4 Automotive Window Tinting Laws for the State of Texas

If you are interested in tinting your vehicle's windows, you should familiarize yourself with state laws. Failure to do so exposes you to fines and the expense of removing and replacing car tints. Here are auto window tinting laws for the state of Texas.

1. Red, Amber, or Blue Color Tints Are Illegal

Experienced and professional auto glass garages offer tint products in various colors. Shade variety allows car owners to choose a tinted hue that meets their preferences and needs. For instance, some people prefer a blue tint to match their vehicle's blue body. However, you should know that Texas laws restrict the tint color you can apply to your car's windows.

Currently, Texas has banned red, amber, and blue automotive tints. Although all the other colors are acceptable, the state's tinting regulations change depending on your county of residence. Therefore, check with the local Department of Motor Vehicles regularly for any updates to tint color laws.

2. Used Car Buyers Incur Penalties

Used cars in yards usually have tints of various kinds to add sleek visual aesthetics. Dealers do so to attract buyers because the laws do not affect vehicles on sale. However, most people assume that used car sellers follow tinting regulations. Therefore, most buyers do not bother to change the sunscreen device once they have purchased a used car.

According to state regulations, however, anyone who purchases and drives a used car with an illegal tint is liable for a fine. However, you cannot fault a dealer for selling a vehicle with illegal tinting because tinting laws do not apply to used cars in sales lots.

The best way to avoid any problems is to buy a tint-free used car. This allows you the freedom to hire professional automotive glass services to install tint that complies with state ordinances. 

3. Display of Identification Sticker is Mandatory

When law enforcement officers stop a motorist for potential automotive tint violations, the first thing they do is look for the window compliance label. The Texas Transportation Code requires that car owners place a sticker at the bottom corner of a car's driver-side window.

Additionally, the identification sticker should be between the film and the glass. The label allows quick access by a law enforcement officer for verification purposes.

If you do not have a sticker, law enforcement officers might be unable to measure specific components such as tint light transmittance value. Thus, you can get a citation and a fine for automotive window tinting violations if you do not have the identification sticker. Most importantly, the label should clearly state that it complies with TRC Section 547.

4. Medical Exemptions Are Allowed

Although Texas auto window tinting regulations apply to all motorists, secret service or police cars are exempt from the state's sunscreen requirements. In addition, commercial vehicles like trucks, buses, and taxis also qualify for an exemption. However, did you know that private individuals can also apply for tinting requirements exemptions?

You can apply for a medical exemption if you suffer from light-related health issues like photosensitivity. Once approved, you can install darker films with a lower light transmittance value. However, health-related tinting exemptions still restrict darkening below the AS-1 line on a windshield. Also, always ensure you have the medical waiver document whenever you are behind the wheel.

You can avoid fines and penalties related to tinting violations by enlisting the services of professional window tinting technicians. At Affiliated Auto Glass, we guarantee compliance with Texas automotive tinting laws. Contact us today for all your tinting needs.