Texas Tint Laws: Understanding All the Regulations
Discover the legal window tint in Tint Laws in Texas
If you are a car owner in Texas considering window tinting, it’s crucial to be well-informed about the state’s tint laws.
Familiarizing yourself with the permissible Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentages for various window types, side mirror requirements, and medical exemptions will empower you to make informed choices.
In this blog, we will provide all the possible tint laws in Texas, ensuring all your queries are addressed.
What Does VLT Mean According to Texas Law?
The amount of light that can pass through window glass is known as Visible Light Transmission (VLT). It is measured as a percentage, where higher percentages indicate more light transmission. In Texas, the VLT requirements differ based on the type of vehicle.
So, What is The Legal Tint in Texas?
The enforcement of legal tint regulations in Texas falls under the jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The DPS is responsible for overseeing vehicle regulations, including window tinting laws, in the state of Texas.
Let’s have a dive at the specific tint regulations that are applicable to vehicles in Texas.
Tint Laws for Passenger Car and Station Wagons in Texas
The tint laws for passenger cars and station wagons in Texas are as follows:
- Front Side Windows: The maximum allowed tint darkness for the front side windows is 25% VLT. This means that the window tint must allow at least 25% of visible light to pass through while blocking no more than 75% of the light.
- Back Side Windows: There are no specific Visible Light Transmission restrictions for the back side windows of passenger cars and station wagons. You have the freedom to choose any darkness of tint for these windows.
- Rear Window: Similar to the back side windows, there are no VLT restrictions for the rear window of passenger cars and station wagons. You can apply any darkness or tint to the rear window.
Windshield: Only non-reflective tint is allowed along the top 5 inches of the windshield. This means you can have a tint strip at the top of the windshield, but the rest of the windshield must remain clear and un-tinted.
Tint Laws for Multi-Purpose Passenger and Recreational Vehicles in Texas
Exploring the tint laws specifically applicable to Multi-Purpose Passenger Vehicles and Recreational Vehicles (RVs) in Texas:
- Front Side Windows: The front side windows of Multi-Purpose Passenger and Recreational Vehicles must have maximum tint darkness of 25% Visible Light Transmission (VLT). This means that the tint must allow at least 25% of visible light to pass through while blocking no more than 75% of the light.
- Back Side Windows: There are no specific restrictions on Visible Light Transmission (VLT) for the back side windows of Multi-Purpose Passenger and Recreational Vehicles. You have the freedom to choose any darkness of tint for these windows.
- Rear Window: Similarly, there are no VLT restrictions for the rear window of Multi-Purpose Passenger and Recreational Vehicles. You can apply any darkness of tint to the rear window.
Windshield: For Multi-Purpose Passenger and Recreational Vehicles, only non-reflective tint is allowed along the top 5 inches of the windshield. The rest of the windshield must remain clear and un-tinted.
Window Tint Reflection in Texas Window Tint Law 2023
In Texas, there are specific guidelines on the level of reflectivity allowed for window tint on sedans, SUVs, and vans.
Tint Reflection for Sedans
- The front side windows must not be more than 25% reflective. This means that only 25% of incoming light can be reflected back from the window. The other 75% of light should be able to pass through the window.
- The back side windows must also not be more than 25% reflective. This applies to the windows on the sides at the back of the vehicle. Again, only a maximum of 25% of incoming light can be reflected, while the rest should be able to pass through the window.
Tint Reflection for SUV and Vans
- The regulations are the same as those for sedans. The front side windows must not exceed 25% reflectivity, and the back side windows must also not exceed 25% reflectivity.
Window Tint Reflection in Texas
Texas State has specific regulations concerning window tint reflection. Here are the laws you need to follow:
- Front Windshield: In Texas, you are allowed to apply window tint along the top 5 inches of the front windshield. However, the tint applied in this area must be non-reflective, and it cannot have a mirrored or metallic appearance. This tinted strip along the top is often referred to as the “sun visor” or “eyebrow” and is intended to reduce glare from the sun.
