Window Tint Laws in Texas
Tinted windows can make a vehicle look great, and there are many reasons why car owners decide to apply tint to their windows. Not only can window tint improve your vehicle’s appearance, but it can also help keep your car cooler during hot Texas summers.
Using tint that is too dark could end up getting you a citation and some legal penalties. Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about the window tint laws in Texas.
The Basics of Window Tint
In order to understand the window tint laws in Texas, you first need to be familiar with some terminology. When talking about tint, you often hear percentages that refer to darkness and other tint properties. Some terms that you need to know about are:
Light Transmittance Value
You will often hear this referred to as VLT, or visible light transmission. This value refers to the amount of light that can pass through the tint. The lower the number, the darker the tint. For instance, a window tint with a 30% VLT allows 30% of light to pass through, while 70% of light is blocked by the tint.
Reflectivity
This value tells you how much light bounces off the tint. In other words, this shows how much light is reflected off the tint. The higher the value, the more mirror-like the tint will appear. Tints with high reflectivity values can be dangerous because they can distract or blind other drivers due to their shininess and mirror-like properties.
Overview of Texas Window Tint Laws
The darkness of tint that can be applied to your windows in Texas varies depending on which windows you want to tint.
Here are the basics of the Texas window tint laws:
- Windshield: Tint may be applied above the AS-1 line, and the tint must have a VLT of 25% or more. Additionally, the tint must have a reflectance of 25% or less.
- Side windows to the right and left of the driver: Tint on these windows must have a VLT of 25% or more, and the reflectance must be 25% or less.
- Side windows to the rear of the driver: Tint of any VLT may be applied as these windows are exempt from the tint laws.
- Rear window: If the vehicle has exterior mirrors that allow the driver to see at least 200 feet behind the vehicle, then there are no restrictions on rear window tint. If the vehicle does not have these outside mirrors, then the rear window tint must have a VLT of 25% or more and reflectance of 25% or less.
Unlike some states that have different rules for cars, trucks, and SUVs, the rules in Texas are the same for all types of vehicles.
Exceptions to the Window Tint Rules in Texas
There are a few exceptions to the window tint laws in Texas.
The following vehicles are exempt from the state’s tint laws:
- Law enforcement vehicles
- Passenger transport vehicles, such as a taxi, limousine, or bus
Drivers with certain qualifying medical conditions may be eligible for an exception to the standard tint requirements. Documentation from a licensed physician may be required, and drivers should review current Texas Department of Public Safety requirements.
Penalties for Violating the Texas Window Tint Laws
Drivers who violate Texas window tint laws may face citations and other penalties. A first offense will typically carry a small fine of $25 or more, along with a “fix it” ticket. Subsequent violations can result in fines of up to $500, failed inspections, and a mandatory removal of the tint.
In addition to fines and penalties, window tint that is too dark can also increase the odds of a car accident. Drivers who cause an accident because their tint was too dark could face civil liability for any damages they cause, including both economic and non-economic damages.
Contact the Texas Car Accident Lawyers of The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers for help today
Understanding Texas window tint laws can help you avoid citations and reduce the risk of preventable accidents. If another driver’s negligence—including unsafe window tint that contributed to a crash—caused your injuries, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to get a free initial consultation today. We have offices in Friendswood and Galveston, Texas:
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Galveston Office
2101 Mechanic St. Suite 253
Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 207-9299
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Friendswood Office
312 S. Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546
281-992-8633
