As you’re driving down a Texas highway, you coincidentally spot a police car pulling over a vehicle with tinted windows. You can’t help but wonder if the driver is about to receive a ticket for violating the state’s window tinting laws.
But what exactly are these laws, and how can you certify your own vehicle is compliant? The rules in Texas are specific, and understanding them is vital to avoiding fines and penalties. As you navigate the Lone Star State‘s roads, it’s essential to know what’s allowed and what’s not in regards to window tinting.
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Window Tinting Standards
When it pertains to window tinting in Texas, understanding the standards is crucial to avoid any legal issues.
You need to certify that your vehicle’s window tint meets the required light transmittance value and luminous reflectance.
For the front windshield, the combination of the device and original glass must have a light transmittance value of 25% or more and a luminous reflectance value of 25% or less.
The same applies to the side windows to the right and left of the driver.
If you have a medical condition, you can obtain a medical exemption with a signed medical exemption statement from a licensed physician or optometrist, allowing you to install a VLT tint with a lower light transmittance value.
Automotive Window Tint Simulator
Move the slider above to see how dark the tint will look. Usually, the actual tint will appear with 0-5% variation than what you see here.
Texas Tint Laws Overview
You’ve got a solid understanding of the window tinting standards in Texas, now let’s take a closer look at the overall tint laws in the state.
The Texas tint laws are enforced by the Department of Public Safety and provide guidelines for vehicle owners to guarantee their windows meet specific requirements.
The key aspects of the Texas tint laws are:
- The minimum visible light transmission (VLT) for window tints varies depending on the type of vehicle and window.
- Certain exemptions apply for medical conditions, such as photosensitivity, which require a doctor’s note.
- Tint laws apply to all windows, except the windshield, which has its own set of rules.
- The law prohibits the use of tint that’s reflective or metallic.
- Failure to comply with the Texas tint laws can result in fines and penalties.
Windshield and Front Side Windows
Since the windshield is a critical area of your vehicle, the Texas tint laws have specific regulations in place to guarantee your safety on the road.
In terms of Window Tinting on your windshield, sunscreening devices can be applied above the AS-1 line or five inches below the top of the windshield if no AS-1 line exists.
These devices mustn’t be red, amber, or blue in color. The combination of the device and original glass must have a light transmittance value of 25% or more, and a luminous reflectance value of 25% or less.
Additionally, clear UV film is allowed anywhere on the front windshield without a medical exemption.
Rear and Side Window Regulations
Moving on to the rear and side windows, Texas window tinting laws have specific guidelines to guarantee driver and passenger safety.
As you consider tinting your vehicle’s rear and side windows, it’s essential to understand the rules.
- The Texas Department of Public Safety permits a VLT (Visible Light Transmission) tint of 25% or more on rear windows.
- Side windows are restricted to a VLT tint of 25% or more, but only if the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides.
- Sunscreening devices with a light transmission of 35% or more are allowed on rear and side windows.
- There are no restrictions on windows behind the driver, but they mustn’t obstruct your view.
Medical Exemptions and Exceptions
In accordance with Texas window tinting laws, certain medical conditions can warrant darker window tints, but only with a valid medical exemption.
If you have a medical condition that requires extra protection from sunlight, such as melanoma, lupus, or photosensitivity, you may be eligible for a medical exemption.
To obtain one, you’ll need a signed medical exemption statement from a licensed physician or licensed optometrist, stating that the window tint is necessary to safeguard your health.
This statement will serve as proof of your medical exemption and must be presented during your vehicle’s annual inspection.
With a valid exemption, you can install darker window tints on your windshield and side windows, but not on windows below the AS-1 line.
Window Tint Darkness and Reflection
When getting your windows tinted in Texas, you’ll need to weigh the darkness and reflection of the tint.
You should know that the state has specific limits on the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage, which affects how dark your windows can be.
Additionally, there are rules governing the amount of reflection allowed on your windows, so you’ll want to ponder your tint meets these requirements.
VLT Percentage Limits
Your vehicle’s window tint darkness and reflection are crucial elements to ponder when driving in Texas.
The VLT percentage limits in Texas are designed to guarantee safe driving conditions by allowing sufficient visible light transmission while reducing glare and heat.
Sedans, SUVs, and vans must have a windshield tint with a VLT of 25% or more above the AS-1 line or top 5 inches, with a reflection value of less than 25%.
Front side windows must have a VLT of 25% or more, with a reflection value of less than 25%.
Back side windows have no VLT restrictions.
Rear windows can have any darkness of tint if the vehicle has dual side mirrors, but must have a VLT of 25% or more if no side mirrors are present.
The Texas window tint law permits a certain window reflection when using a tint, with a limit of 25% reflection for sedans, SUVs, and vans.
Window Reflection Rules
Typically, window tint reflection is a critical aspect of the Texas window tint law, as it affects the overall safety and visibility of your vehicle. In regards to window tint reflection, there are specific rules you must follow to guarantee you’re compliant with the law.
| Window Type | Tint Reflection Limit |
|---|---|
| Windshield | Must not be more than 25% reflective |
| Front side windows | Must not be more than 25% reflective |
| Back side windows | No restrictions |
| Rear window | No restrictions |
Violations and Penalties
If you’re caught with illegally tinted windows in Texas, you can face fines of up to $1,000.
You’ll want to guarantee your windows comply with state laws, as you and the installer can both be penalized for non-compliance.
Removing the tint can help reduce the fine, but it’s still important to understand the consequences of a tint violation.
Fines and Penalties
While driving in Texas, you must comply with the state’s window tint laws to avoid facing fines and penalties.
Failure to do so can result in serious consequences.
- Courts can levy fines of up to $1,000 for tinting violations
- The fine for a window tint ticket varies by county and past offenses, ranging from $20 to $275 or more
- Removing the tint can reduce the fine for a window tint ticket
- Drivers and film installers can face penalties for non-compliance with Texas window tint laws
- Sellers aren’t liable for fines incurred by buyers with illegally tinted windows
Tint Violation Consequences
When you’re pulled over for a window tint violation in Texas, you’ll face consequences that can be costly and time-consuming.
You can be cited and fined up to $1,000, depending on the county and your past offenses. However, if you remove the tint, you may be able to reduce the fine.
If you have a medical exemption, you’re exempt from fines and penalties related to window tinting laws.
Failure to comply with window tint laws can result in citation, fine, and even impoundment of your vehicle.
Law enforcement takes window tint violations seriously, so it’s essential to certify your window tint meets Texas’ regulations to avoid these penalties.
Non-compliance can lead to severe consequences, so make certain you’re aware of the laws and follow them.
