If you’ve been approved for a medical window tint exemption in Texas, you might assume that your darker tint will no longer attract law enforcement attention. However, many drivers still ask: Can police still pull me over if I have a tint exemption in Texas?
The short answer is yes. Even with a valid exemption, law enforcement officers are allowed to initiate a traffic stop if they believe your tint violates state regulations. Having a medical exemption doesn’t prevent the stop—it simply protects you from being cited once you provide valid documentation.
In this blog, we’ll explain why you might still be pulled over, how to handle the situation legally and respectfully, and how ForeverTint can ensure your documentation is fully compliant to avoid unnecessary problems.
What are the standard tint laws in Texas?
To understand why police may still stop you, it’s important to first understand Texas tint laws. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety:
- Windshield: Only allowed to have tint on the top 5 inches (above the AS-1 line). Must allow at least 25% of visible light.
- Front side windows: Must allow more than 25% of visible light through (VLT).
- Back side and rear windows: Can be any darkness on passenger vehicles.
Tint that appears darker than these limits—especially on the front side windows—is likely to draw police attention. Officers cannot visually determine whether you have a medical exemption while driving, so they may still pull you over to investigate.
Can police legally stop you even with a valid exemption?
Yes. Police can legally stop any vehicle they believe may be violating tint laws. This is considered a valid reason for initiating a traffic stop, even if it turns out that the driver is compliant due to a medical exemption.
This is not a violation of your rights. Law enforcement has the authority to investigate apparent infractions. If your tint looks too dark, the officer is within legal bounds to stop your vehicle and request further documentation.
What protects you from being ticketed?
What protects you isn’t the tint itself—it’s the documentation you carry with you.
To avoid a citation, you must present a valid medical window tint exemption certificate that includes the following:
- A statement of medical necessity
- The medical condition being treated
- Duration of the exemption (temporary or permanent)
- The name, license number, and contact info of the licensed physician or optometrist
- The physician’s signature and the date issued
This certificate confirms that your darker tint is medically necessary and legally permitted under Texas law.
What should you do during a traffic stop?
If you’re pulled over for your window tint, here’s how to handle the stop respectfully and effectively:
1. Stay calm and cooperative
- Remain respectful and follow all instructions from the officer.
2. Inform them that you have a tint exemption
- Politely state that your tint is darker due to a documented medical exemption.
3. Present your printed exemption certificate
- Provide the document alongside your license and registration. Keep it in your glove box for easy access.
4. Wait for verification
- Once the officer reviews your exemption, they should allow you to continue without issuing a citation—assuming your paperwork is valid and complete.
What happens if you don’t have your exemption with you?
If you’re pulled over and don’t have your exemption certificate in the vehicle, you may still be ticketed. Verbal explanations are not enough—officers need to see proof.
Without the physical document:
- You may receive a citation
- You may be required to remove or adjust your tint
- You’ll have to contest the ticket in court and provide the exemption later
This is why keeping a printed copy of your certificate in your vehicle at all times is essential.
Can police reject your exemption?
Yes—if it doesn’t meet the legal requirements. A valid Texas tint exemption certificate must:
- Be issued by a licensed Texas physician or optometrist
- Include all required information (medical necessity, duration, provider info, etc.)
- Be signed and dated
Documents that are vague, incomplete, or issued by an unlicensed provider may be dismissed as invalid, leading to citations or failed inspections.
How does ForeverTint help ensure your exemption is accepted?
ForeverTint eliminates the guesswork and ensures your certificate is legally valid and formatted according to Texas law. Here’s how their process works:
1. Select Texas on the website
- Start by visiting ForeverTint.com and choosing Texas to ensure your exemption follows local laws.
2. Purchase the exemption package
- Review the list of qualifying conditions. If you believe you qualify, you can confidently move forward. ForeverTint offers a 100% refund if you are not approved.
3. Schedule a brief phone consultation
- You’ll speak with a licensed physician for 5–10 minutes to discuss your qualifying condition. No video or in-person visits are needed.
4. Receive your signed certificate via email
- Once approved, you’ll receive a PDF certificate that includes all required legal details. Print it and store it in your vehicle.
Thousands of Texans have used this process to obtain and present valid tint exemptions during police stops—without any issues.
Why might a valid-looking certificate still be a problem?
Not all certificates are created equal. If your certificate:
- Doesn’t list a specific medical condition
- Lacks a signature or license number
- Isn’t issued by a provider licensed in Texas
- Is handwritten on generic stationery
…then it may still be rejected, even if you obtained it from a real doctor.
ForeverTint ensures all certificates are written, signed, and formatted specifically to meet the expectations of Texas law enforcement.
Do exemptions also protect you during vehicle inspections?
Yes. If your tint is too dark to pass standard inspection but you present a valid medical exemption, your vehicle will still pass.
As with traffic stops, the key is to have your printed certificate available and ready to show the inspector.
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So, can police still pull me over if I have a tint exemption in Texas? Yes, they can. Having a medical exemption does not prevent a traffic stop, but it does protect you from receiving a ticket—as long as you have the correct documentation.
Always keep a printed copy of your valid exemption certificate in your vehicle. And if you want to make sure it’s written correctly and legally formatted, ForeverTint is the safest and most convenient solution.
Ready To Get Your Legal Tint Exemption?
Avoid unnecessary tickets and confusion. Visit our Texas Tint Exemption landing page to purchase your Texas tint exemption and get a fully compliant certificate signed by a licensed physician.
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