Texas Window Tint Law: What’s Legal and What’s Not

When you’re thinking about tinting your car windows in Texas, you’re not just making a style choice—you’re dealing with a Texas window tint law, a set of state regulations that define how dark your car windows can be and which windows are allowed to be tinted. Also known as window tint regulations, these rules are enforced by law enforcement and can result in tickets if you’re not compliant. Unlike some states that let you tint all windows the same, Texas has different limits for each window, and it’s not just about how dark it looks—it’s about how much light passes through.

The key number you need to remember is 70%. That’s the minimum visible light transmission (VLT) allowed for front side windows. If your tint lets in less than 70% of light, you’re breaking the law. Rear windows and back seat windows can be darker—down to 25% VLT—but only if your car has dual side mirrors. Without them, even the rear windows must stay at 70%. Windshields? You can only tint the top 5 inches, no darker than 25% VLT. Any tint below that line is illegal, no exceptions. And yes, police can pull you over just for checking your tint from the outside. They don’t need another reason.

Medical exemptions exist in Texas, but they’re not automatic. You need a signed document from a licensed doctor stating you have a condition like lupus or severe photosensitivity. Even then, the tint can’t be darker than 25% VLT on front windows. And you must carry that paperwork in the car at all times. A lot of people think aftermarket tint films labeled "legal" are safe, but that’s not true. Only the final installed VLT matters, and many cheap kits go way below the legal limit. Even if you bought it from a reputable shop, if the installer didn’t test the final result with a meter, you’re still at risk.

What about reflective or metallic tint? Those are banned entirely in Texas. Mirrored, colored, or flashing tints are illegal because they distract other drivers. You also can’t use red, amber, or blue tint—those colors are reserved for emergency vehicles. And while some people think tinting the rear windows means they’re safe from scrutiny, that’s not how it works. Officers can still issue tickets for rear tint if your mirrors are missing or if the tint is too dark.

There’s no grace period. If you get pulled over and your tint is too dark, you’ll get a citation. You can fix it and show proof to the court to get it dismissed, but you still pay the court fee. And if you get two violations in a year, you could face a $200 fine per offense. Insurance companies don’t care if you’re fixing it—they’ll still see the ticket on your record, and some might raise your rates.

What you’ll find below are real-world guides on how to check your tint legally, what tools to use, how to avoid common mistakes, and what to do if you’re already tinted too dark. We’ve pulled from posts that cover everything from how to measure VLT with a meter to which tint brands actually meet Texas standards. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what you need to stay legal and keep your car looking sharp without risking a fine.