Windshield Laws in Texas
Auto repair

Windshield Laws in Texas

09.11.2022 /

Those who drive on the roads of Texas know that they must follow various traffic rules to keep themselves and others safe. While the rules of the road are important, so are the rules for your vehicle equipment….

Those who drive on the roads of Texas know that they must follow various traffic rules to keep themselves and others safe. While the rules of the road are important, so are the rules for your vehicle's equipment. Below are the windshield laws required for drivers in Texas.

windshield requirements

Texas law does not state that windshields are required on all vehicles. However, the following requirements:

  • Vehicles equipped with windshields must have driver-operated wipers that effectively remove rain and other moisture from the glass.

  • The wiper blades should evenly touch the glass, not have cracks or tears.

  • Windshield and all window panes must be made of safety glass, which is a combination of layers of glass with glazing in between, greatly reducing the chance of glass breaking or shattering in the event of impact or breakage.

Obstacles

Texas also has laws regarding potential obstructions to a driver's view of the roadway:

  • Do not attach or place on the windshield any objects or materials that prevent the driver from seeing the roadway and crossing roadways clearly.

  • No signs or materials should be placed in side or rear windows that prevent the driver from having a clear view of the roadway.

  • Labels and stickers required by law may be placed in the lower corners of the windshield.

Window tinting

Texas regulations allow window tinting if it meets the following requirements:

  • Non-reflective tinting is permitted on the windshield above the manufacturer's AS-1 line or the top five inches, whichever comes first in between.

  • Tinted front and rear side windows must provide more than 25% light transmission.

  • On the rear window, you can use tinting of any darkness.

  • If the rear windows are tinted, the vehicle must have outside rear-view mirrors on each side.

  • Reflective tinting with a reflection coefficient of not more than 25% is allowed.

  • Red, amber and blue tint is not allowed on windows and vehicles.

  • Tinting installers must stick a sticker indicating that the tint is within acceptable limits on the driver's window between the glass and the film.

Cracks and chips

There are no regulations in Texas regarding windshield cracks. In addition, cars will undergo a mandatory technical inspection if there are cracks on the windshield. However, any crack that causes the glass to change shape, becoming convex or concave, is not allowed. Any cracks that prevent a driver from seeing the roadway clearly could be grounds for a traffic stop by law enforcement.

Violations

Failure to comply with the above windshield laws is considered a misdemeanor and subject to a fine.

If you need to inspect your windshield or your wipers aren't working properly, a certified technician like one of AvtoTachki can help you get back on the road safely and quickly so you're driving within the law.

Add a comment