If you’re thinking about tinting your vehicle’s windows in Texas, the first question you should ask is: What is the legal tint limit in Texas? This is a critical question—not just for aesthetics or comfort, but for legal compliance and avoiding costly tickets.
Texas, like many states, has specific laws regulating how dark or reflective your window tint can be. These regulations exist to ensure visibility for drivers and safety for law enforcement officers. But there are also legal exceptions for individuals with qualifying medical conditions. Understanding the tint limits—and the process for getting an exemption—can help you stay protected and comfortable while remaining within the law.
In this blog, we’ll break down the legal limits for each window type, explain how law enforcement measures tint, and introduce how medical exemptions from ForeverTint allow qualifying drivers to go beyond these limits legally.
What does “window tint limit” mean?
In Texas, tint limits are based on a measurement called Visible Light Transmission (VLT). VLT is the percentage of light that passes through both the window and the tint film.
- A higher VLT percentage means more light passes through (lighter tint).
- A lower VLT percentage means less light passes through (darker tint).
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) sets different VLT requirements for different windows on your vehicle.
What is the legal tint limit in Texas for each window?
Here’s a breakdown of the current Texas window tint laws for most vehicles:
Windshield:
- Tint allowed only on the top 5 inches (above the AS-1 line)
- Must allow at least 25% VLT
- Cannot be more than 25% reflective
Front Side Windows:
- Must allow at least 25% VLT
- Cannot be more than 25% reflective
Back Side Windows:
- No minimum VLT requirement (you can go darker)
- No reflection limit
- If your vehicle is a truck, SUV, or van, any darkness is allowed as long as you have dual side mirrors
Rear Window:
- No minimum VLT requirement
- Dual side mirrors are required if rear window is tinted darker than legal limits
These rules apply to passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans—but can vary slightly for specialty or commercial vehicles.
What happens if your tint is darker than allowed?
If your tint does not meet Texas legal standards, you could face the following consequences:
- A traffic citation for illegal tint
- Fines and administrative fees
- Requirement to remove or replace the tint
- Failed vehicle inspection, preventing registration renewal
This applies even if your tint was installed professionally. It is ultimately your responsibility to ensure compliance with Texas law.
How is tint measured by law enforcement?
During a traffic stop or vehicle inspection, officers use a device called a tint meter to measure VLT. They place the device on your window to determine how much visible light is passing through.
If your front windows or windshield measure below 25% VLT, and you do not have a valid exemption, you are likely to receive a citation.
Are there any legal exceptions to the tint limit?
Yes. Texas law allows medical exemptions for individuals who need darker tint due to specific health conditions. This includes conditions like:
- Lupus
- Albinism
- Photosensitivity or photophobia
- Skin cancer or history of UV-related medical issues
- Chronic migraines or post-concussion syndrome
- Autoimmune disorders triggered by light exposure
With a valid exemption, you are allowed to legally install tint that would otherwise be too dark for the front windows or windshield.
How do you qualify for a tint exemption?
To legally go beyond Texas tint limits, you must carry a physician-signed statement—often referred to as a window tint exemption certificate. This document must:
- Be issued by a licensed Texas physician or optometrist
- Clearly state the medical necessity
- Name the specific condition
- List the duration of the exemption (temporary or permanent)
- Include the doctor’s name, contact info, and license number
- Be signed and dated
You must keep a printed copy of the exemption in your vehicle at all times and present it during traffic stops or inspections.
How can ForeverTint help with exemptions?
ForeverTint simplifies the exemption process by offering a 100% online solution tailored to Texas law. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Select Texas
- Go to ForeverTint.com and choose Texas as your state.
Step 2: Purchase the exemption package
- You’ll see a list of common qualifying conditions. If you believe you qualify—or even if you’re unsure—you can go ahead and purchase the service. If you’re not approved, you’ll receive a full refund.
Step 3: Phone consultation
- You’ll schedule a short phone call with a licensed Texas physician. There are no video calls or in-person visits required.
Step 4: Receive your exemption certificate
- If approved, you’ll receive a digitally signed and fully compliant tint exemption certificate via email. Print it and store it in your vehicle for protection.
Can I tint my windshield darker with an exemption?
Yes. With a valid medical exemption, you can install darker tint on the windshield than is normally allowed. This is especially helpful for people with conditions that affect their eyes, skin, or nervous system.
However, it’s still important to follow any limits set by your physician, and your tint installer should know how to install darker film while ensuring clear visibility and safety.
Will my vehicle still pass inspection?
Without an exemption, tint that’s too dark will cause your vehicle to fail its annual inspection in Texas.
With a valid medical exemption certificate, however, your vehicle will still pass—even if your tint exceeds standard legal limits.
Make sure to bring the printed exemption certificate with you to your inspection appointment and present it when asked.
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So, what is the legal tint limit in Texas? For most drivers:
- Windshields must have 25% VLT or higher above the AS-1 line.
- Front side windows must have 25% VLT or higher.
- Back and rear windows have no VLT limit as long as mirrors are in place.
But if you have a medical condition that justifies darker tint, you can exceed these limits legally—as long as you have a properly documented exemption.
ForeverTint makes it fast, easy, and risk-free to get your medical tint exemption. With licensed physicians, fast turnarounds, and guaranteed compliance, ForeverTint helps you stay protected, legal, and comfortable—no matter how intense the Texas sun gets.
Ready To Get Your Legal Tint Exemption?
Don’t risk a ticket or inspection failure. Visit our Texas Tint Exemption Landing Page to get your signed, physician-approved exemption and enjoy the protection of legal darker window tint—100% online.
Get your legal window tint today.
