# Window Tint Laws in Texas | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Window Tint Laws Texas Drivers Need to Know 2. Are There Exceptions to the Window Tint Laws in Texas? 3. Can Window Tinting Affect the Outcome of a Car Accident Claim? 4. Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![Window Tint Laws in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Window-Tint-Laws-in-Texas-300x200.jpg) Many vehicles on the road have some type of tint on the windows. Tinting vehicle windows helps protect them from heat and harmful rays. It can also reduce glare. However, there are restrictions on tinting vehicle windows in [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/). [Rule 21.3](https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=T&app=9&p_dir=N&p_rloc=155968&p_tloc=&p_ploc=1&pg=3&p_tac=&ti=37&pt=1&ch=21&rl=1) of the Texas Administrative Code sets the standards for privacy window devices for motor vehicles.  ## Window Tint Laws Texas Drivers Need to Know The amount of tint you can have on vehicle windows depends on the window’s location. Below is a summary of the tinting standards in Texas: ### Front Windshield The rules for tint devices on the front windshield include: - Tint cannot be above the AS-1 line. If the windshield does not have an AS-1 line, the tint must stop five inches below the top of the windshield. - 25% or less for the luminous reflectance value when measured in combination with the original glass  - 25% or more for the light transmittance value when measured in combination with the original glass. - Blue, amber, and red tint colors are prohibited. You may use an un-tinted (clear) UV film over any section of the windshield. A medical exemption is not required for this type of tint. ### Rear Windshield The type of tint on the rear windshield depends upon whether the vehicle has outside mirrors on the sides of the vehicle.  There are no restrictions for tinting rear windows if: - The vehicle has an outside mirror on each side of the vehicle; AND, - The windows allow the driver to see the roadway for at least 200 feet from the rear of the vehicle.  However, if the car does not have outside mirrors that provide the minimum distance view, tinting must have a light transmittance value of 25% or more in combination with the original glass. The luminous reflectance value must be 25% or less in combination with the original glass. ### Side Windows The side windows to the left and right of the driver can have sunscreen. However, the same rules apply for light transmittance (25% or more) and luminous reflectance (25% or less) values. The side windows to the rear of the driver are exempted from tinting regulations.  For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Are There Exceptions to the Window Tint Laws in Texas? Law enforcement vehicles and vehicles used to transport passengers regularly for a fee (i.e., buses, limos, and taxis) are exempt. There are also some medical tint exceptions. If a person requires tint on the two front windows that is darker than the 25% requirement, they must meet the following requirements: - A licensed optometrist or physician must sign a medical exemption statement - The medical statement must identify the driver or occupant of the vehicle with the exemption - The medical professional must state that it is their opinion that the tinting is required to safeguard the health of the occupant or the driver  The signed medical exemption statement must be kept in the vehicle at all times. The driver must present the exemption statement to a police officer when requested. Also, the statement must be presented during annual vehicle inspections. ## Can Window Tinting Affect the Outcome of a Car Accident Claim? Texas is a fault-based state for car accident claims. If a driver causes a car crash, the driver can be held financially liable for damages caused by the car accident. The types of damages you could receive for a car accident claim include [economic](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-are-economic-damages/) and [non-economic](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-are-non-economic-damages-in-texas/) damages. Examples of those damages include: - Physical [pain and suffering](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-are-pain-and-suffering-damages-calculated/) - Medical bills and expenses - Emotional distress  - Loss of income, including benefits, future lost wages, and [diminished earning capacity](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/loss-of-earnings-and-diminished-earning-capacity/) - Physical therapy and nursing care - [Out-of-pocket expenses](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/out-of-pocket-expenses/) - Loss of enjoyment of life - Permanent disabilities and impairments - Decrease in [quality of life](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/quality-of-life/) - Personal care and household services You have the [burden of proving](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/understanding-the-burden-of-proof-in-personal-injury-cases/) that the other driver caused the accident and the accident resulted in your injuries and damages. However, if you are partially to blame for the cause of the crash, you might not receive the full value of your damages. Texas has a modified [contributory fault](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-is-contributory-fault/) law. The law bars a victim from receiving any money for damages if they are more than 50% to blame for the cause of their injury.  Furthermore, the [proportionate responsibility law](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.33.htm) in Texas states that a victim’s compensation is reduced by their level of fault when they are less than 51% at fault. In other words, if your actions contributed to the cause of the car wreck by 30%, the compensation for your damages is reduced by 30%.  Typically, legal tinting does not impact a driver’s visibility, so it should not affect a car accident claim. However, if the other party can prove that illegal tinting on your vehicle played a role in the cause of the car accident, you might not receive the full amount of your damages.  Illegal tinting can complicate a car accident case. Therefore, it is best to seek legal advice from a [car accident lawyer](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/) before speaking with an [insurance adjuster](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/insurance-adjuster-in-personal-injury-cases/) about the claim.  [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Car Accidents Blog Posts: [![How To Safely Stop On A Highway Shoulder In An Emergency](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/how-to-safely-stop-on-a-highway-shoulder-in-an-emergency-300x158.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-safely-stop-on-a-highway-shoulder-in-an-emergency/) [How to Safely Stop on a Highway Shoulder in an Emergency](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-safely-stop-on-a-highway-shoulder-in-an-emergency/) Sometimes, it isn’t possible or wise to remain on the road while driving. Your vehicle might experience a [![The 4 Most Important Safety Features For Cars](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/The-4-Most-Important-Safety-Features-For-Cars-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-4-most-important-safety-features-for-cars/) [The 4 Most Important Safety Features for Cars](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-4-most-important-safety-features-for-cars/) When shopping for a new car, people look for different things. Some people look for style or fuel economy. Some look [![Car Insurance Policy](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/iStock-1180387704-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/everything-to-know-about-diminished-value-accident-claims/) [Everything to Know About Diminished Value Accident Claims](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/everything-to-know-about-diminished-value-accident-claims/) There are several things to think about after getting in a car accident. Even once necessary repairs are made, your [![The Woodlands Car Accident Statistics](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-woodlands-car-accident-statistics/) [The Woodlands Car Accident Statistics](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-woodlands-car-accident-statistics/) Located approximately 30 miles north of Houston, The Woodlands, TX, is a bustling and growing community part --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/window-tint-laws-in-texas/