Window Tinting Standards
Window Tint Standards can be found in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 1, Rule§21.1.
Note: Windows immediately to the right and left of the driver that have less than 25% light transmission will fail inspection, regardless of the year model of the vehicle.
Windshield
- Sunscreen devices must be applied above the AS-1 line. If there is no AS-1 line, sunscreen devices must end five inches below the top of the windshield.
- Sunscreen devices may not be red, amber, or blue in color.
- Sunscreen devices, when measured in combination with the original glass, must have a light transmittance value of 25% or more.
- Sunscreen devices, when measured in combination with the original glass, must have a luminous reflectance value of 25% or less.
- A clear (un-tinted) UV film is allowed anywhere on the front windshield without a medical exemption being required.
Side Windows to The Right and Left of The Driver
- Sunscreen devices, when measured in combination with the original glass, have a light transmittance value of 25% or more.
- Sunscreen 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
Rear Window
- 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 sunscreen devices applied to the rear window.
If a motor vehicle is not equipped with such mirrors then the rear window must meet the following standards:
- Sunscreen devices, when measured in combination with the original glass, must have a light transmittance value of 25% or more.
- Sunscreen devices, when measured in combination with the original glass, must have a luminous reflectance value of 25% or less.
Window Tint Exemptions
Below are the exemptions to Window Tint requirements.
- Vehicles used to transport passengers on a regular basis for a fee, (i.e., taxi, limousine, and buses).
- Vehicles that are maintained by a law enforcement agency and used for law enforcement purposes.
- Vehicles used by persons with medical permits. Drivers of these vehicles must present a letter of authorization from the Texas Department of Public Safety to gain this exemption.
Motorists may request a medical exemption from the Texas Department of Public Safety by submitting an application and a signed statement or prescription 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.
Note: The medical exemption allows motorists to place a darker tint on the front 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.
Window Tint Label
View the Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 547.613, Restrictions on Windows.