Current Window Tint Laws in Houston, TX

Window tint laws in Houston, TX are regulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The state of Texas has specific regulations for how dark a vehicle’s windows can be tinted. These regulations are in place to ensure that drivers have a clear view of the road and to help law enforcement officers identify potential threats.

In Houston, all vehicles must comply with Texas’ window tint laws. This means that any vehicle with illegally tinted windows can be pulled over and ticketed by law enforcement officers. It is important for drivers to know the current window tint laws in Houston to avoid getting a ticket or having to remove illegal window tinting from their vehicle.

Different Regulations for Front and Rear Windows

Texas has different regulations for the front and rear windows of vehicles. The front windshield must allow at least 25% of visible light transmission (VLT) through it. This means that the windshield cannot be tinted more than 25%. There is no VLT limit on the back windshield or rear side windows.

The front side windows must allow at least 25% VLT as well, but this only applies to passenger cars, SUVs, and vans. Trucks are allowed to have darker window tints on their front side windows as long as they have dual side mirrors.

Maximum Percentage of Visible Light Transmission Allowed for Front and Back Windows

The maximum percentage of visible light transmission allowed for front side windows is 25%, which means that at least 25% of outside light must pass through the window. However, there is no limit on how dark the back windshield or rear side windows can be tinted.

For medical exemptions, there are no limits on how dark the front side windows can be tinted if an individual has a medical condition that requires it. However, the back windshield and rear side windows must still allow at least 25% of visible light transmission.

Darker Tint on Rear Windows Than on Front Windows?

Yes, drivers are allowed to have darker tint on their rear windows than on their front windows in Texas. This means that the back windshield and rear side windows can be tinted as dark as the driver desires, as long as they meet the minimum requirements for visible light transmission.

However, it is important to note that having extremely dark window tints can make it difficult for law enforcement officers to see into the vehicle. This can raise suspicion and potentially lead to being pulled over or questioned by police officers.

Exceptions to the Window Tint Laws in Texas

There are some exceptions to Texas’ window tint laws. These exceptions include:

• Vehicles with factory-installed tinting that meets state regulations
• Vehicles used by law enforcement agencies
• Vehicles used for medical purposes, such as transporting individuals with medical conditions that require darker window tints
• Vehicles with rear side mirrors if front side window tints are too dark

It is important for drivers to understand these exceptions and ensure that they meet the specific criteria before assuming they are exempt from window tint laws.

Medical Exemptions for Individuals with Certain Medical Conditions That Require Darker Tinting

In Texas, individuals with certain medical conditions may be eligible for a medical exemption from window tint laws. These exemptions allow for darker window tints on the front side windows of a vehicle, as long as the back windshield and rear side windows still meet the minimum requirements for visible light transmission.

To obtain a medical exemption, individuals must have a prescription from a licensed physician stating that they require darker window tints due to a medical condition. The prescription must be carried in the vehicle at all times and presented to law enforcement officers if requested.

Legalities of Colored or Reflective Tint on Car Windows in Houston, TX

In Texas, it is illegal to have colored or reflective tint on car windows. This type of tint can make it difficult for law enforcement officers to see into the vehicle and can also be distracting to other drivers on the road.

If a driver is found with colored or reflective tint on their windows, they can be ticketed and required to remove the illegal tinting from their vehicle.

Consequences of Violating Window Tint Laws in Texas

If a driver violates Texas’ window tint laws, they can face consequences such as:

• A fine ranging from $157 to $250 per violation
• Having to remove illegal window tinting from their vehicle
• Potentially failing an inspection if the vehicle does not comply with state regulations
• Being pulled over and questioned by law enforcement officers due to suspicious window tints

It is important for drivers in Houston to comply with Texas’ window tint laws to avoid these consequences.

How Law Enforcement Officers Measure the Level of Tint on a Vehicle’s Windows

Law enforcement officers use a device called a photometer to measure the level of tint on a vehicle’s windows. The photometer measures the amount of visible light transmission through the window and compares it to the legal limit set by Texas state regulations.

