Texas Window Tint Laws (Fully Explained)

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Geoff Cudd

Geoff Cudd

I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When I’m not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact.

I run a cause marketing agency and serve on the board of Vayu Global Health where we are disrupting the medical industry and preventing the needless deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth.

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If you're a Texas driver considering window tinting or just ensuring your vehicle is compliant, understanding Texas window tint laws is crucial.

These laws determine how dark and reflective your window tints can be, and they're enforced to ensure safety on the roads.

In this post, we'll fully explain Texas's specific regulations regarding window tinting, covering everything from permissible tint percentages to rules about reflectivity and color.

So whether you're looking to tint your car windows for the first time or checking if your current tint adheres to Texas standards, this guide will provide the clarity you need to stay within the law.

Is Window Tinting Legal?

Many car owners often wonder if window tint is legal. This is because many of them would love to tint their windows.

If you follow the laws of your state regarding window tint, then yes, it's legal. However, you'll have to check each of these laws individually.

Texas Window Tint Laws for Cars

The following are Texas window tint laws for cars;

• Windshield: should be 25% VLT tint or more above the top 5 inches or the carmaker's AS-1 line.
• Front Side Windows: should be 25% light in at the minimum.
• Rear Windows: should allow a minimum of 25% light in if there are no side mirrors.
• Back Window: no limitations.
• Tint Reflection: should not be more than 25%
• Other Restrictions: colors such as red, amber, and blue are prohibited on your tinted windows.
• Certificates: Tint makers are expected to certify the film they sell in Texas.
• Stickers: It is needed to identify the tinting between the film and the glass on the driver's window.

There are medical exemptions for window film in the state of Texas.

Tint Percentage for Sedans in Texas

The minimum level of Tint that can be applied to a car's windshield is 25% VLT. On the other hand, the front side windows should be at least 25% light in.

If you have rear windows and don't have side mirrors, you should have 25% VLT. On the other hand, you can tint the back window with any percentage of VLT.

Texas Window Tint Laws for SUVs and Vans

Under Texas laws, the minimum level of Tint that can be applied to a car's windshield is 25% VLT. On the other hand, the front side windows should be at least 25% light in.

If you have rear windows and don't have side mirrors, you should have 25% VLT. On the other hand, you can tint the back window with any percentage of VLT.

Texas Window Tint Laws for Passenger Vehicles

The Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 1, Rule 21.3, provides the legal percentage for passenger car windows.

The state's window tint law for passenger vehicles also states that the value of the film on the front windshield should be above the AS-1 line, while the rear windshield should be less than 25%.

Cost of a Window Tint Ticket

Most people asked about the cost of a ticket for window tint in Texas typically don't know how it is. The fine can vary depending on the county where you live.

In Texas, you should follow the rules to avoid getting pulled over by law enforcement officials.

If you get your first ticket for window tint violations, you can expect a fine of around $20 to $25.

If you get another access for not removing the Tint, your penalty could be as high as $275.

Texas Medical Tint Exemptions

In Texas, getting a medical exemption for window tint is possible. You must contact the Department of Public Safety to apply for this exemption.

You must have a signed statement from an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or physician.

This statement must explain the reason for the exemption and how the tint law affects the driver's health.

You can have a medical waiver to reduce the film's VLT level to less than 25% on the front side windows.

Is 5 or 20% Tint Legal in Texas?

The answer is no. In Texas, you can't tint a car's windows with a light transmittance value of less than 25%.

However, this only applies to people with certain eye conditions. Through a medical exemption, drivers with these conditions can disregard the state's tint law and still enjoy the benefits of legally tintable cars.

Types of Car Window Tints

1. Dyed Window Tint

This type of window tint has a layer of dye and glue inside it, which can help enhance the appearance of the car. It can also help people reduce their expenses.

2. Hybrid Window Tint

If you're looking for an incredibly resilient window tint, this is the route for you. The hybrid film is made up of metalized and dyed tints and can effectively block out ultraviolet rays and heat.

It's also very strong and can withstand various types of activities.

3. Metallized Window Tint

The metalized window tint is made up of metallic particles. This makes it incredibly dense, which is why it's a great choice for people who want to avoid fading and discoloration.

Average Cost for Car Window Tint

The average car window tint cost is around $100 to $400 for a standard non-reflective film.

However, the price can go up to hundreds of dollars for better quality films such as ceramic or special ones.

The cost of car window tint can vary depending on the type of film used. Due to technological advancements, the quality of these films has changed.

The price of car window tint depends on the heat rejection of the film. In addition to this, other factors, such as the size of the window and the number of windows, are also taken into account to come up with an estimate.

Ceramic films are known to cost more than dye films. This is because of the high quality of these films and their technology.

The longevity of ceramic films over dye films is also higher. However, dye films can lead to faster degradation and can cause discoloration.

The ceramic film used for car window tint is the highest quality available. It doesn't contain any metal or dye, and it doesn't obstruct various electronic devices, such as GPS and radio signals.

The higher price is also justified by the latest technology used to make car window tints.

For instance, a hybrid version of ceramic film known as nano-ceramic is used. This type of film has various advantages, such as durability and heat rejection.

One of the most essential factors you should consider when choosing car window tint is the safety of your vehicle.

This film can prevent unwanted accidents and keep the interior temperature comfortable.

Another great benefit of ceramic film is that it can block the heat coming from the sun. This makes it one of the tops recommended car window tint products.

How to Remove Window Tint from Cars

There are several ways to remove your car window tint. They include the following:

Using a Steamer​

Roll the window down a little to make sure that the top surface of the window tint is visible.

Using a steamer about two inches away from the window, steam the entire outer surface of the window to remove the adhesive. Doing so will help speed up the adhesive's dissolution process.

Once the window has been thoroughly steamed, carefully lift the corners using a sharp object.

If the Tint edges don't come off quickly, apply more steam to loosen the adhesive. Repeat the process on the inside surface.

The outer surface of the window tint can be easily removed by carefully peeling it off with your hands. Continue to apply steam to the tint in areas where it is particularly sticky.

Using a Hair Dryer​

Although using a hair dryer is an effective way to loosen the window tint's adhesive, it might take some patience to fully get the job done. To make sure that the top surface of the window is visible, roll the window down a little.

Run a hairdryer over one corner of the window tint to allow the glue to melt. Use a razor to remove the edge. This method will also work.

As you peel the window tint, continue running the hair dryer over it in the area you're working on. Doing so will allow the glue to melt and allow you to easily remove it.

Using Ammonia or Soap and Water​

To protect your car's interior from the effects of ammonia, use plastic sheets or garbage bags to cover the inside of the window frame and doors.

To ensure that the bags fit the size of the windows, cut them into pieces. To help the garbage bags stick, you can use a combination of water and soap on the outside of the windows.

Ensure that the interior windows are sprayed with ammonia and covered with garbage bags. Place the bags on top of the windows and let them stay up for 1 or 2 hours.

Using a sharp object, carefully remove the window tint. Slowly peel the outer surface of the window tint away. If any parts get stuck, use the blade to lift it up.