Texas first enacted car window tinting laws in 2009. These regulations govern how tinting is applied to the windows of an automobile, truck, van, or SUV. Some vehicles are exempt from the window tint requirements. This tint exemption applies to law enforcement vehicles, taxis, buses, limousines, and vehicles used by persons with medical permits.
The manufacturers of tinting (also known as “sunscreening”) film are required to certify the film they sell in Texas. It is important that all Texas motorists use certified film for trusted protection. Tinting devices may be applied to the windshield of a motor vehicle if the following conditions are met:
- Tinting devices must be applied above the AS-1 line. If there is no AS-1 line, the sunscreening or tinting devices must end five inches below the top of the windshield. A vehicle’s “AS-1 line” means a line extending from the letters AS-1, found on most motor vehicle windshields, running parallel to the top of the windshield or shall mean a line 5 inches below and parallel to the top of the windshield, whichever is closer to the top of the windshield.
- Tinting devices may not be red, amber, or blue in color.
- Tinting devices, when measured in combination with the original glass, must have a light transmittance value of 25% or more.
- Tinting devices, when measured in combination with the original glass, must have a luminous reflectance value of 25% or less.
- A clear or un-tinted UV film is allowed anywhere on the front windshield without a medical exemption being required.
Texas regulates the amount of light allowed in a vehicle with tinted windows. In other words, window tint on cars in Texas must allow a certain percentage of light to pass through a car window’s film and glass.
What Texas uses to measure the amount of light is called Visible Light Transmission, or VLT. Window tint in Texas must allow a certain percentage of visible light through the combination of film and the window. Texas laws contain specific regulations based on whether the motor vehicle is a sedan, SUV, or van.
What Are Texas Window Tint Laws?
Window tint darkness requirements for sedans, SUVs, and vans are as follows:
- 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 can be used.
- Rear Window: Any darkness can be used with side outside mirrors, 25% VLT without.
Window Tint Reflection Guidelines
Window tinting film containing metallic elements can reflect incoming light and reduce the glare and heat generated by visible light. Texas law permits a specific window reflection when tinting sedans, SUVs, and van windows.
- Front Side windows: Must not be more than 25% reflective.
- Back Side windows: Must not be more than 25% reflective.
Additional Texas Tint Laws and Exemptions
Some miscellaneous regulations include the requirement of dual side mirrors if the vehicle’s rear window is tinted. A sticker to identify legal tinting is required between the film & glass on the driver’s side window.
Texas allows medical exemptions for special tint. Meeting these requirements necessitates the assistance of a tinting professional who has the experience and ability to make all of the measurements necessary to determine whether the vehicle meets Texas’ legal requirements.
Some groups are exempt from these laws. Vehicles belonging to police, or vehicles belonging to a law enforcement agency, that are intended to be used for law enforcement purposes are exempt from Texas window tinting regulations.
Similarly, vehicles that are used for medical purposes are also exempt from following Texas window tinting laws. If you have a medical reason to require a darker tint on your car, you would need a signed explanation and statement from a licensed physician or ophthalmologist in order to apply for exemption from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Regulatory Services Division for medical tint.
The final group exempt from Texas window tinting laws are vehicles owned by transport agencies that are intended for passenger transportation. Limousines, buses, and taxis are all exempt from window tinting laws in Texas.
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