Car owners often opt for tinting their windows and windshields for privacy. It is also a very popular method to moderate the temperature in the car on sunny days.
While window tinting has its own benefits, the Department of Public Safety has strict laws about how much tint is acceptable on your windows and windshield. These laws are to protect the driver, passengers and other people on the road.
Before you opt for tinting your windows, think of the times you have avoided overtaking or driving beside a car with heavily tinted windows. It’s the same with driving in a truck’s blind spot. The driver may not be able to see you and might run you over. Window tinting is a matter of public safety.
What Does The Law Say About Window Tinting?
The Texas law enforcements institutions may regulate and penalize you if you don’t meet the following tinting standards:
- The tint should be applied above the AS-1 line which is found in most vehicles. The tinting or sunscreening films should end give inches below the top of the windshield.
- Tinting films should not be amber, blue or red in color.
- When compared with the original glass, all tint films should only be able to reflect 25% or less of the sunlight.
- When compared to the original glass, all tint films should be able to transmit 25% or more of the sunlight.
- An untinted UV film is allowed on the windshield in Texas without acquiring a medical exemption.
How Is Tint Measured?
Visible light transmittance (VLT) is the ratio of light that can pass through the glass. The lower the percentage of VLT, the darker your tint will appear.
For instance, a 100% VLT allows 100% of the light to pass through while a 70% tint means that 30% of the light is blocked.
Dangers of Dark Tint
- Too much tint on your windows and windshield disrupts your vision as a driver and makes it difficult for you to see in dimly lit surroundings.
- Dark tints prevent you from being seen by the police. This can cause difficulties for law enforcement officers especially in the event of a crime scene.
- It can make crossing intersections and navigating through traffic difficult. In these scenarios, it’s important to maintain eye contact with other drivers to indicate which direction you intend to go in. Dark tints will prevent you from being seen completely.
Here at Auto Glass San Antonio, we offer appointment-only mobile windshield repair and replacement services.
Get in touch with us to know more about our auto glass services in San Antonio!