Texas Legal Window Tint Percentage in 2026 — VLT Limits, Rules & Compliance Guide

2026.01.10

If you’re thinking about installing window tint on your vehicle in Texas, understanding the legal tint percentages in 2026 is essential. Tint laws in the Lone Star State are designed to balance driver comfort with visibility and safety — and they carry real consequences for violations.

This guide breaks down:

What “tint percentage” means
The legal VLT limits for different windows in Texas
Reflectivity and color rules
Medical exemptions and penalties

What “Legal Tint Percentage” Means

The legal tint percentage refers to the minimum allowed Visible Light Transmission (VLT) — the amount of visible light that must pass through your window film and glass combined. A higher VLT value equals lighter tint and better visibility, while a lower VLT value means darker tint and more light blocked.

For example, a tint with 25% VLT allows 25% of visible light through, blocking the other 75%. This number is critical in determining whether your tint complies with Texas law.

Legal Tint Limits in Texas (2026)

Front Side Windows (Driver & Passenger)

Texas law requires that the front side windows must allow at least 25% VLT. Any tint that reduces visibility below this minimum can lead to failed inspections and citations.

This rule applies equally to sedans, SUVs, trucks, and vans. A 25% VLT tint remains the legal threshold to ensure enough visibility for drivers and law enforcement during traffic stops.

Windshield Tint

Tint on the windshield is allowed only on the top portion above the AS-1 line or the top five inches, whichever is lower. The combined VLT of the tint and glass must still remain at 25% or more on that portion.

Clear non-tinted UV protection film (which doesn’t affect visible light) is generally permitted anywhere on the windshield without affecting legality.

Rear Side Windows & Rear Window

In contrast with the front windows, Texas allows any darkness level on rear side windows and the rear window, provided your vehicle has dual outside mirrors that give a view of the area behind the vehicle.

If your vehicle does not have dual side mirrors, then the rear window must meet the same 25% VLT minimum as the front side windows.

This flexibility is why many Texas drivers use darker or “limo” tint (like 5% VLT) on rear glass without legal issues — so long as mirrors are installed.

Reflectivity and Color Restrictions

Texas also regulates how reflective your tint can be. Reflective films that act like mirrors or reflect excessively are limited to no more than 25% reflectivity on front and back side windows.

Additionally, certain colors — especially highly noticeable ones like red, blue, or amber — are prohibited on the windshield or front windows because they may confuse other drivers or law enforcement.

Medical Exemptions

Texas recognizes that certain medical conditions require additional protection from sunlight. You may qualify for a medical exemption that allows darker tint than normally permitted, but you must keep a signed statement from a licensed physician or optometrist in your vehicle and present it if requested during inspections or stops.

Note: Actual issuance of state exemption certificates was discontinued for agency processing after 2019, but medical documentation can still be used to justify compliance.

Compliance, Inspections & Penalties

Texas enforces window tint laws through vehicle safety inspections and law enforcement stops. If your tint is below the required VLT for regulated windows or falsely labeled, you may face:

Inspection failure
Traffic citation or “fix-it” ticket
Fines ranging from around $20 to over $275
Requirement to remove or replace illegal tint

In some counties, repeat violations or highly non-compliant tint can escalate penalties or require court appearances.

Quick Reference: 2026 Texas Tint Rules

Window Location	Minimum VLT Allowed	Notes
Front Side Windows	25%	Applies to all vehicles
Windshield Top	25% above AS-1 line / top 5 in.	Clear UV film allowed anywhere
Rear Side Windows	Any	Dark tint allowed with dual mirrors
Rear Window	Any (with mirrors)	Must meet 25% VLT w/o mirrors
Reflectivity	≤25%	Standard limit for side windows

Always check your specific vehicle type and local enforcement interpretations before installation.

How to Stay Legal in Texas

Choose the right film:

Front side: stick to 25% VLT or higher
Rear side & rear window: dark tint is okay with mirrors
Windshield: tint above AS-1 or top 5 inches only

Avoid prohibited colors and high reflectivity.

Ensure compliance certification:
Ask your installer to include the official compliance sticker between tint film and glass on your driver’s side window — this helps during inspections or stops.

Final Thought

Texas window tint laws in 2026 are straightforward when you know how to read them: keep front windows at or above 25% VLT, follow windshield strip rules, and use common-sense adjustments for rear glass. Knowing the legal percentages and reflectivity limits upfront helps protect you from fines, inspection failures, and safety issues on the road.