Texas Window Tint Laws

Window tinting is a popular vehicle modification in Texas, offering benefits such as increased privacy, heat reduction, and glare control. However, Texas law strictly regulates how much tint is allowed on different parts of a vehicle. These regulations are enforced through the Texas Transportation Code and administrative rules from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). This guide outlines the legal standards for window tint in Texas, including visible light transmission (VLT) limits, medical exemptions, inspection requirements, and penalties for noncompliance.

Legal Authority Governing Texas Window Tint Laws

Texas window tint laws are codified in Texas Transportation Code Section 547.613 and implemented through administrative rules adopted by the Texas Department of Public Safety, including Title 37, Texas Administrative Code §21.3. These laws apply to all passenger vehicles operated on public roads in Texas, including sedans, SUVs, trucks, and vans.

Understanding Visible Light Transmission (VLT)

Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is a critical measurement in window tint regulations. It refers to the percentage of visible light that can pass through the window and tint film. A higher VLT percentage means more light passes through; a lower percentage indicates a darker tint.

In Texas, both the glass and the tint film are measured together to determine compliance. The VLT percentage must meet or exceed the required limits when tested as a unit.

VLT Limits for Different Windows

Texas law sets different VLT requirements depending on the window location on the vehicle. Below are the limits for each:

Front Windshield

• Tint Strip Only: Non-reflective tint is allowed only above the AS-1 line (a marking found on most windshields) or within the top five inches, whichever is more restrictive.
• VLT Requirement: No specific VLT requirement, but the strip must not extend below the AS-1 line.

Front Side Windows (Driver and Passenger)

• Minimum VLT: 25 percent or more
• Reflectivity: Must not be more than 25 percent reflective

Rear Side Windows

• Minimum VLT: No limit for multipurpose vehicles (MPVs) such as SUVs, vans, and trucks
• Sedans: Must allow at least 25 percent VLT
• Reflectivity: Not more than 25 percent reflective

Rear Window

• Minimum VLT: No limit for MPVs
• Sedans: Must allow at least 25 percent VLT
• Additional Requirement: If rear window is tinted, the vehicle must have dual side mirrors

Reflectivity Restrictions

Texas law also limits how reflective the tint can be:

• Front Side Windows: Cannot reflect more than 25 percent of light
• Rear Side Windows: Cannot reflect more than 25 percent of light

Highly reflective or mirrored tint is prohibited on any window, as it can pose a safety hazard by impairing visibility for other drivers.

Medical Exemptions

The Texas Department of Public Safety offers medical exemptions for individuals with certain medical conditions that require additional UV protection beyond the standard legal tint limits. To qualify:

• The individual must obtain a signed statement from a licensed physician or optometrist.
• The statement must explain the medical necessity for darker tint.
• The driver must carry the statement in the vehicle at all times as proof of exemption.

Common medical conditions that may qualify include lupus, albinism, photosensitivity, and certain dermatological disorders aggravated by sunlight exposure.

Medical exemptions are governed by Texas Transportation Code §547.613(b-1) and DPS Rule §21.3(c). The tint installed under a medical exemption may exceed the standard VLT limits but must still allow for safe operation of the vehicle.

Window Tint Inspection Requirements

In Texas, vehicles are required to undergo annual safety inspections. Window tint compliance is part of this inspection. The inspection process includes:

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• Measurement of VLT using a tint meter on front side windows
• Verification of placement and size of windshield tint strip
• Check for required side mirrors if rear window is tinted

If a vehicle fails inspection due to illegal window tint, it must be brought into compliance before a safety certificate will be issued. Only certified inspection stations using approved testing equipment can determine VLT compliance.

Certificate of Compliance (Sticker)

When tint is installed by a professional in Texas, they are required to affix a certificate of compliance to the inside of the driver’s side window. This small sticker confirms the tint is legally compliant and is a requirement under 37 TAC §21.3(d).

Penalties for Noncompliance

Violating Texas window tint laws can result in various consequences, including fines and required vehicle modifications. Penalties include:

• Traffic Citation: Drivers may receive a ticket, typically classified as a Class C misdemeanor.
• Fine Amount: Fines generally range from $20 to $500, depending on the jurisdiction and number of prior offenses.
• Failed Inspection: The vehicle may fail its annual safety inspection, making it unlawful to operate until the tint is corrected.
• Repair Orders: Law enforcement may issue a repair order requiring removal or modification of the illegal tint within a specified period.

Continued noncompliance may result in additional citations or even registration suspension in certain cases.

Law Enforcement and Tint Enforcement

Texas law enforcement officers are authorized to stop vehicles if they reasonably suspect a tint violation. Officers may use a tint meter during the stop or issue a citation based on visual observation if the tint appears excessively dark. Drivers have the right to contest a window tint citation in court, and they may present evidence such as inspection records or medical exemptions as part of their defense.

Commercial and Out-of-State Vehicles

Commercial vehicles registered in Texas are also subject to state tint laws. However, out-of-state drivers are typically allowed to operate in Texas with a tint that complies with their home state’s laws, provided they are not permanent Texas residents.

Tint Manufacturers and Installers

Texas law requires all window tint films sold and installed in the state to be certified by the manufacturer to meet state standards. Additionally, tint installers must provide a label certifying compliance for each vehicle tinted, and that label must remain affixed to the driver’s side window. Installers who fail to provide compliant film or appropriate documentation may face penalties from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).

Stay Compliant with Texas Tint Laws Protect Yourself and Your Vehicle

Understanding Texas window tint laws is essential for any driver who wants to modify their vehicle while staying within legal boundaries. Compliance involves more than just choosing a film, it requires knowledge of VLT limits, placement restrictions, medical exemptions, and the inspection process. Noncompliance can lead to costly fines and vehicle downtime.

If you have questions about your legal rights concerning vehicle modifications or have received a citation for a tint violation, contact Dang Law Group for a consultation. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you understand your options and protect your rights on the road.

Information verified by lawyer Loc Dang

Loc Dang is a founder and member of our legal team. In this blog, Attorney Dang shares his expertise to guide accident victims.