I went to get my front side windows tinted and they said they couldn't legally match the back windows because they're too dark.

Texas law says window tint must allow "more than 25% of light in"

I was told that the factory "tinted" windows on these trucks are actually smoke color glass, not actually tinted..

They said they went as dark as they could, which is not as dark as I would have thought they could go.. but it looks a lot better than the clear as day glass

Why if it's illegal to even match the factory back windows would they allow the factory windows in texas?

 

It should be 20% on the rear and back two windows. I got my front two tinted 20% also but its not as dark as the back windows but really close. Almost unnoticeable if I didn't tell you. When I was calling around, a few places told me the same thing they told you. Its more of a liability issue for them. The place I went to told me if I get 20% and get stopped by the cops, they will not be responsible if I get a ticket.

 

Lil is correct on the 20%. I got my front ones tinted to 20% and they're almost dead on. There's a slight difference in them, but that's more because you've got light coming in from the windshield that'll make the fronts look lighter.

Oh, and as for Texas law, yes, it is technically illegal to get them tinted to match and no big name shop will tint them more than the law will allow. However, if you look around, I'm sure you'll find a mom & pop shop that will be more than willing to tint them as dark as you'd like to go. If you've got the money, they'll do whatever you want. I live in Texas, and had my front windows tinted here in Texas, so all you've got to do is some digging around. **wink, wink**

 

your front windows don't look as dark as the back windows due to light coming in from the windshield.

 

Your aftermarket tint will not match the tints from the factory regardless. Light from the windshield or not. Its gonna be pretty damn close though. Mine was matched and its a tad bid lighter. Not too noticeable; day or night. Nothing the average person would notice. You just need to find somewhere that will install the tints, but will not be held liable if you get a ticket. That's what I did.

 

Its not legal but I got my rear done with 15% and got my front done with 5%. Looks awesome

 

The guy that tinted mine said it was 15%. And they match.

 

The rears I had a match done with my guy and they are 20%

 

Here's mine with 15% on rears and 5% on front.

 

I had my front tinted with 20%. Then I had the entire truck tinted again with 20%. It's dark but not THAT dark. The best thing I did was have a 4 inch dark strip added to the windshield. It REALLY helps.