For most vehicle owners in Texas, window tinting is quite fashionable and offers additional benefits, such as protection against ultraviolet sunlight and privacy enhancement. However, Texas does not allow just any level of darkness or reflectiveness for window tints. There are restrictions here depending on the vehicle, the window section and some medical conditions.
This guide will cover everything you need to know sordid of Texas tint laws for 2023 onwards, which will include among other things the legal tint percentages, legal limits on windows of different kinds, and consequences of the law, among other practical aspects. We will also address questions that are raised over and over so as to make sure that all the state’s regulations are well understood.
What Are Texas Tint Laws?
There is a law in Texas concerning the opacity and or reflection of the windows of your vehicle. These laws help the motorists operating the vehicles on the highway and also allow the police to be able to look through the automotive when it is necessary.
One of the laws specifies the VLT levels that are allowed. This is the amount of light that gets through to the interior of a vehicle through a window. A lower VLT requires darker films while a higher VLT means that the film does not need to be strong.
Legal Tint Percentages in Texas
Tint Percentages within the Law in Texas There are regulations on the percentage of darkness on a certain window on a vehicle in Texas. Below is a breakdown of the laws for various windows.
Front Windshield
Tint Limit: The only place where tinting is allowed on the front windshield is above the AS-1 line or the manufacturers ambric line which is located above the windshield.
Tint Darkness: The upper shaded area of the windshield AS-1, which is covered in tint, should allow more than 25% of light to pass through.
Front Side Windows
Tint Limit: The amount of tint on the front side windows should not be less than 25% of the total light blocked.
Reflectivity: The tint can be reflective. However, the reflective degree of the tint shall be less than 25%.
Back Side Windows
Tint Limit: Back side windows for SUV, van and trucks do not have laws governing the darkness of paint that can be applied.
Reflectivity: As for the front side windows, the tint can be reflective but less than 25% of the reflected.
Rear Window
Tint Limit: There are no limitations on how deep colored paints can be applied to rear windows ‘attributes unlike back side windows, however dual side mirrors are required if the back window is tinted.
Texas Tint Laws for Different Vehicles
The laws regarding window tinting in Texas is somewhat prominently applicable across some vehicle types.
Passenger Cars
Front Windshield: The AS-1 line must have a tint at the top and let in at least 25% light.
Front Side Windows: A limit of beer rules is applied with respect to the minimum level vlt for these windows being at least 25%h3.
Back Side Windows: No restrictions.
Rear Window: No restrictions if dual side mirrors are present.
Trucks, SUVs and Vans
Front Windshield: The same set of rules applies to a passenger vehicle tint as regards the AS-1 line (above about sanctioned AS-1 line.
Front Side Windows: A limit of beer rules is applied with respect to the minimum level vlt for these windows being Sacombe VUSE 25%-.
Back Side Windows and Window Rear: No VLT restrictions but no limitations concerning reflective are in place
Commercial Vehicles
Commercial vehicles usually take a rather strict compliance of rules though the compliance is based on the use of the vehicle, there are VLT laws similar to those with passenger automobiles.
Texas Tint Laws 2023 and 2024 Updates
Tinting Texas’s prominent laws does not appear to be with all of the recent developments by the year 2023. Quite a bit of effort has been made to market the rules to enhance compliance with them. Principles like a legislated allowance of 25% VLT on front side windows and prohibiting windshield film application within the AS-1 line elements remain relevant. Now, in relation to Texas tint regulations for the year 2024, nothing new and dramatic has been offered, however, we want to remind you that it always makes sense to look for news of changing regulations from time to time.
Medical Exemptions for Window Tint in Texas
A few other people call for medical windows exemption from the state’s window tint laws. These exemptions are available for people with certain medical conditions that need extra UV protection.
Qualifying Conditions
Medical exemptions are especially related to some health conditions such as:
- Lupus
- Albinism
- Photosensitivity disorders
How to Apply for an Exemption
For one to request a medical exemption please note the following:
- Obtain a statement that has been signed by any licensed medical expert, indicating the nature of the disease that one is suffering from.
