Brian White | August 11, 2022 | Texas Laws Show
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. Rule 21.3 of the Texas Administrative Code sets the standards for privacy window devices for motor vehicles. Window Tint Laws Texas Drivers Need to KnowThe 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 WindshieldThe rules for tint devices on the front windshield include:
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 WindshieldThe 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:
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 WindowsThe 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. 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:
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 and non-economic damages. Examples of those damages include:
You have the burden of proving 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 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 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 before speaking with an insurance adjuster about the claim. For more information, contact the Houston car accident law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000. Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers Attorney
Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – East Fwy Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – South Loop Is a 5% tint legal in Texas?It is legal for cars to have 5% tint on the back side windows, and 5% tinting can also be used on rear windows as long as the vehicle also has side mirrors. But, 5% tint cannot be used on the passenger window or front window (any portion). The exemptions for these laws are if the car qualifies for an exemption.
What is the darkest tint you can get legally in Texas?Windshield: 25% VLT tint or more is allowed above the manufacturer's AS-1 line (top 5 inches). Front Side Windows: 25% VLT or more light transmission is allowed. Back Side Windows: any VLT % is allowed.
What is the most darkest legal tint?The combination of the 77% transmission window and 43% transmission film results in a darkest legal tint of 35%.
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