how dark can you tint your windows in cali?

Don't forget, there are both Federal and State laws. Federal laws and reasonable for window tinting, state laws suck.

 

x2 this is the only reason LEO's will cite for tint

 

Like I said, couldn't even talk my way out of it with my work experience...

 

What federal law exists governing window tint?

 

You can't have a buddy sign off on the fix-it?

 

393.60
"(d) Coloring or tinting of windshields and windows. Coloring or tinting of windshields and the windows to the immediate right and left of the driver is allowed, provided the parallel luminous transmittance through the colored or tinted glazing is not less than 70 percent of the light at normal incidence in those portions of the windshield or windows which are marked as having a parallel luminous transmittance of not less than 70 percent. The transmittance restriction does not apply to other windows on the commercial motor vehicle."


Source: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?section=393.60


I have commercial plates, and pay a commercial fee for vehicle registration on my truck, like most of us do in CA unless you get a permanently attached camper and surrender your commercial plates.

 

I'm running 5% and DGAF!

 

The main requirements for legal window tinting in California are:

1. The windshield and front driver's side and passenger's side windows cannot receive any aftermarket tinting.
2. If the rear window of a vehicle is tinted, the vehicle must have outside rearview mirrors on both sides.

http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/answers.html

 

extremely homosexual law

 

http://www.tintlaws.com/

 

Bah! People keep parroting that link. The info is NOT current or updated for California. That makes me skeptical of how up to date it is for other states as well.

 

I had 35% on a previous vehicle. It was visibly dark, but no problem seeing into the truck for a cop. Got pulled over for speeding, was "yes sir, no sir" for the whole conversation, no tint ticket.

I won't tint my fronts again because I always had problems seeing out those front windows at night. I was afraid I would hit one of the idiots we have in our downtown district that like to jump off the curb without looking.

Do what you want, but keep in mind if you hit a pedestrian because you can't see them and you have illegal tint, you might wind up on manslaughter charges. Lots of bloodthirsty lawyers with creative minds out there.

 

Can't believe this thread is still going on about the tintlaws link. That link specifies federal law. Each State can then have its own laws that are more restrictive which is why it isn't accurate. It's like saying you can remove your CA emissions control equipment and have no problems because it's not required by federal law Good luck passing a smog check that way in CA...

That's not to say you can't tint them as people do it everywhere anyway.

 

the CALIFORNIA TINT RULES ARE:

WIND SHIELD: tint cannot exceed 6" below the highest part of the wind shield. and the tint cannot be reflective.

FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER WINDOWS: absolutely no tint at all

ANY WINDOW BEHIND THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER WINDOWS: tint them as dark as you like.


but remember its only illegal if you get caught!

 

LOL

Are you talking about downtown SLO? I think I know who you are talking about. Haven't seen him lately. I don't go down there unless I absolutely have to. Not really a crowd person. Can't even take my lady to a movie without having to deal with the panhandlers. All they have to do is go down to the day center and they eat better than I do for free.

 

Yep that's right. I just got nailed for it today. I have had side windows tinted on my vehicles for the last 10 years or so and just now got popped. I have been pulled over by other cops in other front side window tinted vehicles and never had one mention the T word. I'm buying new factory side windows, getting it signed off, then putting them right back on.

I guess the poor cop was afriad if he doesn't generate enough money for the State he'll end up in the unemployment line. Whatever. Guess I may as well help out the window sales guys while I'm at it.

Still have no idea where the hell he came from. I pulled into the gas station as I stopped at the pump, I look in my mirror and see him pull up behind me with his lights on. Never ever saw him anywhere till he was stopping behind me. Sneaky mofo. Maybe my windows were too dark LOL.

 

Fix-it tickets just got a healthy fine associated with them now.

RZ Rob

 

Do you have a link for that info?

 

In regards to the CHP tint link, it states a vehicle cant have any aftermarket tint on front and sides..So if you get some tinted side windows put on by a dealer, youre good?