Darkest legal tint for Cars in Texas
- 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 tint can be used.
- Rear window: Any darkness can be used with side outside mirrors, 25% VLT without.
Darkest legal tint for SUV and Vans in Texas
- 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 tint can be used.
- Rear window: Any darkness can be used with side outside mirrors, 25% VLT without.
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Texas automobile window tint laws were passed quite recently compared to car tint laws in most states, having been put on the books only in the year 2009. While rules governing the darkness of window tint and which car windows can be tinted have not changed much since 2009, Texas window tint laws are very specific so it’s a good idea to read through the information below closely if you are getting new car tint in Texas or you plan to register a car with tinted windows in the state.
The primary factor that dictates if car tint is legal or not in Texas is its VLT%, or visible light transmission percentage, which is shortened to VLT. VLT percent ratings concern how much visible light can pass through window tint, and the more light that passes, the clearer the window tint and the higher the number. So a tint rated at 99% VLT is almost completely clear, while a with at 1% VLT looks completely dark from outside the car.
The rules for window tint in Texas are not different for different types of vehicles, which is unusual; most states have different rules for cars as for MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles like trucks and vans and SUVs). So we will use terms like car, auto, and vehicle all interchangeably.
Automibile Windshield Tint in Texas
In Texas, windshield tint can be applied in a band above the vehicle’s AS-1 line, which is marked at the top of the glass. If an AS-1 line is not visible, then the top six inches of the windshield glass may be tinted. This tint may be as dark as 25% VLT and can also be up to 25% reflective. (Note that most states allow less tint darkness and no reflectivity for this windshield tint strip.)
Front Side Window Tint for Vehicles in Texas
Under Texas state law front side windows of vehicles, meaning those by the driver and shotgun seat, may be tinted down to a darkness of 25% VLT, which offers ample tinting for privacy and added style for a vehicle but still lets people nearby see in, as a police officer needs to do during a traffic stop. (Note that you can enjoy most of the benefits of window tinting, including blocked UV light and reduced IR light, without using of dark window tint at all – many clear tints stop fading and reduce heat and don’t change the look of the car). Front side window tint can be up to 25% reflective
Rear Side Window Tint for Automobiles in Texas
The rear side windows of a car in Texas may be tinted down to any darkness, including complete blackout privacy tint such as you associate with a limousine or livery car. This is true for any side windows behind the front row. These side windows can be tinted up to 25% reflectivity.
Rear Windshield Tint for Cars in Texas
Vehicles in Texas can tint their rear windows down to any darkness, including blackout privacy tint, provided the vehicle has dual side view mirrors. If these mirrors are not present, then rear window tint can only be a maximum darkness of 25% VLT.
Medical Exemptions for Window Tint in Texas
If a motorist needs a vehicle’s windows tinted on the two front windows darker than the 25% requirement, because of a medical condition, a medical exception is required.
If you feel you have a medical condition that may warrant the use of darker window film than allowed by Texas state law, you can get a medical exemption allowing for darker window tint. Consult a doctor (usually a dermatologist or ophthalmologist) and ask about getting a document that will prove you need a darker tint.
Motorists must obtain a signed medical exemption statement from a licensed physician or licensed optometrist, which should:
Identify with reasonable specificity the driver or occupant of the vehicle; and
State that, in the physician’s or optometrist’s professional opinion, the equipping of the vehicle with sunscreening devices is necessary to safeguard the health of the driver or occupant of the vehicle.
NOTE: The signed medical exemption statement will suffice as proof of a medical exception.
As of 01/01/2019 the Texas Department of Public Safety, Regulatory Services Division, will no longer issue Window Tint Exemption Certificates. The Department will not be accepting, nor reviewing applications for the certificate.
Motorists must present this signed medical exemption statement when the vehicle is presented for annual inspection.
Motorist must keep the signed medical exemption statement in the vehicle and present it to an officer in case of a traffic stop.
Other Texas Car Window Tint Laws to Know
Under 2021 Texas tint regulations, there are no banned colors of window tint on the side windows or rear window of vehicles, but you cannot use blue, red, or amber window tint on the front windshield.
Window tint manufacturers are required to certify the window tint they sell in Texas meets state rules, and drivers are required to get a sticker installed between the tint and glass of the front driver’s side window that proves the tint is legitimate.
Texas Window Tint Violations
Police often have with them a tool that can test window tint VLT on the spot, so you are at risk for a car tint ticket in Texas at all times.
Fortunately the first window tint ticket cost in Texas is usually quite low and is a so-called “fix it ticket” that may cost as little as $20 and comes with the requirement to have illegal tint removed and replaced. But subsequent window tint tickets can cost well over $200 if the authorities find that you did not remove illegal tint.
To avoid getting cited for a window tint violation in Texas, you can bring your vehicle to a car tint shop and have your window tint darkness VLT and reflectivity tested for compliance. If it does not meet the law, you should have it replaced.
