What Does “Texas Legal Tint Percentage” Mean?
In Texas, window tint laws are defined by Visible Light Transmission (VLT) - the percentage of visible light allowed through your car windows.
♦ A higher percentage (like 70%) means the tint is lighter and allows more light.
♦ A lower percentage (like 25%) means the tint is darker and blocks more light.
When people search for “Texas legal tint percentage,” they’re asking what percentage of light must be allowed through each window type to stay compliant with Texas laws.
Texas Legal Tint Percentages for Sedans
♦ Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the AS-1 line (or the top 5 inches).
♦ Front side windows: Must allow more than 25% of light in (25% VLT).
♦ Back side windows: Any darkness is permitted if the car has side mirrors. Without mirrors, the minimum is 25% VLT.
♦Rear windshield: Same as back side windows - any darkness with side mirrors; otherwise, at least 25% VLT.
Texas Legal Tint Percentages for SUVs and Trucks
♦ Windshield: Same as sedans - 25% VLT allowed above AS-1 line or the top 5 inches.
♦ Front side windows: Must allow 25% of light in or more.
♦ Back side windows: Any darkness is allowed.
♦ Rear windshield: Any darkness is allowed.
This is why larger vehicles in Texas often have much darker tint on rear windows compared to sedans.
Texas Legal Tint Reflection Limits
♦ Front side windows: Reflectivity cannot exceed 25%.
♦ Back side windows: Reflectivity cannot exceed 25%.
♦ Windshields: Reflective tint is not allowed, except on the upper AS-1 strip.
Other Texas Tint Rules
♦ Side mirrors are required if rear windows are tinted.
♦ Restricted colors: Red, amber, and blue window tints are illegal.
♦ Tint certification: Films must be certified by the manufacturer.
♦ Sticker requirement: A compliance sticker must be placed on the driver’s side window.
Texas Medical Exemptions for Window Tint
Drivers with medical conditions such as lupus or extreme light sensitivity may qualify for exemptions.
♦ Must provide physician documentation.
♦ Exemption certificate must be kept in the vehicle.
♦ Allows darker percentages than standard law.
Penalties for Illegal Tint in Texas
Violating Texas legal tint percentages can result in:
♦ Fines or fix-it tickets (often $100–$200)
♦ Failed inspections
♦ Required removal of illegal tint before renewal
♦ Potential insurance issues in accident claims
How Texas Legal Tint Percentages Compare to Other States
State | Front Windows VLT | Rear Windows VLT | Notes |
Texas | 25% | Any (with mirrors) | Darker allowed on rear |
California | 70% | Any | Stricter on front windows |
Florida | 28% (sedans) | 15% (sedans) | SUVs have more flexibility |
New York | 70% | 70% | Very strict overall |
♦ Check our full guide on window tint percentages by state
How to Choose the Best Legal Tint Percentage in Texas
1. Stay compliant — 25% VLT on front windows is the legal minimum.
2. Balance style and safety — avoid extremely dark tints that reduce visibility at night.
3. Think about Texas heat — darker tints on rear windows help keep interiors cooler.
4. Invest in ceramic film — high-quality film blocks heat and UV rays without needing to go ultra-dark.
5. Work with certified installers — they’ll apply legal film and provide the required compliance sticker.
Conclusion: Stay Safe and Stylish with Texas Legal Tint Percentages
The Texas legal tint percentage for 2025 is 25% VLT for front windows, while rear windows can be darker if the vehicle has side mirrors. Texas offers more flexibility than states like California or New York, but staying compliant is key to avoiding fines, failed inspections, and unsafe driving conditions.
For the best results, combine legal percentages with advanced ceramic or crystalline films. That way, you’ll stay cool, protected, stylish, and 100% legal under Texas tint laws.
Common FAQs About Window Tint
