Texas window tint laws (2026 guide)
Texas tint law allows 25% VLT on front side windows and any darkness on rear side and back windows for passenger vehicles. Front windshields may have non-reflective tint only above the AS-1 line or the top 5 inches. Medical exemptions are available for documented light-sensitivity conditions. Greenhouse Solar Control has installed legally compliant film on thousands of Houston-area vehicles, homes, and businesses for 15+ years.
What is the darkest legal tint in Texas?
The darkest legal window tint in Texas for front side windows is 25% VLT — meaning at least 25% of visible light must pass through the glass. Rear side windows and the back window have no VLT restriction and can be tinted to any darkness level, including 5% "limo tint."
The front windshield allows non-reflective tint only above the AS-1 line or the top 5 inches, whichever is greater. Use our tint percentage calculator to visualize what each VLT level looks like.
Texas window tint legal limits
Passenger vehicles · Transportation Code §547.613 · unchanged for 2026.
| Window Position | Legal VLT Minimum | Reflectivity Limit | Key Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield | Tint above AS-1 line or top 5 inches only | Non-reflective tint only | No colored or mirrored film permitted on windshield |
| Front Side Windows (driver + passenger) | 25% VLT | Must not exceed 25% reflectivity | 25% of visible light must pass through |
| Rear Side Windows | No limit — any VLT allowed | Must not exceed 25% reflectivity | Can be tinted to any darkness |
| Back Window (rear windshield) | No limit — any VLT allowed | Must not exceed 25% reflectivity | Dual side mirrors required if back window tinted below 33% |
Note: Texas law (Transportation Code §547.613) requires vehicles with tinted back windows below 33% VLT to have dual exterior side mirrors.
How to get a medical exemption for darker tint in Texas
Texas allows medical exemptions for window tint darker than 25% VLT on front side windows. A licensed physician must certify that the driver or passenger has a medical condition requiring reduced sunlight exposure — common qualifying conditions include lupus, photosensitivity disorders, melanoma history, and severe migraines triggered by light.
The signed medical statement must be carried in the vehicle at all times. The exemption does not override windshield tint restrictions — front windshield tint is limited to the top 5 inches or AS-1 line regardless of medical status.
The exemption allows front side windows to be tinted to 25% VLT or darker, depending on the physician's recommendation. There is no specific VLT floor for medical exemptions, but law enforcement retains discretion during traffic stops.
For the full application process and required documentation, see our guide on how to get a tint permit in Texas.
Tint tickets and enforcement in Texas
Texas law enforcement can issue a citation for illegal window tint during any traffic stop. A first offense for non-compliant tint typically results in a fine of $20–$25 plus court costs, bringing the total to approximately $100–$275 depending on the county. Repeat violations can carry higher fines, and some jurisdictions may require proof of tint removal before dismissing the ticket.
Officers use a tint meter (photometer) to measure VLT during traffic stops. The reading must show 25% VLT or higher on front side windows to be compliant. Factory-tinted glass on rear windows is always legal regardless of darkness.
A common misconception: 20% VLT on front side windows is NOT legal in Texas. While 20% tint is a popular shade for rear windows and is legal there, installing it on front side windows violates Transportation Code §547.613 and will result in a citation.
Texas tint laws — answered
Darkest legal tint, tickets, fines, medical exemption, 20% / 5% tint legality, factory tint, and windshield rules. Still have a question? Call (281) 961-3058.
Need legal-compliant tinting in Houston?
Greenhouse Solar Control measures factory glass VLT before recommending film, so your final combined tint meets Texas law on every window. Free on-site estimates, 15+ years of installations, lifetime workmanship warranty.
(281) 961-3058