A Quick Guide to Texas Window Tint Laws
Window tinting is a popular aftermarket accessory that many Texans choose to install in order to control the amount of light that enters through their vehicle’s windows and reduces the harsh glare of the sun. Most window tints are manufactured from dyed film, metalized film or ceramic tint. While tinted window has many benefits, the state of Texas regulates the level of tint that can legally be used on any motor vehicle that is driven on public roads. The amount of tinting that is permissible in the state of Texas can vary. This factor is usually determined by the location of the window within the vehicle. For example, the state allows for 25 percent tint for the windshield , with the only exception being for the far left and right sides toward the front. The legal tint limit for these windows is 25 percent. All of the other side windows can have 10 percent tint or darker. The state also allows for 5 percent tint on the rear windows of vans and SUVs. The windshield and the windows in the front row are not allowed to have any type of reflective tint. The tint on all other windows can be no more than 25 percent reflective. This is similar to the windshield tinting law, which states that the only reflection that is allowed is at the top of the windshield. Illegal tinting can receive a citation that leads to fines or other penalties.
Permissible Tint Levels in Texas
The percentage of visible light allowed in a window is given as a nominal percentage. For example, a normal clear glass allows about 90% of the light to pass through it. So, a film specified as "dark" may actually block from 5% to 25% of the light. The percentages given for "legal" window tinting refer to the amount of light that must be allowed to pass through YOUR tint.
Texas law specifies the following legal tint percentages for standard passenger vehicles:
Windshield – Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 5 inches of the windshield. The non-reflective tint over the top 5 inches must have a VLT of 25% or more. The entire windshield must have a VLT of 25% or more
Front Side Windows – Must allow more than 25% of light in.
Back Side Windows – Must allow more than 25% of light in.
Rear Window – Must allow more than 10% of light in.
If the car has side mirror(s) with a view to the rear of the vehicle that provides a view of the road behind the vehicle the tinting on the rear window may be any darkness.
Texas law specifies the following legal tint percentages for SUVs, vans and trucks: Windshield – Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 5 inches of the windshield. The non-reflective tint over the top 5 inches must have a VLT of 25% or more. The entire windshield must have a VLT of 25% or more
Front Side Windows – Must allow more than 25% of light in.
Back Side Windows – Must allow more than 10% of light in.
Rear Window – Must allow more than 10% of light in.
Exemptions and Exceptions
In certain cases, there are exceptions to the window tinting rules mandated by Texas law. Upon application to the Department of Public Safety (DPS), individuals who have rating of 10% or lower on the Visual Acuity Test and who are seeking to have the VLT of their front windshield increased may have the percentage increased by no more than five percent. The DPS has a separate application form for legal exemptions from VLT percentages on the windows of a vehicle. The DPS may issue a sticker exempting an individual from the window tint requirements. If approved, the sticker must be affixed to the windshield in the lower left corner. A matching decal must be affixed to the rear side window of each vehicle to which the tint exemption sticker is attached to allow for a citation to be issued for infractions of any law regulating tint on vehicle windows. It should be noted that this exemption for having a lower VLT percentage is only applicable to those individuals who are in the vehicle at all times and who are themselves the only person prevented from seeing through any and all vehicle windows. A number of special conditions may allow for exemptions from the window tint laws. Medical exemptions for darker rear and side window tinting may be granted upon receipt of a signed Medical Exemption Statement from a physician licensed to practice in the United States not to exceed three years. The Medical Exemption Statement must state that the person to whom it is issued is required to have the exemption because the person must be shielded from visible light, the person is photosensitive for medical reasons, and the need for an exemption is continuous and not temporary as a result of recovery from illness or other accident. Texas law now prohibits window tinting on the rear window of a passenger bus to ensure proper vision and awareness of pedestrians. In addition, a motorcycle may not have colored tint on the windshield. Finally, tinted roof-glazing is prohibited on trucks for the same safety reasons.
Penalties for Illegal Tint
Not only can you be stopped and ticketed for illegal tinting, but you can also be forced to remove the tint from your vehicle. If you want to avoid the trouble of explaining to the police why you couldn’t install legal window tint, follow the letter of Texas law, and you shouldn’t have to worry about being stopped at all. Although the penalty for having window tint that doesn’t meet the regulations is a mere $25, the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re 100% legal is well worth the price of admission.
Effective March 1, 2007, commercial vehicles inspecting for Window Tint Guidelines were able to use a light meter. If the meter revealed an issue with the tint, then a window tint sticker was also used to verify the level of tint. If the tint failed these tests, a violation was written up. Now , as of September 1, 2017, a convience book is now in use for these inspections. Failure will also warrant a violation being written. It is up to the officer that pulls you over to determine if the tint is illegal and give you a ticket or warning.
However, if you install much darker tint than the Texas law permits, you may have to pay to have that tint removed. Depending on your car’s make, you will likely also have to have the window glass replaced entirely. In some cases, you might even be required to pay for an officer to witness the removal of the tint from your windows.
It’s in your best interest to choose a reputable window tint installer. Professional companies are more likely to understand their legal responsibilities, making them less likely to lead you astray by installing illegal tint on your vehicle.
What You Should Know About Legal Tint
Choose a reputable installer: When selecting a window tinting service provider, it’s important to ensure they are experienced, knowledgeable, and familiar with the state’s laws regarding window tinting. This will help avoid any compliance issues and potential penalties in the future.
Request recommendations: When searching for a reliable window tinting company, seek recommendations from friends, family, or online reviews. A company with positive word-of-mouth will be more likely to provide quality products and services.
Ask about available products: Different types of window tinting products are available, each with varying levels of darkness and features. Ask the tinting company about the pros and cons of each product to find the one that best suits your needs.
Conduct a tint test: After the installation, conduct a simple test to determine whether the tint meets the required level of darkness under the Texas laws. This can be done by placing a DOT sticker on your window, which will help you measure the tint’s darkness. If the tint exceeds the legal limit, contact the company for a re-tinting or refund.
Keep up with maintenance: Regularly clean the tinted windows to maintain a clear view and avoid scratches. The type of cleaning product used should not contain ammonia, as this can damage the tint.
Remember, these tips will help you meet the legal requirements and also add value and protection to your vehicle.
Common Questions
There are a few key issues that come up relatively frequently with respect to tinting laws in Texas, particularly as they relate to vehicles. Covered here are a few things to specifically keep in mind as you’re considering getting window tinting for your vehicle.
A: Yes, as long as the window tinting in question meets all relevant requirements in Texas law. Basically, if the tinting you want to have on your vehicle properly adheres to the regulations and restrictions, you can have it on your vehicle legally.
A: Unsurprisingly, since many people like the look of darker tinting, this is a common question that comes up when it comes to window tinting laws. The fact is that the darkest tint you can legally get in Texas is 5 percent visibility, which is otherwise known as "limo tint" due to its popularity among limousine owners. Even at that tint level , however, there are still restrictions on where you can place it. It is illegal in Texas to have 5 percent tint on your windshield. It may be placed above the AS-1 line of your windshield, or a strip about 5 inches down from the top. This means that even on your front windows, there is still some allowance for visibility, plus limitations on placement.
A: All window tinting must be listed on your vehicle registration. If you have not yet registered your vehicle, let the person who does the registering know that you intend to have window tinting, as they will need to know the specific type placed on the windows. The person who did the window tinting at the shop is required to know whether they can legally place it on your vehicle, due to requirements of visibility. However, the choice to have legal tint placed on your vehicle is up to you.
