Texas is the second most populous state in the United States, with a growing population in its South Central area, sharing an international border. With 254 counties, Texas is also the largest state in the contiguous United States.
This article will provide information on Texas car window tinting laws, as well as general information about the geography and population of the state.
Texas Car Window Tinting Laws
Tint Darkness for Sedans and SUVs
Visible light transmission (VLT) is the amount of visible light that passes through a car’s windows. Windshields generally have a VLT of 25% or over, while front side windows must let at least 25% of outside light in.
Back side windows and the rear window can have a VLT of 25% or less.
Tint Reflection for Sedans and SUVs
Reflective tint is allowed on front side windows, but it cannot reflect more than 25% of visible light. Back side windows and the rear window can be reflective with no restrictions.
Other Texas Window Tint Rules and Regulations
In Texas, side mirrors are required if the back window or back side windows are tinted. Red, blue, and amber window tint colors are not allowed, but colors such as gray and bronze are permitted.
Car owners must have a certificate that verifies the window tint’s compliance with state law and displays the tint’s VLT percentage. Medical exemptions to window tint laws require a doctor’s note.
Stickers on the driver’s side window or a lower corner on the outside of the rear window must identify the window tinting’s VLT percentage and conform to state requirements.
Texas Geography and Population
State of Texas Info
Texas is the second largest state in the contiguous United States, with 268,581 square miles of land. In 2020, Texas had an estimated population of over 29 million people, making it the second most populous state.
Its largest city is Houston, followed by San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin, each having over one million inhabitants.
Cities and Counties in Texas
Some of the major cities in Texas include Houston, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi. Other notable cities include El Paso, Lubbock, Amarillo, and Plano.
Smaller cities and towns such as West, Frisco, Grand Prairie, and Brownsville all offer their own unique charm. Each of Texas’s 254 counties, from Harris County to Reeves County, has its unique geography, history, and culture to explore.
Some of the popular destinations include Marfa, where visitors can experience contemporary art exhibits and installations, and Fredericksburg, which includes a wide variety of wineries, museums, and historic landmarks.
Conclusion
Texas is a vast, diverse, and populous state that has something to offer everyone. Whether it’s exploring the natural beauty of Texas’s counties or driving around the cities, it’s essential to know the car window tinting laws and be compliant with them.
With this article’s information, readers will be able to navigate Texas’s unique geography and population while staying informed about the state’s window tinting policies.
Texas Window Tint Regulations Details
When it comes to window tinting in Texas, there are various rules and regulations that car owners must follow. Here are some of the essential details to keep in mind:
Windshield Tint
On the windshield, car owners can only have a tint that does not extend below the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. The AS-1 line is a marking on the windshield that indicates the point where the tint cannot exceed.
Additionally, the tint cannot cover more than the top 5 inches of the windshield, as this may cause visibility issues, especially at night. Reflective tint is also not allowed on the windshield.
Back Side Windows and Rear Window Tint
Texas law permits any darkness on back side windows and the rear window, as long as the vehicle has side outside mirrors. These mirrors are necessary to provide adequate visibility when backing up and changing lanes.
Without these mirrors, drivers may not be able to see other vehicles or pedestrians, leading to an increased risk of accidents.
Side Mirrors
In Texas, all cars must have dual side mirrors, regardless of whether the vehicle has aftermarket or factory tint on the back side windows or rear window. The mirrors are necessary to help the driver see as much of the surroundings as possible, especially for larger vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, and vans.
Restricted Colors
Texas law prohibits the use of red, blue, and amber window tint colors. These colors are typically reserved for emergency vehicles, such as police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks.
If a car owner is found to have window tint with these colors, they may receive a citation and have to remove the tint and have it replaced with a compliant version.
Certificates
Certificates are essential for compliance with Texas window tinting regulations. Car owners must have a certificate that verifies the installed tint’s compliance with state law and displays the tint’s VLT percentage.
The certificate should also include the film manufacturer’s name and information. The state requires installers to stock and sell only certified film approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Stickers
Car owners must have stickers on the driver’s side window or the lower corner of the outside rear window that identify the quantity of light transmitted through the tint. These stickers not only help law enforcement identify legal tinting but also protect the car owner if anyone ever questions the legality of their tint.
The stickers also indicate that the vehicle’s tint complies with regulations.
Medical Exceptions
Some car owners opt for special tinting for medical reasons, and Texas law allows this. If individuals can provide a statement from a physician that verifies their condition to require special tinting, they can obtain an exemption to the state’s window tint laws.
The exemption requires specific formulas to calculate the degree of darkness that allows for optimal visibility for the individual.
Disclaimer and Contact Information
It’s important to note that the information provided in this article may change based on the circumstances and interpretations of the law by government entities. Therefore, car owners should check with the Texas Department of Public Safety and consult with professionals to ensure that they follow the most up-to-date and correct regulations.
For any questions about Texas car window tinting laws, individuals can contact the Texas Department of Public Safety. The department can provide clarification on state-specific regulations and their interpretations while ensuring accuracy, clarity, and flexibility in various scenarios and circumstances.
In case of any discrepancies, individuals are advised to contact the department as well, to get them rectified. In summary, Texas car window tinting laws are essential for car owners to understand to maintain compliance with state regulations.
These policies serve to ensure that vehicles have safe levels of visibility and meet specific requirements for VLT, color, and size limitations. It’s equally important to stay up-to-date on the latest changes to these regulations and seek professional help if necessary to ensure compliance.
As a final thought, by adhering to Texas car window tinting laws, car owners not only avoid the risk of receiving citations and fines but also help to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road.