May 8, 2025

Can you tint your windshield? Yes, but with very specific limits depending on where you live. In addition to keeping your car cooler, a tinted windscreen can assist cut down on glare and filter dangerous UV rays. However, windshield tinting also raises important questions about road safety, visibility at night, and—most importantly—legal compliance. In many states, including Texas, there are strict rules about how much of your windshield can be tinted and how dark that tint can be. Drivers must follow these laws to avoid fines, inspection issues, or even orders to remove the tint. Texas, in particular, has clear regulations about where and how windshield tinting is allowed, especially when it comes to the front windshield and visibility lines like the AS-1 mark. Can You Tint Your Windshield? It is legal to tint your windscreen, but only in certain circumstances. Most U.S. states permit front windshield tint as long as it meets visibility standards and doesn’t interfere with driver safety. The key is knowing how much tint is legal where you live. Federal vs. State Laws on Windshield Tinting   Federal Guidelines: The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) require all auto glass to allow at least 70% of visible light transmission (VLT). This guarantees that drivers can see clearly, particularly in bad weather or at night. State-Specific Laws: States interpret these federal guidelines differently. For example: California only permits a 4-inch non-reflective tint strip on the front windscreen. Texas also permits a 5-inch strip or above the AS-1 line (whichever is more restrictive). Florida requires at least 70% VLT on the windshield. Check your state’s Department of Transportation or DMV website to know what’s allowed in your area. Common Types of Windshield Tints Knowing your alternatives is helpful if you’re thinking about tinting your windscreen: 1. Ceramic Tint High heat rejection UV and glare protection No signal interference More expensive but offers superior clarity 2. Dyed Film Least expensive option Absorbs heat and reduces glare Wears out faster and may fade over time 3. Clear UV Films (Invisible Tint) No dark shade—keeps the windshield clear Blocks up to 99% of UV rays Ideal if you want protection without darkening Because they adhere to visibility regulations, these are frequently used for legal front windscreen tinting. Benefits of Tinting a Windshield Blocks harmful UV rays Reduces glare from sunlight and headlights Keeps your car cooler Protects your dashboard and interior from fading Enhances comfort and safety You can also read about Different Types Of Auto Window Tint. Can You Tint Your Front Windshield in Texas? Yes, you can tint your front windscreen in Texas, but you have to abide by certain rules. Texas Law on Front Windshield Tint Only the upper part of the windscreen may have front windscreen tint, according Texas Transportation Code 547.613. Usually encompassing the upper five inches of the glass, this region is referred to as the AS-1 line. Any tint below this line is not allowed unless it meets very specific conditions. What Type of Tint is Allowed? Non-reflective tint is required above the AS-1 line. The colour of the tint cannot be blue, amber, or red. No tint is permitted below the AS-1 line on the front windshield, unless you have a medical exemption. Medical Exemption for Windshield Tinting Texas does permit some people to request for a medical exemption if they have specified medical conditions. If approved, you may install darker front windshield tint to help reduce sun exposure. You must carry this exemption with you while driving. Penalties for Illegal Windshield Tint In Texas, driving with an illegal front windscreen tint can result in: A ticket or fine A requirement to remove or replace the tint Issues during vehicle inspections Why People Consider Windshield Tinting Many drivers want to tint their windshields to: Block UV rays Reduce heat inside the vehicle Reduce the amount of sun or headlight glare. Just make sure the tint you’re installing is within the legal limits. How Dark Can You Tint Your Windshield in Texas? In Texas, the law allows some windshield tinting, but there are clear rules on how dark it can be. This is measured using Visible Light Transmission (VLT). What is VLT (Visible Light Transmission)? The percentage of visible light that enters through the window is known as VLT. A deeper tint results from a lower VLT, whereas a greater VLT indicates more light passing through (lighter tint). Legal Tint Limits for Windshield Texas law only allows a tinted windshield on the top 5 inches or above the AS-1 line (whichever comes first). Type: Non-reflective tint only VLT Requirement: No specific percentage for the top strip, but the rest of the windshield must remain clear unless you have a medical exemption Front Windshield vs Front Side Windows – What’s the Difference? While the front windshield can only be lightly tinted at the top, front side windows have different rules: Window Type Allowed VLT (%) Notes Front Windshield Only above AS-1 Must be non-reflective Front Side Windows 25% VLT Must allow at least 25% of light through This implies that, provided it satisfies the VLT limit, side window tinting can be noticeably darker than windscreen tinting. What Is Considered Too Dark? For Texas, any tinted windshield that: Extends below the AS-1 line, or Uses reflective, colored, or dark film beyond what’s legal …is considered too dark and illegal under state law. Also, if your front side window tint goes below 25% VLT, it’s also too dark and could lead to: A failed vehicle inspection Fines or citations Required removal of the illegal tint Medical Exceptions A medical exception that permits darker windscreen tinting may be available to drivers with certain medical problems. This exemption needs to be carried in the car and authorised by the Texas Department of Public Safety. You can also read about Should I Remove Car Window Tint By Myself. What Are Texas Window Tint Laws? Texas has specific laws for window tinting based on which part of the vehicle you’re