Understanding Texas Tint Laws and How to Stay Compliant
If you’re a Texas driver looking to tint your car windows, you need to follow Texas tint laws to avoid fines and ensure safety on the road. The key takeaway? Texas law allows window tinting but with specific restrictions on darkness levels, reflection, and which windows you can tint. To comply with Texas tint laws, make sure your front side windows allow at least 25% of light through and avoid red, blue, or amber tints. Read on to understand the full legal requirements and exemptions.
Texas Window Tint Laws Explained
1. Legal Tint Limits for Different Windows
Texas has different Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentages for various windows. The lower the VLT, the darker the tint. Here’s what’s legal:
Front Windshield: Tinting is only allowed on the top five inches or above the AS-1 line, and it must have a VLT of at least 25%.
Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 25% VLT.
Rear Side Windows: No restrictions for passenger vehicles. However, SUVs and vans can have any darkness level.
Rear Window: No restrictions if the vehicle has dual side mirrors.
2. Reflection and Tint Colors
Reflectivity: Front and back side windows cannot be more than 25% reflective.
Banned Colors: Texas law prohibits red, blue, and amber tints.
3. Medical Exemptions for Window Tint
If you have a medical condition that requires extra protection from the sun, you can apply for a medical exemption. Texas issues window tint exemption certificates for qualifying conditions like lupus, albinism, or extreme photosensitivity.
4. Texas Tint Laws for Commercial and Multi-Passenger Vehicles
Commercial vehicles and limousines have different regulations. For instance, buses and limousines can have darker tint levels than standard passenger vehicles.
Penalties for Violating Texas Tint Laws
If your tint is too dark or reflective, you risk getting a fine of up to $200 per offense. Additionally, during annual vehicle inspections, non-compliant tinting can lead to inspection failure, preventing you from legally driving your vehicle until the tint is corrected.
How to Ensure Your Window Tint is Legal
Use a professional installer: Certified tint shops know Texas laws and can ensure compliance.
Test your tint with a VLT meter: Some auto shops and law enforcement agencies can measure your tint’s VLT.
Get a tint certificate: If you’re getting medical exemption tinting, keep the certificate in your car to show officers if needed.
Conclusion
Following Texas tint laws ensures you stay within legal limits while enjoying the benefits of tinted windows. Always make sure your front side windows have at least 25% VLT, avoid red, blue, and amber tints, and check your vehicle’s compliance regularly. If you have a medical condition requiring darker tints, apply for an exemption to avoid fines. By staying informed, you can avoid penalties and drive with confidence on Texas roads.