If a driver is pulled over for suspicious window tints, law enforcement officers may use a photometer to measure the level of tint on the vehicle’s windows and determine if it is in compliance with state laws.

Possible Ticket for Having Illegal Window Tint Even if You Purchased the Vehicle with It Already Installed?

Yes, drivers can still receive a ticket for having illegal window tint even if they purchased the vehicle with it already installed. It is ultimately the responsibility of the driver to ensure that their vehicle complies with Texas’ window tint laws.

If a driver purchases a used vehicle with illegal window tinting, they will need to have it removed or replaced with legal tinting to avoid getting ticketed by law enforcement officers in Houston.

Removing Illegal Window Tint Yourself or by a Professional?

While some drivers may attempt to remove illegal window tint themselves, it is recommended that they seek professional assistance. Removing window tint can be difficult and time-consuming, and attempting to do so without proper tools or experience can result in damage to the vehicle’s windows.

There are many reputable shops in Houston that specialize in removing and replacing window tints. Drivers should research these shops and ensure that they comply with state regulations before having any work done on their vehicle’s windows.

Reputable Shops in Houston That Specialize in Installing Legal Window Tints?

There are many reputable shops in Houston that specialize in installing legal window tints. Some popular options include:

• Sun Tint
• Auto Window Tinting
• Tint World
• Executive Motorsports

Drivers should research these shops and read reviews from previous customers before choosing one to install legal window tints on their vehicle.

Sunroof Affecting the Legality of Your Car’s Window Tints?

A sunroof does not affect the legality of a car’s window tints in Texas. The same regulations apply to vehicles with or without sunroofs.

However, it is important for drivers to ensure that their sunroof does not have any tinting that exceeds the legal limit set by Texas state regulations.

Using Aftermarket Films or Sprays to Darken Your Car’s Windows Legal in Texas?

No, using aftermarket films or sprays to darken a car’s windows is not legal in Texas. All window tinting must be applied by a professional and comply with state regulations for visible light transmission.

If a driver is found with aftermarket films or sprays on their windows, they can be ticketed and required to remove the illegal tinting from their vehicle.

Recent Changes or Updates to Texas’ Window Tint Laws That Drivers Should Be Aware Of?

The most recent change to Texas’ window tint laws was made in 2019. This change allows drivers with medical conditions that require darker window tints to obtain a medical exemption from state regulations.

It is important for drivers in Houston to stay up-to-date on any changes or updates made to Texas’ window tint laws to ensure that they are complying with state regulations at all times.

In conclusion, it is important for drivers in Houston, TX to be aware of the window tint laws in Texas to avoid any potential legal consequences.

Is a 5% tint legal in Texas?

According to the law, cars are allowed to have 5% tint on the back side windows and rear windows if equipped with side mirrors. However, 5% tinting is not permitted on the front or passenger windows unless the vehicle qualifies for an exemption.

Can you get away with 20% tint in Texas?

Simply put, tinted windows in Texas are required to let in at least 25% of light, meaning that heavily tinted windows are not allowed.

Is 70% tint legal in Texas?

In Texas, car windshields are required to allow at least 70% of outdoor light to pass through, and any tinted windshield must have a luminous reflectance level no higher than 25%. This reflects how much light is reflected by the window. Texas prohibits the use of red, amber, and blue tints.

What is the Texas code for window tint?

The windows located directly next to the driver must have a light transmission value of at least 25% and a luminous reflectance of 25% or less across the entire surface. However, there are no specific requirements for the windows located behind the driver on both sides.

What is the darkest legal tint?

The state of California limits the amount of tint allowed on the top 4 inches of windshields and requires front side windows to allow at least 70% of light to pass through. There are no restrictions on the level of tint darkness for back side windows and the rear window.

What is the darkest car tint?

Factory tint on vehicles typically falls between 15% and 20%, with 5% being the darkest available. However, 5% tint is illegal in most states and makes it impossible to see through the windows. This level of tint is commonly used on the back windows of private vehicles and limousines.