Texas Window Tint Laws - Everything YouNeed to Know

The Texas window tint laws prescribes limits of darkness and reflectivity for tints on vehicle windows. These enable vehicle owners to have some leeway in customizing their rides while supporting the cause of road safety. The legislation came into place in 2009 and has seen several amendments concerning VLT, exemptions, and other such key issues ever since.

Understanding what the state precisely puts into place will help one stay free from legal issues. Herein is a detailed study on the essential provisions under Texas tint laws: allowable levels of tint darkness, the limits of reflectivity, and exceptions.
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Window Tint Darkness In Texas

Window Tint Darkness In Texas

The percentage of light allowed through your film and glass in Texas is very specific and different for sedan cars and SUV cars or vans.

Tint darkness for sedans:

  • Windshield: 25% VLT tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5 inches, with less than 25% reflection.
  • Front Side windows: Must allow more than 25% of light in.
  • Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
  • Rear Window: Any darkness can be used with side outside mirrors, 25% VLT without.

Tint darkness for SUV and vans:

  • Windshield: 25% VLT tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5 inches, with less than 25% reflection.
  • Front Side windows: Must allow more than 25% of light in.
  • Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
  • Rear Window: Any darkness can be used with side outside mirrors, 25% VLT without.

Tint Light Reflectance Law in Texas

Apart from the level of darkness, Texas tint laws also concern the reflectivity or the mirror-like character of the window tinting. Too much reflectivity could blind other drivers and obscure their visibility, which may be hazardous to drive around. The following are the regulations for window tint reflectivity in Texas:

It allows a reflective tint, provided that the reflectivity should not be more than 25%. The reflectivity level at the rear side windows was not mentioned. However, for good visibility, a minimum of reflectivity has been suggested.

Other Texas Window Tint Rules And Regulations:

Texas does have several other important laws, rules and regulations pertaining to window tinting. They include the following:

Other Texas Window Tint Rules And Regulations:

1. Side Mirrors: Vehicles with tinted back windows should have double side mirrors. In this way, the device guarantees visibility and safety while driving.

2. Used colors: Red, blue and amber tinting colors are restricted on windshields It is non-complaint with Texas tint laws, making it difficult to see through these colors.

3. Film Certification: Tint film manufacturers must certify the films they sell in Texas. Confirm your dealer is using certified tint film upon installation for your car.

4. Stickers: A sticker indicating legal tinting must be affixed between the film and glass on the driver’s side window. This sticker is proof that the tint complies with state laws.

Texas Window Tint Exceptions And Special Considerations

Exceptions And Special Considerations In Texas Tint Laws These relaxed regulations are in effect in the following situations:

Medical Exemptions: Those who have certain medical conditions that necessitate limited exposure to sunlight may qualify for a medical exemption.
Thanks to this exemption, they are now able to use the window tints with VLT lower than 25 percent for the two front side windows (but not on the windshield). "To be eligible for this exemption, the written certification of a physician or optometrist licensed under the laws of Columbia is necessary.

It must be clear that the driver has a medical condition, and the reason(s) why a darker tint than what is allowed by law is required. This document has to always stay in the vehicle for its presentation, if you want, law enforcement officer and during the annual vehicle inspection.


Commercial and Law Enforcement Vehicles: Some vehicles that are used for commercial purposes or by law enforcement agencies may have different tint requirements. They also often have a need for privacy and security, which can be achieved with darker tints.

Historical/Classic Cars: Historical and classic vehicles may be granted greater leniency in window tint to maintain the authenticity and appearance of the vehicle.
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Legal Consequences Of Non-Compliance With The Texas WindowTint Laws

Failure to follow Texas tint laws will also have their own legal consequences. Police can issue tickets and ask owners to remove or adjust illegal tint from their vehicles. Furthermore, driving a car with illegal tints will even affect the insurance policy, hence increase the rate of premiums. Therefore, adhering to these will be significant in order not to bring forth these inconveniences.

Legal Consequences Of Non-Compliance With The Texas WindowTint Laws

A police officer may ticket you if your tint is outside of the legal limit. The amount you are required to pay depends on the following:

  • How far outside the legal limit your tint was
  • How many illegal tint tickets you have received
  • Did you remove the illegal tint after being previously ticketed

You may be fined about $20 to $25 for a first offense and be requested to remove the tint. On the second ticket, if you don't comply, it may be much more expensive, including court fees that can reach about $300.

These are set to ensure safety among drivers, passengers, and the public. A too-dark tint may block out the visibility that is necessary in preventing accidents. Also, the legal tints help law enforcement officers easily find any illegal activities happening within vehicles.

The Law Of Labeling The Window Tint

The law in Texas stipulates specifics about stickers on window tints. This sticker goes in between the film and window, on the driver side window of your vehicle but not obstructing driver views. It shall be readily identifiable and shall disclose but not be limited to the VLT percent and percent of reflectivity of the tint itself. The label, which the manufacturer or installer provides, will certify that the tint meets the light transmission and reflectivity standards of Texas law. This will keep your tint within the bounds of state law and prevent any potential fines or problems when going through vehicle inspections..

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the legal tint percentage in Texas?

In Texas, front side windows must allow more than 25% light in, while back side and rear glass can be tinted to any darkness.

Q2. What types of window tint are legal in Texas?

Yes, but to a limit that gives reflectivity not greater than 25% in front and back side windows.

Q3. Does Texas have any exceptions to the window tint law?

Yes, there are exceptions on medical grounds but the relevant documentation is required.

Q4. What if my window tint is too dark in Texas?

You could be fined and/or ordered to remove or modify the tint to bring it into compliance with the law.

Q5. Do I have to put a sticker on the window tint that shows it is legal in Texas?

Yes, between the film and glass on the driver's side window there needs to be a compliance sticker.

Texas Window Tint Laws- Final Words

So you have a routine of following state law to stay safe on the road. To pay attention to the road, the driver observes and follows any allowable abuse of tint shade or reflectivity. And of course, not following these laws can result in fines and the removal or replacement of any illegal tint while ruining your insurance coverage.

Texas tint laws strike the right balance between personal and public safety on the road. On a day-to-day basis, car owners can customize their vehicles to the extent of legality provided by these laws as to not invite legal issues and ideally aid in making roadways safer for everyone.

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