Those who drive on the roadways in Texas know that they must follow a variety of traffic laws to keep themselves and others safe. While the rules of the road are important, so too are the rules for the equipment on your vehicle. The following are the windshield laws required for drivers in Texas.
Windshield requirements
Texas law does not state that windshields are required on any vehicles. However, the following are requirements:
Vehicles that are equipped with windshields must have windshield wipers that are controlled by the driver and effectively remove rain and other moisture from the glass.
The windshield wiper blades must touch the glass evenly and be free from cracks and tears.
The windshield and all window glass must be made of safety glass, which is a combination of layers of glass with glazing materials between them that greatly reduce the chances of shattering or flying glass if it is struck or broken.
Obstructions
Texas also has laws in place concerning potential obstructions to the driver’s view of the roadway:
No items or materials are permitted to be attached to or placed in the windshield that will hinder the driver’s ability to see the roadway and intersecting roadways clearly.
No signs or materials can be placed in the side or rear windows that will prevent the driver from having a clear view of the roadways.
Labels and stickers required by law are permitted in the lower corners of the windshield.
Window tint
Texas regulations allow window tint as long as it is in compliance with the following:
Non-reflective tint is permitted on the windshield above the AS-1 line from the manufacturer or the top five inches, whichever comes first between the two.
Tint on the front and back side windows must allow greater than 25% light transmittance.
Tint of any darkness can be used on the rear window.
If rear windows are tinted, the vehicle must have an exterior mirror on each side.
Reflective tint is permitted that is not more than 25% reflective.
Red, amber and blue tint are not permitted on any window or vehicle.
Tint installers must affix a sticker identifying the tint as being within the legal limits on the driver’s window between the glass and film.
Cracks and chips
Texas does not have any regulations concerning cracks in the windshield. Additionally, vehicles will pass the mandatory inspections if there are cracks in the windshield. However, any crack that causes the glass to change shape by becoming convex or concave is not permitted. Any cracks that obscure the driver’s clear view of the roadway could be grounds for a traffic stop by law enforcement.
Violations
Failing to comply with the above windshield laws is considered a petty misdemeanor and is subject to fines.
If your windshield needs to be inspected or your wipers are not working properly, a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, can help you get back on the road safely and quickly so you are driving within the laws.