- Follow this statement and make sure that it has been sent to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for permission and subsequent validation.
After receiving the approval, such an anti-glare film structure may be installed on the car more thoroughly than it is legally permissible.
Texas Tint Laws and Regulations
In Texas, there is more to tinting your windows than aesthetics. You must also muster to the rules of the state regarding the amount of tint on a car. Such rules are however adhered to as law enforcers actively patrolling for infringements of the laws.
Here is an enforcement breakdown:
Inspections: Like most Texas vehicles, there are periodic safety inspections for Texas vehicles. For these inspections, the window tint of a vehicle is checked to ensure its adherence to the law.
Penalties: Many vehicles carry tinted outsides and this practice is as popular as most safety measures, however, if the tint is found to breach Texas law then you can get a lot of money wrapped up in fines and you may have to strip the unlawful tint. For the first offense punitive damages may be imposed which may vary from 20$ to 275$.
Exemptions: Because the nature of police work requires them to go out to the public with tools of their trade, some window tint restrictions imposed on them may not be applicable to their work cars.
Do police officers in Texas have tinted windows in their law enforcement vehicles?
It may be true that windows of police vehicles assigned for law shooting duties may have tinted windows only used in the officer’s quarters, however, police say ordinary/squad vehicles used by officers shall still have the same tinting laws as the general public. In reality, law enforcement officials tend to have a greater leeway for the use of official accommodation than is usually acceptable in normal circumstances.
Conclusion
No matter if you live in Texas or you are merely a visitor passing by, it pays to become familiar with the window tint regulations as a way of saving yourself from unnecessary fines. Texas window tinting regulations are designed to restrict the degree of tinting to an acceptable limit that permits free movement amongst the vehicles on the roads. With the tips provided in this article, you can contemplate tinging your car windows and at the same time observe the law. It is also advisable that you constantly look out for such changes in the future particularly in the year 2024 as it will also offer more adaptations for your vehicle.
Texas Tint Laws – FAQs
What is the legal tint percentage for front windows in Texas?
The legal limit for front-side windows in Texas is 25% VLT, meaning the tinting must be such that, at least 25% of light passes through.
Can I tint my front windshield in Texas?
Yes, on the condition that the AS-1 line is not crossed. Also, the tinted area should have a visible light transmission more than 75%.
Are there any medical prescriptions for window tints in Texas?
Yes, there are some medically qualified persons who can seek an exclusion from the normal tinting laws pertaining to particularly light tints or even no tints at all.
What if it is found out that my car’s tint is too dark?
If your tint is found to breach any of the Texas state laws, some few things might happen, which include facing fines and having to strip off or alter the tinting to meet the required legal standards.
Are there other laws for tints on commercial vehicles in Texas?
Generally, commercial vehicles observe almost the same conditions on the day’s vehicles’ window tinting, however, they may have other stipulations depending on their use.
Can I tint my rear windows as dark as I want?
For the rear windows and back side windows, it is no crime in Texas to make the tint as dark as you wish. However, if your rear windshield is tinted, both side mirrors must be in working order.
Is it legal to use any kind of reflective tints in Texas?
Yes, it is allowed but where there is tinting on the front and rear windows, the reflective tints must not exceed 25 percent.
Do window tint laws vary by city in Texas?
It is a no also there– are differences in the laws of Texas regarding tints. They are the same no matter where or in what city, Houston, Dallas, or whichever you are in.
What is the AS-1 line on my windshield?
The AS-1 line is locally referred to as the blanket line as well as browsing within the windshield base. This is what the tint is to cover in Texas and only that area below the line.
Can I tint my taillights or headlights in Texas?
Covering a car’s headlights or taillights and any other massive or wide lights with a tint, however, is a no-no under Texas law due to such forms likely causing obscured vision.