Texas Window Tint Laws 2026: What's Legal in Houston?
Before you tint, know the rules — Texas regulates how dark and how reflective your windows can be, and an illegal tint means tickets and a forced re-do. Here's the plain-English version.
The quick reference
- •
Windshield: Tint allowed above the AS-1 line (or the top 5 inches), with a clear film exception for UV-only products. No dark tint in your main viewing area.
- •
Front side windows (driver & passenger): Must allow more than 25% of light through (25% VLT or lighter).
- •
Back side windows: Any darkness is allowed.
- •
Rear window: Any darkness is allowed — as long as the vehicle has side mirrors on both sides.
- •
Reflectivity: Front and back side windows can't be more than 25% reflective — no mirror finishes.
What "VLT" means
VLT (visible light transmission) is the percentage of light a film lets through — so a lower number means darker tint. "25% VLT" tint is darker than "50% VLT."
Medical exemptions
Texas allows darker front tint with a signed medical exemption statement for qualifying conditions. Ask us how the process works — we can install to your exemption.
The Pineapple promise: street-legal by default
Every tint quote we give includes Texas-legal shade options for each window, clearly explained. Want the darkest legal look? That's our specialty — deep, uniform, and ticket-proof.
Laws change; verify current requirements with Texas DPS. This guide is informational, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
How dark can front side windows legally be in Texas?+
Front driver and passenger windows must allow more than 25% of light through (25% VLT or lighter).
Can my rear window be as dark as I want in Texas?+
Yes — any darkness is allowed on the rear window, as long as the vehicle has side mirrors on both sides.
Does Texas allow darker tint with a medical exemption?+
Yes. Texas allows darker front tint with a signed medical exemption statement for qualifying conditions, and we can install to your exemption.
Ready when you are
Book a tint consultation — we'll show you legal shades on real glass before you decide.