Since 2009, the state of Texas has been under regulation regarding window treatment and accessories for all types of vehicles including sedans, SUVs and vans.

With there being such a demand for the popular auto accessory installation of a window tint, it’s pretty important to get familiar with these regulations. From privacy and heat rejection to the sheer aesthetic value, read our other article “6 Reasons You Should Get a Window Tint for Your Wheels” to learn more about the benefits of window treatment.

Back to knowing the laws surrounding your window tint, it’s the Texas Department of Public Safety who outlines the regulation that car manufacturers and dealerships must adhere to when getting your vehicle fit for the highway.

Luckily, our ASE-certified technicians know these regulations like the back of your chassis and can give you a quick break-down.

1.    The Windshield

The windshield has the most regulation as it provides the driver with the most road visibility. If the windshield has a window treatment beyond regulation, it may hinder driver visibility and cause a collision. Therefore:

a.    A window tint must have a visible light transmission (VLT) of 25% or more

b.    Any window application must have a reflection value below 25%

c.    Window tints on the windshield cannot be red, amber or blue

d.    They need to be applied above the AS-1 line (or end 5-inches below the top if there is no AS-1 line)

2.    Driver Side Windows

Driver side windows are located to the immediate left and right of you when you’re in the driver’s seat. They allow you visibility of your sideview mirrors; so, if these are blocked, the result is much like with the windshield. Because of this, the window treatment regulation follows most of the same rules for driver side windows as it does for the windshield.

a.    The window tint must allow for at least 25% VLT

b.    The windows must maintain a reflection value below the 25% threshold

3.    Passenger Side Windows

Unlike with the driver side windows, the passenger side windows do not have any window tint regulation and can actually have any auto accessory installation including dark window tints.

These windows are located to the immediate right and left of your passengers and simply allow them a good view of the scenery. They can also provide you – as the driver – with more visibility and light when driving.

4.    The Rear Window

The regulation for rear window tinting is dependent on your sideview mirrors. If you have two operable sideview mirrors, there are no regulations that restrict you on the VLT percentage, reflection percentage or the color of the tint.

However, there are regulations if you only have one operable sideview mirror. Having one sideview mirror is not in violation of the Texas Transportation Code; you are only in violation when you have no operable sideview mirrors. These regulations are:

a.    You must have a window tint with at least 25% VLT

b.    You must not allow more than 25% reflection

5.    Medical Exemptions

If you need a window treatment on your vehicle that falls outside of any of these regulations, you’ll need to apply for medical exemption. This is a notice certification that can be provided to your dealership and law enforcement when requested.

You’ll first need to obtain a form from your optometrist, general physician or ophthalmologist. This form should prescribe the need for law exemption to safeguard your health along with the health of passengers, other road users and pedestrians. Then, you can apply via the Texas Department of Public Safety.

6.    Labels and Stickers

When you have had a window tint (regardless of how many windows and which windows you tint), you need to ensure the legal labels are applied. These state that your vehicle’s window treatment is compliant with the current regulation.

The sticker should be applied between the tint film and the glass in the rearmost bottom corner of the driver’s side window. The sticker should state “Complies with TRC Chapter 547” or “Complies with TTC 547.613 (b)” as well as other optional information such as the manufacturer or installer.

And that concludes our overview of the Texan regulations for your window tint. To learn more, you can either contact the team or review the online Texas Administrative Code (Title 37, Part 1, Rule 21.3).

Did we mention our Dealership Autoplex Collision Center team is ASE-certified? It means you can expect we know our visible light transmission rules from our reflection rules when it comes to your vehicle’s windows.

So, for a trusted auto accessory installation service of a window tint, holler the team today. We can be found on our website, by email, on the phone at (972) 242-0092 or right here at the shop in Carrollton, TX.