BRAKE LIGHT RULE CHANGE
Texas Window Tint Law regarding the tinting of the Rear Wind Shield has been on the books since 1984.
Recently the State of Texas changed it’s enforcement pf Inspection Requirements regarding Third Brake Lights effective as of Jan. 1, 2017. Texas DPS did this without prior notification or as of Jan.5, 2017 any notification at all to Texas based window tint businesses or Texas consumers.
Inspection Stations were made aware of the change in an update to their Official Handbook that enforcement regarding the visibility of the third brake light from 300 feet away would be mandatory as of Jan. 1, 2017 No notice of a Public Hearing was directed to Texas based window tint businesses.
What this means to you is that your vehicle will likely not pass inspection in 2017 and beyond if it was tinted according to the window tint rules as they were established since 1986. This means you will incur additional costs to be in compliance.
Who is at fault? It is our opinion that the State should have done two things;
1.) Grand fathered all vehicles tinted up to and including Dec. 31, 2016
2.) Notified Inspections Stations, Texas consumers and Texas based window tint businesses of the enforcement change to allow for public discussion and awareness.
Texas did neither.
Now what? In order to get your vehicle inspected if the rear windshield film prevents the third brake light from being visible at 300 feet you will need to one of the following;
1.) Remove the existing film from the entire window and replace it with an opening for the third brake light.
2.) A cut out in the shape of the brake light will need to be made to allow the brake light to be unobstructed.
3.) Replace the existing light bulb with a brighter bulb if there is one available for your make and model vehicle.
What is this going to cost you?
To remove and replace a rear windshield is both lengthy and expensive, especially when the expense is totally unexpected. The average cost is $200 but can be less and can be more depending on the window.
What about the defroster?
Whenever window film is removed from a defroster there is the danger of the defroster never working again. Keep in mind that most companies, ours included, do not accept the liability for damage to any defroster do to the installation or removal of window film.
What about cutting out around the brake light?
While this sounds like an easier proposition it is not feasible with a majority of cars. Brake light patterns are nearly impossible to cut out when the film is installed without risking injury or damage to the vehicle. The average cost of cutting out around the brake light, when it is feasible to do so, is $125.00
Replacing the Third Brake Light's Bulb
We have all seen the high intensity head lights on cars, most of which are illegal beside annoying.
The cost to replace the light bulb is $20-$30 plus labor which which can run $40 - $50.