How To Get A Window Tint Ticket Dismissed
How to get a window tint ticket dismissed?
If you live in Texas and own a vehicle, you’ll probably want to apply some extra tint to your windows; it gets hot and sunny in Texas, after all, and you may need to add a little more tint to your windows to make your daily commute more pleasant.
Of course, Texas has its own set of rules governing how window tints may be applied to your automobile, much like every other state.
If you live in Texas, it is a good idea to become familiar with these rules before tinting the windows; basically, you want to get your window tinted right the first time so you do not run into any issues.
I will go through everything you need to know about vehicle window tint laws in Texas in this article.
The Tinted Windshield And Windows In Texas?
Prior to 2009, Texas did not have any laws regulating window tints.
There are several restrictions in place now regarding how dark you can tint your various windows, though they are relatively lax compared to other states’ window tint rules.
In Texas, you are permitted to install a strip on the windshield.
This strip must have a minimum VLT of 26%; VLT (visible light transmission) refers to the amount of light that can pass through your windows.
This strip cannot be broader than 6 inches nor may it extend beyond the AS line on one car’s windscreen.
The law does not specify that your rear windows or back window must be tinted with a VLT of less than 25%.
In most cases, there are no limitations on how dark you can make your backside windows and rear window.
The Darkest Tint One Can Legally Get In Texas?
The tinting process varies depending on the window being treated.
As I’ve said before, front-side windows and windshields may not be dark than a VLT of 25%.
The rear window of your automobile may be tinted to any degree you want, as long as it has two side mirrors.
Because most modern vehicle laws demand the installation of dual side mirrors on almost all cars produced today, this shouldn’t pose a problem for most people.
However, if your automobile only has one side mirror, you cannot color the window dark more than a VLT of 26%; in this situation, you can’t darken your window beyond 25%.
Furthermore, some contemporary vehicles have rear-view cameras rather than side mirrors, and it’s unclear whether the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles considers them to be cars.
Is 20% Tint Illegal In TX?
This is another variable to consider.
It’s debatable whether or not a tint that allows less than 25% of light through meets legal requirements.
A tint with a VLT of 20% or less is acceptable for back-side windows and rear windows; however, you can’t use one that allows in less than 25% of light for windshields or front-side windows.
While attempting to get away with using tint with a VLT of 20% may appear enticing, I would strongly advise you not to do this.
Aside from the legal aspect, it might also be dangerous; if you drive at night frequently, a tint with a VLT of 20% or less may obstruct too much light and leave you unable to see out of your windows.
Can You Get Pulled Over For The Tinted Windows In Texas?
If your car windows are tinted too dark, it is almost certainly a violation.
However, even if your windows are tinted illegally, you do not have to consent to a police search of your vehicle unless there are illegal goods readily visible in it or the authorities have probable cause to search it.
Obviously, we are not suggesting that you should break the law, but it’s vital to be aware of your rights as a citizen when interacting with the police.
The Tint Ticket In TX Cost?
The expense of a ticket for illegally dark windows is determined by several variables.
It varies depending on where you live, how much dark tint is then the limit, and if you don’t you have previously received similar citations.
The cost of a tint ticket is based on the regulations and insurance coverage in each state.
As a result, the cost of each tint ticket varies considerably.
If your first violation was for window tint, it might be as little as $20-$25.
If you decide to keep your window tint after receiving a citation, subsequent citations might be much more costly; a second ticket may be as much as $275.
Additional charges could follow.
Your first ticket will generally be quite mild; you will most certainly be expected to remove your tint as soon as feasible and provide proof to your local law enforcement that you’ve done so, but in general, that is all there is to it.
However, if you get fined again for the same thing, you’ll almost certainly have to appear in court and provide a defense for why your tint was on.
Regardless of the sort of ticket, you will most likely receive, dealing with it will be an aggravation.
Make sure your windows are properly tinted rather than relying on chance.
Window Tint Darkness In Texas
We have already gone through the existing rules regarding tinting your windows in great detail, but we will go over everything we’ve covered so far in a nutshell in this section.
First, let’s identify the distinctions between passenger cars and MPVs.
Passenger cars typically accommodate two to five people, and they seldom have a specific cargo area or many extra features.
Sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, station wagons, and convertibles are all considered passenger vehicles.
MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles) frequently have third-row seating or a large cargo area.
MPVs are more utilitarian than passenger cars in terms of their primary purpose.
Pickup trucks, panel vans, SUVs, minivans, and crossovers are all examples of MPVs.
Check the Federal ID label on your car to discover what sort of vehicle it is classified as.
In most situations, this label may be found on side door frame.
For Passenger Vehicles
- A tinted strip with a VLT of 25% may be added to windshields. The tinted strip should not exceed 5 inches in width and must not extend beyond the AS-1 line on your windshield.
- The maximum permitted reduction in VLT for the front-side windows is 25%.
- There are no tinting limitations on the backside windows.
- Unless one lacks dual side mirrors, the rear windows may be tinted to any level without restriction.
For MPVs
- Windscreens may have a tinted strip with a 25% VLT. This strip must be no wider than 5 inches and must not extend beyond the AS-1 line on your windshield.
- The front-side windows are limited to a VLT of 25%.
- Backside windows have no tinting limitations
- If you don’t have dual side mirrors, rear windows are not limited by the amount of tinting, but they must comply with the VLT limit of 25%.
Window Tint Reflection In Texas
The state of Texas has provisions in place to limit the amount of light that automobile car windows can emit.
This is intended to enhance driver safety because an excessively brilliant windshield might be distracting for approaching motorists.
Under federal rules, automobile windows may not reflect more than 25% of the light that falls on them.
Any colored tints are also prohibited from being applied to your windshield.
For Passenger Vehicles
- Windshields can’t reflect more than 25% of the sunlight
- The front side window can’t reflect more than 25% of the sunlight
- Backside windows can’t reflect more than 25% of the sunlight
- Rear windows can’t reflect more than 25% of the sunlight
For MPVs
- Windshields can’t reflect more than 25% of the sunlight
- Front side windows can’t reflect more than 25% of the sunlight
- Backside windows can’t reflect more than 25% of the sunlight
- Rear windows can’t reflect more than 25% of the sunlight
The Medical Exemption – How To Get It?
To acquire a medical exemption for your window tinting in Texas, you must first have a physical ailment that is exacerbated by sunlight.
To apply for an exemption, you must first obtain a signed statement from any licensed doctor.
Then you’ll need to contact the Texas Department of Public Safety to get the authorization.
If you obtain a medical exemption, you may install VLTs of up to 25% on your front side windows.
This exemption does not apply to your windshield, however.
There are several illnesses that can necessitate the need for a medical exemption for window tint; some examples include lupus, solar urticaria, and albinism.
Conclusion
When it comes to tinting automobile windows in Texas, there are a few things to keep in mind, but fortunately, nothing too difficult.
The majority of the rules currently in force are quite permissive, so there’s really nothing you need to remember other than your driver’s license and registration.
I’m hoping that I’ve made the many rules and regulations concerning window tinting in Texas simple to comprehend.
If you have any questions about the procedure or require further information on the topic, visit the Texas DMV’s website for all of your requirements.
Everything you need to know about following Texas vehicle rules may be found there.
