Our Texas window tint laws are valid for 2023. These laws regulate how dark and reflective your car tint may be, but also specify other rules and regulations you need to know about.
| Texas Tint Laws | |
|---|---|
| Front Windshield | Top 5 inches |
| Front Side Windows | 25% |
| Back Side Windows | No restrictions |
| Rear Windshield | No restrictions |
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How dark can your window tint be in Texas?
Window tint darkness is measured by Visible Light Transmission percentage (VLT%). In Texas this refers to the percent of visible light allowed in through both the film and the glass.
See: VLT Chart for darkness examples
Here's exactly how much VLT is allowed on your auto window tint in Texas (TX), categorized by passenger and multi-purpose vehicles.
Tint darkness for passenger vehicles:
- Windshield: 25% reflective tint with more than 25% light transmission is allowed only above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than 25% of light in.
- Back Side windows: Must allow more than 25% of light in.
- Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.
Passenger vehicles include sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon, hardtop and hatchback vehicles.
Tint darkness for multi-purpose vehicles:
- Windshield: 25% reflective tint with more than 25% light transmission is allowed only above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
- 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.
Multi-purpose vehicles include SUV, pickups, vans, RVs, and minibuses.
Federal vehicle ID label on driver's front door frame will tell you whether your vehicle is passenger or multi purpose vehicle.
How reflective can your window tint be in Texas?
Tinting film may contain metallic elements which help in reflecting incoming light. This reduces glare and heat generated by visible light. Below you can find out how much reflection is permitted on your car window tint film by law in Texas.
Tint reflection for sedans:
- Front Side windows: Must not be more than 25% reflective.
- Back Side windows: Must not be more than 25% reflective.
Tint reflection for SUV and vans:
- Front Side windows: Must not be more than 25% reflective.
- Back Side windows: Must not be more than 25% reflective.
Other Texas tinting rules and regulations:
Other laws, rules and regulations in Texas include the following:
- Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required when back windshield is tinted under 25% VLT.
- Restricted Colors: Tint colors red, blue and amber are not permitted for use by Texas tint laws.
- Certificate Requirements: Film manufacturers need to certify the film they sell in the state. Check with your dealer if they are using certified film.
- Sticker Requirements: The sticker to identify legal tinting is required between the film & glass on the driver’s side window.
- Medical Exemption: Texas allows medical exemptions for special tint. For more details about the specific terms of the exemption, consult Texas law.
Remember that state tint laws may be interpreted differently by your local law authorities. Get in touch with your county DMV or police department to make sure you are not breaking Texas window tinting laws, rules and regulations.
Our article about Texas tint laws is up to date as of 2023. Last update was on August 27th, 2022 (approximately 9 months ago). We are always notified of changes and update with latest legislation when required.
Official law sources:
Window Tinting Standards (Texas Department of Public Safety)
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