IS MY MOD LEGAL?

Headlight & Taillight Tint in Texas

Illegal

Smoked or tinted film on headlights and taillights is illegal in Texas. Headlights must emit white light and taillights must show red at the required visibility distance, and tint that dims or discolors them violates those requirements.

Verified against primary sources · August 2026

What the law says

Smoked or tinted film on headlights and taillights is illegal in Texas. Headlights must emit white light and taillights must show red at the required visibility distance, and tint that dims or discolors them violates those requirements. Texas requires vehicle lighting to comply with FMVSS 108, bars red light visible from directly in front, and requires taillamps to emit red plainly visible at 1,000 feet.

Specific Limits

Film permitted
No
Headlight color
white
Taillight color
red

Exceptions & Exemptions

Texas law prohibits any colored material or tinting on headlights and taillights that alters the original color or reduces light output

Statute

Tex. Transp. Code §§ 547.321, 547.322, 547.3215, 547.305

Read the statute →

Frequently Asked Questions

Are headlight & taillight tint legal in Texas?
Smoked or tinted film on headlights and taillights is illegal in Texas. Headlights must emit white light and taillights must show red at the required visibility distance, and tint that dims or discolors them violates those requirements.
What are the exact headlight & taillight tint limits in Texas?
Film permitted: No. Headlight color: white. Taillight color: red. Source: Tex. Transp. Code §§ 547.321, 547.322, 547.3215, 547.305.
Are there exceptions for headlight & taillight tint in Texas?
Texas law prohibits any colored material or tinting on headlights and taillights that alters the original color or reduces light output

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