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Legal Front Window Tint in Texas: What You Need to Know

If you’re considering tinting your car windows, you might wonder what’s legal and what’s not. Well, you’ve come to the right place; we’ll break down everything you need to know about legal front window tint in Texas.

No confusing legal stuff, just straight-up facts and tips to keep you on the right side of the law. So let’s dive in and shed some light on this hot topic!

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Understanding Texas Window Tint Laws

When it comes to legal front window tint in Texas, there are specific rules and regulations you need to follow.

These window tint laws are designed to ensure driver visibility and road safety while still allowing some privacy and sun protection for vehicle occupants.

What Are the Legal Tint Limits in Texas?

Texas window tinting laws specify the maximum darkness allowed for each window on a passenger vehicle. For the front windshield, the top 5 inches can have up to a 25% tint darkness.

Front side windows must allow more than 25% of light in, while back side windows and the rear windshield can be any darkness.

Exemptions to Texas Tint Laws

There are a few exemptions to the standard window tint limits in Texas.

Individuals with certain medical conditions that make them sensitive to sunlight may qualify for a medical exemption allowing darker tint.

Some vehicles, such as limousines and hearses, are also permitted to have darker window tinting than standard passenger vehicles.

Penalties for Violating Tint Laws in Texas

Driving a vehicle with illegal window tint in Texas can result in a fine of up to $275 per violation.

Additionally, a vehicle may fail its annual safety inspection if the window tint is too dark.

To avoid penalties, it’s important for vehicle owners to ensure their window tinting complies with state law or to obtain a medical exemption if eligible.

legal front window tint in texas

Legal Tint Limits for Different Vehicle Windows in Texas

When it comes to legal front window tint in Texas, the rules vary depending on the specific window.

Here’s a breakdown of the tint darkness limits for each window type:

Front Windshield Tint Limits

Texas law allows the top 5 inches of a vehicle’s front windshield to have a tint darkness up to 25%.

This means the tinted portion must allow at least 25% of light transmission.

The remainder of the windshield below the AS-1 line cannot have any aftermarket tint applied.

Front Side Window Tint Limits

Front side windows on a passenger vehicle in Texas must allow more than 25% of visible light to pass through the tint and window combined.

This means the tint darkness cannot exceed approximately 22%, to account for the window glass absorbing some light as well.

Back Side Window Tint Limits

Texas tint law allows back side windows on passenger vehicles to be dark. There is no minimum visible light transmission requirement for tint on rear windows.

Rear Windshield Tint Limits

In Texas, the rear windshield of a passenger vehicle can be tinted to any darkness level.

However, if the tint is darker than 25% light transmission, the vehicle must have outside mirrors on both sides.

This ensures the driver has adequate visibility to the rear when the back window is darkly tinted.

Medical Exemptions for Window Tint in Texas

While there are specific limits for legal front window tint in texas, there are medical exemptions available for those who need darker tint for health reasons. Here’s what you need to know:

Qualifying Medical Conditions for Tint Exemption

Certain medical conditions can make individuals more sensitive to sunlight and bright conditions.

In Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas, people with approved medical issues may qualify for an exemption from window tint limits.

Some of the qualifying conditions include sunlight sensitivity, lupus, dermatomyositis, albinism, and melanoma.

A physician must certify the medical need for darker window tint.

How to Apply for a Medical Tint Exemption

To get a medical exemption for window tint in Texas, an individual must have a medical exemption statement from a licensed physician or licensed optometrist.

This indicate that the person has a medical condition requiring darker window tinting.

Law Enforcement and Window Tint Regulations

When it comes to legal front window tint in Texas, law enforcement officers play a key role in ensuring compliance.

Here’s what you should know about how police check for illegal tint and the consequences of violations:

How Police Check for Illegal Tint

Law enforcement officers in Texas can visually inspect a motor vehicle’s windows to see if the tint appears darker than legally allowed.

If the tint seems too dark, they may use a tint meter to measure the exact visible light transmission.

This device determines if the window tint is within legal limits or if it violates state law.

Window Tint and Vehicle Inspections

In addition to law enforcement checks, window tint is also evaluated during annual vehicle safety inspections in Texas.

If the tint on the front windshield or front side windows is found to be darker than legally permitted, the vehicle will fail the inspection.

The owner must remove the illegal tint and have the vehicle re-inspected to pass.

FAQs in Relation to Legal Front Window Tint in Texas

Can you have 5 tint on front windows in Texas?

No, you can’t. Texas law mandates a minimum of 25% light transmission for front side windows.

Will 20% tint pass inspection in Texas?

No, it won’t. The legal limit is at least 25% visible light transmission for the front side windows.

What is the darkest legal tint for front windows?

The darkest legal tint for your vehicle’s front side windows must allow at least 25% of light through.

How much is a tint ticket in Texas?

A window tint violation can cost between $20 to $275 plus potential removal and reinspection fees.

legal front window tint in texas

Your Stress-Free Guide to Legal Texas Windows

In short, figuring out legal front window tint in Texas is pretty easy. For the front windshield, keep the tint light (no more than 25% dark) and above the AS-1 line (or the top 5 inches).

The front side windows also need to let in a good amount of light (more than 25%). If you have a medical reason for needing darker tint, you might be able to get a special permission.

And lastly, if the police pull you over for tint, they’ll use a tool to check if your legal front window tinting in Texas is within limits.

Tinting your windows can be a great way to stay cool and protect your privacy, but just remember to follow the rules to avoid trouble.

Now you can get your windows tinted with confidence and enjoy the Texas sunshine in comfort!

Enhance the comfort, style, and efficiency of your space or car with All Seasons Window Tint.

Visit our website or contact us today to start your project with a team that commits to the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction.