Dark Tint Dilemma: How Do You Respond to the 'that’s illegal’ comments

[Theo Caldwell]

I recently got my windows tinted pretty dark, and people keep telling me it's illegal. I usually respond by saying it's for the privacy of the camera equipment I travel with and because it just looks cool. I've always wanted tint this dark, and honestly, I have a feeling that cops won't be eager to pull over a vehicle that looks this classy. Oh, and by the way, I don’t have a front plate either... not exactly legal either.

Here are the tint specs for my vehicle:
- Full Windshield: XR Black 55 (54% VLT)
- Front (Driver & Passenger Windows): XR Black 20 (20% VLT)
- Rear (Both Sides & Back Windows including Slider): XR Black 20 (20% VLT) over the stock colored glass
- Panoramic Sunroof: XR Black 55 (54% VLT)

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[Kodiak]

If it is a cop that pulls you over and says "that's illegal" you should tell him to kiss your a$$.

That will show him who the boss is.

 

[z-man]

"Cop didn't see it I didn't do it."

 

[ChemGuy]

Illegal is just a sick bird.

 

[Eskram]

It's only illegal if you get caught.

In FL, it's a fix-it ticket. Pay the fine and go about your day, or remove it and have the ticket dismissed. It's generally cheaper to just pay the fine

In my 30+ years of driving, I've only been stopped once for tint, and rightfully so - I had 5% all around and 15% on the windshield. I was young and dumb, and could barely see outside at night.

 

[AndyW1978]

It looks very nice but I would HATE to get pulled over for it and then end up with a DUI when I was driving perfectly fine.

 

[powerboatr]

Police can say all they want. Go ahead and stand your ground.
Bit flies like sugar more than salt
Only a real tester device will tell
Did your tint place say it's illegal?
Many states grant waivers for real dark tint. For eye issues. ?
Etc

 

[madsend81]

When I took my Driver's ED class in CA in the 90's, our instructor, who was a CHP officer, said he had a card with text in varying shades of grey that he could hold up to the window to detect the degree of tint and if it was illegal or not per CA law.

IIRC, in CA the windshields and front driver and passenger windows have to be clear (<5% i think?) The rest can be blacked out.

I'd never tell another driver his tint is too dark, unless it was my own kid's car and they're on my insurance.

 

[HammaMan]

I recently got my windows tinted pretty dark, and people keep telling me it's illegal. I usually respond by saying it's for the privacy of the camera equipment I travel with and because it just looks cool. I've always wanted tint this dark, and honestly, I have a feeling that cops won't be eager to pull over a vehicle that looks this classy. Oh, and by the way, I don’t have a front plate either... not exactly legal either.

Well best get a front plate. Tint is a stacker ticket when they stop you for something else depending both of your moods.

 

[Fox146]

Wow a 703a is the issue here ??

 

[Davidwnuc]

Well best get a front plate. Tint is a stacker ticket when they stop you for something else depending both of your moods.

@Theo Caldwell
Depends on the state. In mississippi you an be pulled over for tint, heck they can pull you over for having an air freshener hanging from the rear view. So verify your states laws for this type of thing.


https://www.mississippi-lawyers.com/blog/when-can-the-police-pull-you-over-in-mississippi/

 

[HammaMan]

@Theo Caldwell
Depends on the state. In mississippi you an be pulled over for tint, heck they can pull you over for having an air freshener hanging from the rear view. So verify your states laws for this type of thing.

That's most states. Lack of a tag for most places is a given stop. Now blacked out tint is a red flag, but 20% on front windows where you're still seen not a big deal. I've had 50% windshield 20% front windows (only ones that matter) and haven't been stopped for it in nearly 3 decades

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

I would certainly get a front plate put on. That’s just asking for unwanted attention. Found the best of fly under the radar.

 

[Bossharp]

My wife and I bought a new 2002 Kia Sportage and my son tinted the windows for her birthday. First trip we were stopped in WV and got a $200.00 plus ticket. 5 hours later Virginia State Police gave us another one. When I showed the Trooper the ticket from WV he made it a fix it ticket. Back in Florida we had to remove it. It's just not worth the hassle for looks alone.

 

[Tnker]

“That’s illegal”

“I dont care.”

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