- Front Side Windows: Window tinting is permitted on the front side windows, which are the windows to the left and right of the driver and front passenger.
However, the tint must allow more than 25% of light to pass through. In other words, the tint darkness on the front side windows should not be darker than 25%, meaning that at least 75% of light must be able to penetrate the glass.
- Rear Side Windows: Texas does not have specific restrictions on tint darkness for the rear side windows, which are the windows behind the driver and front passenger. As a result, you are generally allowed to apply any level of tint darkness to these windows
- Rear Window: Tinting is allowed on the rear window, which is the large window at the back of the vehicle.
Similar to the front side windows, the tint on the rear window must also allow more than 25% of light to pass through. This means that at least 75% of light must be able to penetrate the rear window’s tint.
Other Window Tint Laws and Regulations of Texas You Need to Know
Before proceeding with window tinting in Texas, it is crucial to consider several other important factors.
- Side Mirrors: If a vehicle’s rear window is tinted, Texas law mandates the installation of dual side mirrors. This requirement ensures that drivers maintain sufficient visibility of their surroundings despite the reduced clarity caused by tinted windows.
- Restricted Colors: Texas tint laws explicitly prohibit the use of certain colors for window tinting on windshields. Tint colors such as red, blue, and amber are not allowed on the front windshield. These colors can obstruct the driver’s vision and may be associated with emergency vehicles, posing potential hazards on the road.
Certificates: Window film manufacturers are obligated to certify the tint film they sell in Texas. This certification process ensures that the tint film meets specific quality and safety standards set by the state.
When getting your vehicle’s windows tinted, it is essential to confirm with your dealer or installer that they are using certified window tint films.
Stickers: Texas requires a designated sticker to be placed between the window tint film and the glass on the driver’s side window. This sticker serves as an identifier of legal tinting and indicates compliance with the state’s regulations.
Law enforcement officers use this sticker to determine if the window tint adheres to the permissible limits.
Medical Exceptions: Texas allows for medical exemptions to window tinting laws. Individuals with specific medical conditions that necessitate special window tints for health reasons may apply for an exemption.
To qualify, individuals must provide appropriate documentation from a licensed physician or optometrist explaining the medical necessity for the tint. Such exemptions may permit darker tint levels than what is typically allowed under standard tint laws.
Texas Tint Laws- FAQ’s
Is 5% tint legal in Texas?
In Texas, the use of 5% window tint, commonly known as “limo tint” or “dark tint,” is generally not permitted on front side windows and windshields.
Is 20% tint legal in Texas?
In Texas, it is generally legal to use 20% window tint on the rear side windows and the rear window of a vehicle.
Is 35% tint legal in Texas?
In Texas, you can legally use 35% window tint on the rear side windows and the rear window of a vehicle.
Is 50% tint legal in Texas?
Yes, 50% window tint is legal for use on the front side windows, rear side windows, and the rear window in Texas.
Is 75% tint legal in Texas?
You can legally use 75% window tint on all windows of your vehicle, including the front side windows, rear side windows, and the rear window.
What is the legal window tint in Texas?
In Texas, window tint regulations vary based on the specific windows and their positions on the vehicle. The state has distinct rules for front side windows, rear side windows, the rear window, and the windshield. It is essential to be aware of these differences to comply with Texas’s window tint laws properly.
What is the darkest legal tint in Texas?
The darkest legal tint in Texas varies depending on the specific windows of the vehicle.
How much is a tint ticket in Texas?
The fines for a window tint violation in Texas are not uniform and can vary based on the specific offense and the county where the violation occurred. Typically, the fine for having window tint that is darker than allowed by Texas law may fall within the range of approximately $100 to $250.
Most Important Information about Car Window Tinting
Bottom Line
To ensure you tint your car windows legally and safely in Texas, it is crucial to adhere to the tint laws in Texas. If necessary, consider using side mirrors to maintain proper visibility.
For those with medical conditions that require special window tints, be aware of the medical exemptions that may apply to your situation.
While you have the freedom to choose any tint color, always ensure it falls within the acceptable VLT limits set by the law.