22/6/23, 14:57 Window Tinting Standards | Department of Public Safety

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Window Tinting Standards

Window Tint Standards can be found in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 1, Rule 21.3. VI Home

NOTE: Windows immediately to the right and left of the driver that have less than 25% light
transmission will fail inspection, regardless of the model year of the vehicle. Overview

Windshield
Laws & Regulations
Sunscreening devices can be applied to the windshield if all of the conditions below are met.

1. Sunscreening devices must be applied above the AS-1 line. If there is no AS-1 line,
Licensing & Registration
sunscreening devices must end five inches below the top of the windshield.

2. Sunscreening devices may not be red, amber, or blue in color.

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3. Sunscreening devices, when measured in combination with the original glass, must have a
light transmittance value of 25% or more.
Reports & Statistics
4. Sunscreening devices, when measured in combination with the original glass, must have a
luminous reflectance value of 25% or less.
Forms
5. A clear (un-tinted) UV film is allowed anywhere on the front windshield without a medical
exemption being required.
Annual Regulatory
Side Windows to The Right and Left of The Report

Driver
Sunscreening devices can be applied to the side windows to the right and left of the driver if the Advisory Committee
following conditions are met.

1. Sunscreening devices, when measured in combination with the original glass, have a light FAQs
transmittance value of 25% or more.

2. Sunscreening devices, when measured in combination with the original glass, have a Submit a Complaint
luminous reflectance value of 25% or less.

Side Windows to The Rear of The Driver Contact Us

These windows are completely exempted from regulation under the Texas Transportation Code.

Rear Window
A sunscreening device can be applied to the rear window of the vehicle if the following conditions
are met.

1. If a motor vehicle is equipped with an outside mirror on each side of the vehicle that reflects
to the vehicle operator a view of the roadway for a distance of at least 200 feet from the rear
of the vehicle then there are no restrictions regarding the sunscreening devices applied to
the rear window.

If a motor vehicle is not equipped with such mirrors then the rear window must meet the
following standards:

1. Sunscreening devices, when measured in combination with the original glass, must have a
light transmittance value of 25% or more.

2. Sunscreening devices, when measured in combination with the original glass, must have a
luminous reflectance value of 25% or less.

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Window Tint Exemptions

Below are the exemptions to Window Tint requirements.

1. Law Enforcement - Vehicles that are maintained by a law enforcement agency and used for
law enforcement purposes.

2. Medical Exception - used by persons for medical reasons.

3. Passenger Transport – vehicles used to transport passengers on a regular basis for a fee, (i.e.,
taxi, limousine, and buses).

Medical Tint Exception

If a motorist needs a vehicle's windows tinted on the two front windows darker than the 25%
requirement, because of a medical condition, a medical exception is required.

ACQUIRE A MEDICAL EXEMPTION

Motorists must obtain a signed medical exemption statement from a licensed physician or
licensed optometrist, which should:

Identify with reasonable specificity the driver or occupant of the vehicle; and

State that, in the physician's or optometrist's professional opinion, the equipping of the
vehicle with sunscreening devices is necessary to safeguard the health of the driver or
occupant of the vehicle.

NOTE: The signed medical exemption statement will suffice as proof of a medical exception.

NOTICE

As of 01/01/2019 the Texas Department of Public Safety, Regulatory Services Division, will no
longer issue Window Tint Exemption Certificates. The Department will not be accepting, nor
reviewing applications for the certificate.

VEHICLE OPERATION

Motorists must present this signed medical exemption statement when the vehicle is
presented for annual inspection.

Motorist must keep the signed medical exemption statement in the vehicle and present it to
an officer in case of a traffic stop.

Window Tint Label

The language of 547.609 of the Texas Transportation Code was interpreted by the Department as
requiring one label for each vehicle regardless of how many windows had sunscreening devices
applied to them.  As a result, in Chapter 21 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), TXDPS
requires that only one label be attached to the rearmost, bottom corner of the driver’s side
window of the vehicle.  The passenger side is optional.  The content of the label shall include
“Complies with TRC Chapter 547” (or “Complies with TTC 547.613 (b)” which is currently
utilized).  Any other information on the label, including the installer’s name, is optional.

Resources
View the Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 547.613, Restrictions on Windows.

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