- Texas Window Tint Darkness Requirements (VLT Limits)
- Windshield Tinting Regulations in Texas
- Window Tint Reflection Standards
- Penalties and Enforcement for Illegal Window Tint
- Vehicle Inspection and Window Tint Requirements
- Certification and Labeling Requirements
- Window Tint Exemptions
- Contact ConsumerShield to Learn More About Window Tint Compliance
Summary
- Texas sets standards for aftermarket films that darken vehicle windows
- These rules ensure drivers can see through tinted windows
- They also protect other drivers from glare from reflective films
Tinted windows are desired by many Texas drivers because they reduce the intensity of the sun and reduce the temperature of a vehicle’s interior. However, window tint laws in Texas recognize a tradeoff between reducing the light entering a car and obscuring a driver’s vision.
As a result, the laws set standards for minimum transmissivity and maximum reflectivity to ensure safety for road users inside and outside the vehicle.
Texas Window Tint Darkness Requirements (VLT Limits)
Texas allows all manufacturer tint. However, window tint laws in Texas limit the aftermarket films applied to the side and rear windows. Front side windows must have at least 25% visible light transmissivity (VLT), meaning they can only block up to 75% of the light entering the window. There are no VLT requirements for rear side windows.
The VLT standards for the rear window depend on whether you have two side mirrors. If your vehicle has both a right and left side mirror, your tint may be any darkness. If you lack either side mirror, the minimum VLT is 25%.
Windshield Tinting Regulations in Texas
You cannot have any window tint on the windshield except for the top five inches. The light transmission of this sunscreen must be 25% or more.
Window Tint Reflection Standards
The maximum reflectivity of the driver’s side windows and the upper margin of the windshield is 25%, meaning they can only reflect up to 25% of the light hitting them.
Penalties and Enforcement for Illegal Window Tint
Illegal tint is a misdemeanor offense. Officers can treat it as a primary offense, meaning that they can stop you for having illegal tint even if you did not break any other traffic laws.
Vehicle Inspection and Window Tint Requirements
Texas does not require vehicle safety inspections. Instead, tint is inspected on an as-needed basis if a police officer suspects illegal tint.
Certification and Labeling Requirements
Manufacturers must obtain certification for their products from Texas in order for them to be considered legal.
Window Tint Exemptions
Exemptions are granted to vehicles used for law enforcement and passenger transport, such as taxis and limousines. Drivers can also obtain a medical exemption.
Contact ConsumerShield to Learn More About Window Tint Compliance
A failure to comply with window tint laws in Texas can result in a citation. More importantly, a driver may be liable for another’s car accident injury that resulted from illegal tint.
Contact ConsumerShield for a free consultation to learn about the consequences of non-compliance with Texas window tint laws. We’ll provide a referral to a Texas car accident lawyer who can help you pursue a claim involving illegal tint.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Texas does not allow red, amber or blue window tint. These colors could interfere with a driver’s ability to see traffic signals.
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Texas window tint installers are required to place a sticker on your driver’s side window stating that your tint complies with state law.
