If you live in Texas and own a car, you may want to consider adding a little more tint to your windows. Texas is notoriously hot and sunny, so you may want to consider this option to make your daily commute more bearable.
Window tinting is regulated in Texas just like it is in any other state, although there are some differences.
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In order to prevent any legal ramifications, it’s a good idea if you live in Texas to familiarize yourself with these rules before tinting your windows.
In this essay, I’ll go over Texas’s rules on vehicle window tinting in great detail.
Are You Allowed To Have A Tinted Windshield And Windows In Texas?
Before 2009, Texas had no regulations governing the use of window tint. When compared to other states’ window tint regulations, the ones in existence now are relatively lax in terms of how dark you can tint your individual windows.
Installing a tint strip on your windshield is permitted in the state of Texas. We require a VLT of at least 25% for this strip, which is short for “visible light transmission,” and it measures how much light can enter through a window without being blocked.
There is a 5-inch limit on the width of this strip, and it cannot extend beyond the AS-1 line on the windshield.
The front windows of your vehicle may also not be tinted with a VLT of less than 25%. However, in most circumstances, there are no restrictions on how dark you can tint the back side windows and the rear glass.
What Is The Darkest Tint You Can Legally Get In TX?
This depends on the type of window being tinted. A VLT of less than 25% can only be applied to the windshields and front side windows, as previously stated.
As long as your vehicle has twin side mirrors, you can tint the back glass to your heart’s content. There are no worries about this for most people, as modern automobile rules mandate twin side-mirrors to be placed on nearly all vehicles today.
The sole exception is if you have an older car with just one side-mirror; in this situation, you cannot tint your windows darker than 25% VLT.
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has yet to take a position on the use of rear-view cameras instead of side mirrors in some modern cars.
Is 20% Tint Illegal In TX?
Again, this is dependent on the particular window to which the tint will be applied. You can use a tint with a VLT of 20% or less for back side windows and rear windows, but you can’t use a tint that lets in less than 25% of sunlight for windshields and front-side windows
A VLT of 20% is the legal limit, however I strongly discourage you from exceeding this level in order to get away with tinting your vehicle.
If you frequently drive at night, then a tint with a VLT of 20% or less can block too much light and make you unable to see out of your windows. This is not only illegal but potentially dangerous.
Can You Get Pulled Over For Tinted Windows In Texas?
Having windows tinted too dark is a violation that can result in a ticket from the police.
If your windows are unlawfully tinted, you do not have to allow a police search of your vehicle unless you have illicit materials obviously visible in your vehicle or the police have probable cause to search your automobile.
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We don’t condone any criminal activity, including the use of illegal tint, but knowing your rights as a citizen is critical when dealing with law authorities.
How Much Is A Tint Ticket In TX?
Many variables go into determining the final fine for driving with unlawfully tinted windows. According to your county, your tint may need to be adjusted, based on how dark it is compared to the legal limit, and whether or not you have previously received similar citations.
As a result, the cost of a tint ticket can vary widely. If it’s your first time getting a ticket for this type of infraction, you may only have to pay $20-25.
A second ticket can cost as much as $275 if your window tint is still on after a first ticket, therefore it’s best to remove it. It’s possible that additional tickets will cost extra.
If you get a ticket for the first time, you’ll likely be forced to remove your tint and present proof to your local law enforcement, but that’s usually all there is to it.
A second ticket for driving with tint on is likely to require you to appear in court and explain your rationale for doing so.
No matter what kind of ticket you end up with, it will almost surely be a pain. Make sure your windows are tinted legally before you get into this situation.
In Texas, there is a problem with the darkness of the window tint.
Window tinting restrictions have already been thoroughly explored in this section, so let’s briefly review what we’ve covered thus far to the best of our ability.
Window Tint Darkness In Texas
Two to five people can fit in a passenger vehicle without having to worry about a particular cargo room or too many extras. As far as passenger vehicles go, coupes, sedans, hatchbacks, station wagons, and convertibles all fall under the umbrella.
As a general rule, MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles) have third-row seating or an extra-large cargo space. MPVs provide a more practical purpose than do traditional passenger cars. These include pickup trucks, SUVs, panel vans, minivans, recreational vehicles, and crossovers.
Your car’s Federal ID number will tell you what kind of vehicle it is. In most cars, the driver’s side door frame has a label like this.
For Passenger Vehicles
There is a tinted strip on windshields that has a VLT of 25%. If it extends past the AS-1 line on your windshield, it is too wide.
Windows on the front of the vehicle are limited to a VLT of 25%
There are no limitations on tinting the back side windows.
Only if you don’t have twin side-mirrors are you limited to a VLT of 25% for the rear windows, which are completely free of tinting limits.
For MPVs
There is a tinted strip on windshields that has a VLT of 25%. If it extends past the AS-1 line on your windshield, it is too wide.
Windows on the front of the vehicle are limited to a VLT of 25%
There are no limitations on tinting the back side windows.
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If you don’t have dual side mirrors, you can only tint the rear windows to a maximum of 25 percent of the VLT.
Window Tint Reflection In Texas
The amount of reflection from a vehicle’s windows is also strictly regulated in Texas. To prevent oncoming vehicles from being blinded by an extremely reflective windshield, this is a safety measure
According to current guidelines, no single car window can reflect more than 25% of the sunshine that enters the vehicle.
Furthermore, it is a crime to install any type of colored tint to your windshield.
For Passenger Vehicles
More over a quarter of the sun’s rays can’t be reflected by windshields.
The windows on the front side of the vehicle cannot reflect more than 25% of the sunlight.
The windows on the back side of the house cannot reflect more than 25% of the sun.
Only a quarter of the sunlight can be reflected by rear windows.
For MPVs
A maximum of 25% of sunlight can be reflected by windshields.
Side windows on the front of the vehicle cannot reflect more than 25% of the sun’s rays.
The windows on the back side of the house cannot reflect more than 25% of the sun.
Rear windows can only reflect a quarter of the sunlight that hits them.
How Do You Get A Medical Exemption For Window Tint In Texas?
Medical exemption for tinted windows is only granted to those who suffer from an underlying medical condition that is worsened by exposure to sunshine.
To be eligible for this type of exemption, you must first obtain a written statement from a physician who is duly licensed. In order to receive the exemption, you’ll need to contact the Texas Department of Public Safety.
If you have a medical exemption, you can have a VLT of less than 25% for your front side windows. Your windshield, on the other hand, is not covered by this exception.
You may be able to get a medical exemption for window tint if you suffer from illnesses like lupus, sun urticaria, or albinism.
Conclusion
When it comes to tinting your automobile windows in Texas, there are a few things to keep in mind, but they’re not difficult to remember and most of the restrictions currently in place are rather lax.
It is my sincere hope that my explanations of Texas’ different window tint laws have been clear and understandable to the readers out there.
If you want to learn more about Texas car restrictions, you may do so by visiting the DMV’s website, which has all the information you could possibly need.
Sources: https://micdot.com
Category: Car
