Texas has some of the strictest window tint laws in the country, but many drivers with legitimate medical conditions need more protection than these laws allow. That’s where window tint exemptions come into play. These exemptions allow individuals with qualifying health conditions to legally install darker window tint than the standard limits set by the state.
Whether you’re new to the idea of tint exemptions or simply want to ensure you’re following the law, understanding window tint exemptions in Texas can save you from costly tickets, failed inspections, and unnecessary legal risks. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from who qualifies to how to get a legal exemption through trusted services like ForeverTint.
What is a window tint exemption?
A window tint exemption is a special permission granted to drivers who have a medical need for reduced sun exposure while in their vehicles. With an exemption, you’re allowed to install darker-than-legal window tint on certain windows of your car—primarily the front side windows and windshield, where standard limits would otherwise apply.
In Texas, this exemption is not issued by the DMV or a government office. Instead, it comes in the form of a signed medical document from a licensed physician or optometrist. This document, when formatted correctly, serves as your legal protection from tint-related citations or inspection issues.
Why do tint exemptions exist in Texas?
While tint laws are designed to ensure driver visibility and road safety, they don’t account for individuals who have light-sensitive medical conditions. The Texas Department of Public Safety allows exemptions to prevent health complications for people who are affected by:
- UV exposure
- Glare
- Bright light
- Heat sensitivity
- Autoimmune responses to sunlight
The exemption is a reasonable accommodation that enables these individuals to drive safely and comfortably without breaking the law.
What are the standard tint laws in Texas?
Before we dive deeper into the exemption process, it helps to understand the legal tint limits in Texas for most drivers:
- Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 25% of visible light transmission (VLT)
- Windshield: Tint is only allowed on the top 5 inches or above the AS-1 line, and must allow more than 25% VLT
- Back Side Windows and Rear Window: Can be tinted as dark as desired (on most vehicle types)
If you tint your front windows or windshield darker than allowed without an exemption, you could be ticketed, required to remove the tint, or fail your state inspection.
Who qualifies for a window tint exemption?
You may qualify for a tint exemption in Texas if you have a medical condition that makes standard window tint limits unsafe for you. Common qualifying conditions include:
- Lupus
- Photosensitivity or photophobia
- Skin cancer or history of UV-related damage
- Albinism
- Chronic migraines triggered by light
- Autoimmune disorders aggravated by sun exposure
- Post-concussion syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
This list is not exhaustive. If your condition causes symptoms that are worsened by light or heat, you may be eligible for an exemption.
What documentation is required?
Texas Tint Law requires that you carry a signed statement or prescription from a licensed physician or optometrist. This document is what most people refer to as the “tint exemption certificate.”
To be considered valid, your certificate must include:
- A clear statement of medical necessity
- The name of the condition
- The duration of the exemption (temporary or permanent)
- The physician’s name, contact info, and license number
- The physician’s signature and date of issue
This document must be kept in your vehicle at all times and shown to law enforcement or vehicle inspectors upon request.
Is there a form or application process through the state?
Unlike some other states, Texas does not have an official government-issued tint exemption form or online application. You do not submit anything to the DMV or Department of Public Safety. Your doctor’s note or certificate is your only required documentation.
Because of this, it’s especially important that your certificate is correctly formatted and legally valid. Improperly written notes are one of the top reasons people with real medical needs still get ticketed.
Can any doctor write the exemption?
The certificate must be issued by a licensed medical doctor (MD) or optometrist practicing in Texas. While your personal doctor may write one for you, many are unfamiliar with the legal formatting requirements, which can lead to incomplete or unusable documentation.
That’s where specialized services like ForeverTint come in.
How does ForeverTint help with window tint exemptions?
ForeverTint offers an online, fully compliant service that makes it easy to get your exemption:
Step 1: Select your state
- Go to ForeverTint.com and choose Texas. This ensures your process follows state-specific laws.
Step 2: Purchase the exemption package
- Review qualifying conditions, and if you believe you’re eligible, go ahead and purchase the service. If you don’t qualify, you’ll receive a full refund—no risk involved.
Step 3: Phone consultation
- You’ll schedule a quick 5–10 minute consultation with a licensed Texas physician. No in-person visit is required.
Step 4: Receive your certificate
- If approved, you’ll receive a legally formatted, physician-signed tint exemption certificate via email. Simply print it and keep it in your vehicle.
What happens during a traffic stop?
Even with a valid exemption, law enforcement may still pull you over if your windows appear darker than allowed. They cannot tell you’re exempt just by looking. When this happens:
- Remain calm and inform the officer that you have a medical tint exemption.
- Provide your printed certificate.
- If the certificate is valid and complete, you should be allowed to continue without citation.
Always keep a printed version of your certificate in the car, even if you have a digital copy on your phone.
Does a tint exemption affect your state inspection?
Yes—but in a good way. Normally, darker tint would cause your vehicle to fail inspection. However, if you present a valid medical exemption during your inspection, your vehicle can still pass—even if the tint doesn’t meet standard limits.
Again, the key is having a correctly formatted, legally valid certificate.
–
Understanding window tint exemptions in Texas is essential for drivers with medical conditions who need extra protection from sunlight. While the state doesn’t offer a formal application process, it does allow for legally recognized exemptions based on a doctor’s recommendation.
The most important part of this process is making sure your exemption is written correctly and meets all legal requirements. That’s why so many Texans choose ForeverTint for a fast, secure, and 100% compliant solution.
With their risk-free model, licensed physicians, and same-day processing, ForeverTint helps you get the protection you need—without the worry.
Ready To Get Your Legal Tint Exemption?
Protect your health, stay compliant, and avoid unnecessary tickets. Visit our Texas Tint Exemption Landing Page to start the process and receive your doctor-approved, Texas-legal tint exemption certificate—100% online.
Get your legal window tint today.
