Window Tinting Standards for the State of Texas

TX Tint Rules & Regulations for Visible Light Transmission (VLT)

Know the Law Before You Buy Auto Tint

Revised Texas window tint laws effective September 1, 2009 (Information take from TX Dept. of Public Safety website concerning auto window tinting)

What are the actual Texas (TX) state driving laws for after-market window tinting in Texas?

Texas Laws Concerning Sun screening Devices (Window Tinting)
Section 547.613 of the Texas Transportation Code makes it a misdemeanor to operate a vehicle with an object or material (including a sun screening device) attached to the windshield, rear, or side windows that obstructs or reduces the driver’s visibility.

Section 547.613 also makes it a misdemeanor for any person to apply any material (including a sun screening device) that changes the color or reduces the light transmission of any vehicle window.

Windshield’s in Texas
Sun screening devices cannot be applied to the windshield unless the conditions below are met.

  1. Sun screening devices must be applied above the AS-1 line. If there is no AS-1 line, sun screening devices must end five inches below the top of the windshield. If the AS-1 line is less than five inches from the top of the windshield, it will mark the end of the permissible area. If the AS-1 line is more than five inches from the top pf the windshield the five inch measurement will mark the end of the permissible area.
  2. Sun screening devices may not be red, amber, or blue in color.
  3. Sun screening devices, when measured in combination with the original glass, must have a light transmittance value of 25% or more.
  4. Sun screening devices, when measured in combination with the original glass, must have a luminous reflectance value of 25% or less.

Side Windows to The Right and Left of The Driver in Texas
Sun screening devices can be applied to the side windows to the right and left of the driver if the following conditions are met.

  1. Sun screening devices, when measured in combination with the original glass, have a light transmittance value of 25% or more.
  2. Sun screening devices, when measured in combination with the original glass, have a luminous reflectance value of 25% or less.

Side Windows to The Rear of The Driver (Revised September 1, 2009) in Texas
These windows are completely exempted from regulation under the Texas Transportation Code. Reference Legislation: Senate Bill 589

Rear Window in Texas
A sun screening device can be applied to the rear window of the vehicle if the following conditions are met.

  1. If a motor vehicle is equipped with an outside mirror on each side of the vehicle that reflects to the vehicle operator a view of the roadway for a distance of at least 200 feet from the rear of the vehicle then there are no restrictions regarding the sun screening devices applied to the rear window.
  2. If a motor vehicle is not equipped with such mirrors then the rear window must meet the following standards:
  • Sun screening devices, when measured in combination with the original glass, must have a light transmittance value of 25% or more.
  • Sun screening devices, when measured in combination with the original glass, must have a luminous reflectance value of 25% or less.

Does my window require a window tint label?

In the past, the language of 547.609 of the Texas Transportation Code was interpreted by the Department as requiring one label for one car regardless of how many windows had sun screening devices applied to them. As a result, in Chapter 21 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) we have only required that one label be attached to the rearmost, bottom corner of the driver’s side window of the vehicle. The only information required on those labels by the Department was the manufacturer’s name and a statement indicating that the sun screening device met our standards (“Complies with DPS” or “Complies with 37 Texas Administrative Code (TAC)”).

The new amendments to 547 of the Texas Transportation Code make the legislature’s intent more clear. The language appears to indicate that these labels should be applied to every window to which a sun screening device is applied. As a result, Vehicle Inspection is in the process of rewriting Chapter 21 TAC to require labels on every window to which a sun screening device is applied. The new information required on the label has not been completely determined. It must have a statement indicating that the film with which it is applied meets Texas Transportation Code 547.613(b) standards. Vehicle Inspection is still deciding what kind of installer information to include.

Are there any exemptions available, should a medical condition require that I place dark tint on my vehicle? In certain cases, you may obtain department approval to place darker tint on your vehicle’s windows. The department approves tint exemptions on a case-by-case basis.

Motorists may request a medical exemption for window tinting requirements from the Texas Department of Public Safety by sending a written request and a signed statement from a licensed physician or licensed optometrist. This statement should state that it is his or her opinion that the exemption is necessary to safeguard the motorist’s health.

The request should include the motorist’s name, address, and telephone number and their request for a medical exemption to window tinting restrictions. Once issued, the exemption letter from the department should be carried in the vehicle that has the darker tint applied. The written request and physician/optometrist statement should be sent to the following address:

Texas Department of Public Safety
Attn: Vehicle Services Bureau
PO Box 14900
Austin, TX 78761-4900

Note: The medical exemption allows motorists to place a darker tint on the side windows and the upper portion of the front windshield (top 5 inches or above the AS-1 line, whichever is less). The exemption does not, however, allow a motorist to place a sun screening device on the rest of the front windshield. Motorists are allowed to place a clear (un-tinted) UV film anywhere on the front windshield without a medical exemption being required.

If you buy window tint and have it applied, make sure it meets or exceeds the laws of your state. Buy tint and block the heat. Buy transparent films, block the heat; but not the light. Buy films like CK 70 (virtually transparent).

Texas Tint Law Enacted: 2003

Window tinting laws vary from state to state and province to province. Before applying any window tinting materials, you should thoroughly review the appropriate state regulations as well as local enforcement policies to insure compliance with all applicable standards.

HOW DARK CAN WINDOW TINT BE IN Texas

Darkness of tint is measured by Visible Light Transmission percentage (VLT%). In Texas, this percentage refers to percentage of visible light allowed in through the combination of film and the window.

Windshield Non-reflective tint is allowed along the top of the windshield above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or 5 inches, whichever comes first.
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.

HOW REFLECTIVE CAN THE TINT BE IN Texas

Front Side Must not be more than 25% reflective.
Back Side Windows Must not be more than 25% reflective.

OTHER Texas RULES AND REGULATIONS

Restricted Colors The tint color(s) of RED are not legal by state law.
Side Mirrors Dual side mirrors are required if back window is tinted.
Certificate Requirements Manufacturers of film need to certify the film they sell in the state. Ask your dealer if they are using ceritified film.
Sticker Requirements The sticker to identify legal tinting is required between the film & glass on the driver’s side window.
Medical Exemption State allows medical exemptions for special tint. For more details about the specific terms of the exemption, consult your state law.