One small rear‑window sticker is always allowed if it is 20 square inches or less and sits fully within the bottom 5 inches. Local windshield registration stickers must follow State Police size and placement rules. Tint installed before July 1, 1987 stays legal if you can show a receipt.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jen Kiggans - to resign 12/31

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 221 • No: 1

House vote 3/10/2026

Passed House Block Vote

Yes: 99 • No: 0

House vote 3/5/2026

Reported from Transportation

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote 3/4/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/4/2026

Read third time and passed Senate

Yes: 39 • No: 1

Senate vote 2/3/2026

Transportation Amendment agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/2/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/2/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/29/2026

Reported from Transportation with amendment

Yes: 13 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0894)

    4/13/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 894 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/13/2026Governor
  3. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB506)

    4/1/2026Senate
  4. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/31/2026Governor
  5. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026

    3/31/2026Senate
  6. Signed by Speaker

    3/31/2026House
  7. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB506ER)

    3/30/2026Senate
  8. Enrolled

    3/30/2026Senate
  9. Signed by President

    3/30/2026Senate
  10. Passed House Block Vote (99-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/10/2026House
  11. Read third time

    3/10/2026House
  12. Read second time

    3/9/2026House
  13. Reported from Transportation (21-Y 0-N)

    3/5/2026House
  14. Subcommittee recommends reporting (9-Y 0-N)

    3/4/2026House
  15. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB506)

    2/25/2026Senate
  16. Assigned HTRAN sub: Highway Safety and Policy

    2/20/2026House
  17. Referred to Committee on Transportation

    2/9/2026House
  18. Read first time

    2/9/2026House
  19. Placed on Calendar

    2/9/2026House
  20. Read third time and passed Senate (39-Y 1-N 0-A)

    2/4/2026Senate
  21. Transportation Amendment agreed to

    2/3/2026Senate
  22. Engrossed by Senate as amended (Voice Vote)

    2/3/2026Senate
  23. Read second time

    2/3/2026Senate
  24. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/2/2026Senate
  25. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/2/2026Senate

Bill Text

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