Window Tinting Laws in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide

Window tinting has surged in popularity over the years, not only as a design enhancement for vehicles but also for its functional benefits. It offers drivers and passengers protection from harsh UV rays, heat reduction during scorching Texas summers, and added privacy. However, these enhancements come with specific regulations to ensure safety on the road. 

Texas Window Tint Laws: An Overview

Every state in the United States, including Texas, has its own set of regulations pertaining to window tinting. In the Lone Star state, these regulations are mainly stated within the Texas Administrative Code and the Texas Transportation Code. For vehicle owners, understanding these laws ensures that your car or truck isn’t just stylish, but also street-legal.

Some key terms that are essential to grasping Texas tinting laws:

• Visible Light Transmission (VLT): This term refers to the percentage of visible light that a tinted window allows to pass through. For example, if a window tint has a VLT of 70%, it means that 70% of sunlight can penetrate through the tinted window, while 30% is blocked.
• Luminous Reflectance Value: This term measures how much light a window tint reflects. This is crucial for ensuring that tinted windows don’t blind other drivers with reflected sunlight, especially during peak daylight hours.

With these terms in mind, we’ll break down Texas’ specific regulations for different parts of a vehicle:

Windshield

The tint must be applied above the AS-1 line or, if not present, five inches below the windshield’s top. The tint color cannot be red, amber, or blue. Combined with the original glass, the tint must allow at least 25% light transmittance and have a luminous reflectance value of 25% or less. Clear UV film is permissible on the entire front windshield without requiring a medical exemption.

Front Seat Windows

​​In Texas, tinting is allowed on the driver’s side windows as long as the tint, when combined with the original glass, permits at least 25% light transmittance and has a maximum luminous reflectance value of 25%.

Back Seat Windows 

In Texas, the side windows located to the rear of the driver are not subject to tint regulations according to the Texas Transportation Code. This means you have greater flexibility in choosing the tint darkness, color, and reflectance levels for these windows, without worrying about legal compliance.

Rear Window 

In Texas, rear window tinting is unrestricted if your vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides that show a 200-foot view from the rear. Without such mirrors, the rear window tint must allow at least 25% light transmittance and have a maximum luminous reflectance of 25% when combined with the original glass.

It’s important to understand that these are the general regulations, and there are nuances based on specific situations, vehicle types, and even medical conditions. These complexities underline the importance of relying on experts like Innovative Filmwerks to guide you through the tinting process, ensuring that while your vehicle looks sleek, it’s also in full compliance with Texas law.

Exceptions and Medical Exemptions

While Texas window tint laws are clear in their general guidelines, there are specific circumstances and exceptions where a darker tint is permissible. One of the most notable of these exceptions is medical conditions. If you or a frequent passenger of your vehicle has a medical condition that necessitates a darker tint, Texas law might make exceptions for you.

The “Texas Administrative Code” states that medical exemptions allow certain drivers or passengers to have windows tinted darker than the usual regulations permit. Here’s what you need to know:

• Certification by a Licensed Physician: Before considering a darker tint under a medical exemption, a licensed physician must certify the medical condition in writing. This written statement should specifically mention that, due to a valid medical reason, the person requires shielding from the direct rays of the sun.
• Medical Conditions That Might Qualify: While the Texas Administrative Code does not provide an exhaustive list of qualifying medical conditions, some common conditions include lupus, photosensitivity, melanoma, and other conditions where exposure to sunlight can be harmful.

It’s essential to keep the physician’s statement in your vehicle at all times, as it must be presented upon request to any law enforcement officer. Not having this documentation readily available can lead to misunderstandings and potential consequences.

If you believe you or someone you regularly drive in your vehicle might qualify for a medical exemption, it’s crucial to consult with your physician and ensure all paperwork is in order. Once the exemption is acquired, working with a reputable service like Innovative Filmwerks ensures that the tinting is done correctly and in line with the exemption’s specifications.

Remember, while exemptions provide allowances, they don’t equate to a free pass for any tint darkness. There are still limits, and these must be adhered to. Our team at Innovative Filmwerks is well-versed in these nuances and will guide you through the entire process, ensuring both compliance with Texas law and the best care for your vehicle.

Enforcement and Penalties for Tint Violations

Being aware of Texas window tint laws is important, but understanding their enforcement and the potential consequences of non-compliance is equally crucial. Texas takes road safety and window tinting laws very seriously to ensure both the safety of the driver and other road users.

• Routine Checks and Inspections: When your vehicle undergoes its annual inspection, window tint levels are one of the items they check. Inspectors measure the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) using specialized equipment to ensure that your vehicle’s windows are within the legal limits.
• On-the-Road Enforcement: Texas law enforcement officers are trained to identify potential window tint violations with the naked eye. If an officer suspects your vehicle’s window tint might be too dark, they have the authority to stop you and measure its light transmission using portable devices.
• Penalties and Fines: Being found non-compliant can be expensive. Fines for window tint violations vary but can escalate for repeat offenders. More importantly, these violations can end up on your driving record, potentially impacting insurance rates and even leading to your vehicle failing its annual inspection.
• Corrective Measures: If you are ticketed for a tint violation, Texas law often allows drivers to rectify the violation to either have the ticket dismissed or the fine reduced. This usually involves having the illegal tint removed and providing proof of correction. Collaborating with a professional service like Innovative Filmwerks can be valuable in these situations. Not only can we help correct non-compliant tints, but we also ensure that any new tinting meets Texas regulations.
• Staying Informed: Texas tint laws, like many other state regulations, can undergo updates or changes. It’s essential to periodically review these rules. At Innovative Filmwerks, we’re committed to keeping up with all regulatory shifts, providing our clients with the most accurate and up-to-date information.

While tinted windows add style, privacy, and protection to your vehicle, ensuring they are within the legal limits of Texas law is vital. It not only helps you avoid financial penalties but also ensures the safety of everyone on the road.