what is the legal tint limit for tail lgihts. I want to get overlays but i dont know if a cop will stop me. I live in texas so if anyone knows the rule...

 

anything that covers the taillights is illegal, but by the book, it has to be visible from 500ft... so its up to u

 

It's not really a tint limit for the tail lights, but rather the visibility of the lights from a certain distance during daylight and at night. You'd have to check your local/state laws regarding that.

 

Texas Department of Public Saftey - Rules and Regulations Manual - Safety Inspection - Chapter 4 - Inspection Procedures:

20.27 Tail Lamp. Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, and any other vehicle which is being drawn at the end of a combination of vehicles shall be equipped with at least two taillamps mounted on the rear which, when lighted, shall emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of 1,000 feet to the rear, except that passenger cars and trucks manufactured or assembled prior to the model year 1960 shall have at least one tail lamp. On vehicles equipped with more than one tail lamp, the taillamps shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable.

Every tail lamp upon every vehicle shall be located at a height of not more than 72 inches nor less than 15 inches. Taillamps are used only to designate the rear of a vehicle.

Every tail lamp upon motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, or mopeds shall be located at a height of not more than 72 inches nor less than 20 inches. Tail lamp lens must be of a type meeting Department of Public Safety standards.

At least two taillamps are required on all motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, and pole trailers, except that at least one tail lamp is required on motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and mopeds and all 1959 model year and earlier passenger cars and trucks.

1. Inspection Procedure. Check operation and condition visually.

2. Inspect for and reject if:

a. Required lamp or lamps are not present.

b. Lamp is not securely mounted to vehicle.

c. Lamp does not completely emit a red light plainly visible 1,000 feet to the rear.

d. Lamp lens is painted, missing, discolored, or does not fit properly.

e. Wiring is shoddy or electrical connections are poor.

f. Lamp is not wired so as to be lighted when head lamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted.

g. Lamp is obstructed by any part of the body.

h. Lamp does not emit a red color. (See note, pg. 4-26)

i. Lamps are not mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable.

j. Lamps are not mounted on rear of vehicle.

k. Lens is cracked or broken to the extent that a portion of the lens is missing and/or separated, permitting light from the bulb to emit through the crack or break.

NOTE: Lamp lenses cannot be repaired with repair tape or repair kit.

NOTE: Vehicles that are equipped from the manufacturer with approved lenses which are clear and lighted by L.E.D. lights will pass state inspection.

NOTE: Vehicles that are equipped with after market lenses which are clear and lighted by a red bulb will be rejected. (There are no red bulbs currently approved for use on vehicles.)

 

so as long as a red light is visible from 1000 ft, it isnt illegal to put overlays or tints?

 

Inspect for and reject if:
...
d. Lamp lens is painted, missing, discolored, or does not fit properly.
...
NOTE: Lamp lenses cannot be repaired with repair tape or repair kit.
...


It does not state that tinting the tail lights with vinyl is illegal, but the above can be interpreted different ways by the police.

 

I have a lighter 3/10 tint which is like 55% tint. I also offer a few designs that have cutouts for the lenses.

Bat™