Driving in the blazing Texas sun makes tinting your windows an attractive option. But tinted windows can be safety hazards, which is why most states regulate which windows you can have tinted and how dark the tint can be. Before you choose a type of window tint, here are five key things to know about Texas window tinting laws.
Texas Requires Certified Window Tint Film
Manufacturers of window tint film are required to get certification from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Before purchasing any window tint film or window tinting service in Texas, make sure the film is certified.
A Vehicle With Tinted Windows Must Have a Window Tint Sticker
Any vehicle that has tinted windows must also display a sticker at the bottom rear of the driver’s side window. The sticker should state the manufacturer of the tint film and affirm that it complies with Texas law.
Different Windows Have Different Rules
The Texas Transportation Code and the Texas Administrative Code contain regulations regarding window tinting. The rules are different depending on the window in question.
Front Windshield
Window tinting is allowed only for the top five inches on the front windshield window. This is the section above the vehicle’s AS-1 line (a number that appears at the top of the windshield on the side).
However, Texas allows you to apply a clear window tint film to the entire front windshield. Clear tint film will exclude harmful UV rays and help reduce heat in the vehicle without altering its appearance or running afoul of Texas window tint regulations.
Side Windows
You can have tinted driver’s left and right windows in Texas as long as they allow 25 percent or more of the light to come through. This measure is called visible light transmission (VLT). Side windows behind the driver have no minimum required VLT.
Back Window
Vehicles must have side-view windows in order for you to tint the rear windows. If the side windows provide a view of at least 200 feet to the rear, there is no minimum VLT. But if there are no side mirrors that meet the standard, rear windows must have a minimum of 25 percent VLT.
Any tinted window must have 25 percent or less reflectivity. Reflective window tint helps keep the internal temperature of the vehicle down and can also deflect some harmful UV light from entering the vehicle.
Some Colors Are Prohibited
Among the five key things to know about Texas window tinting law are prohibitions on certain colors of window tint. In Texas, you can’t tint your vehicle windows red, amber, or blue. A reputable automotive window tinting service won’t offer you a prohibited color and will use only certified tint film. It will also ensure that the film has the requisite VLT and doesn’t exceed the maximum permissible reflectivity.
Some Exemptions Exist
Law enforcement vehicles and transportation vehicles like taxis, buses, or limousines are exempt from the Texas window tinting law. It’s also possible to get a medical exemption if a health condition requires window tint that would otherwise violate Texas law.
Fat Lip Customs can apply window tinting that complies with Texas law, looks great, and helps keep your car or truck cooler. Call or come in today to discuss your options for automotive window tinting.
