Window Tint allowed in CA?

[Frey7190]

Alright so Sunday my car is getting wrapped in tint, and my question to you Socal Audi'ers is what is the legal tint shade I can goto? What are the rules to (i.e. none on winsheild, rear windows etc) THANKS

[3.2some]

http://www.tintcenter.com/laws/CA/

[jones3000]

just moved to CA good to know.

[channad]

no front windows...but I still got mine done. Although, at 50%, it's pretty light

http://audizine.com/forum/showthread...ht=huper+optik

[kyran A4]

I just recently got a fix it ticket for my front windows and smoke tails. I am actually heading over to the CHP down the street in a bit. I will come back and let you know how much it costs to get that fixed. No tint on the front windows is allowed at all, and you may go as dark as you wish in your back 2 and the rear. Don't smoke the tails, its a "non-fixable" violation requiring me to attend a court date in a few days. Not worth it.

[jdubbs119]

basically if your gonna go with tint, get limo, i got pulled over once, with my windows down, and my back windows up.
if your gonna get tint, dont worry, the ticket is a joke, you can get out of it so easily even if you have to go to court.

5 percent all around
and on windsheild= legit legit.

[oc-drop]

5% windshield?? HA

and BOOO I just got another tint ticket, while I have another pending fine for a tint ticket last year. I just pulled out of the gas station at the wrong time yesterday

[kyran A4]

one of the officers at the chp just signed off on my ticket. he said that the tints on the front two windows are like a $10 fine, same with my front plate. But the tinted tail lights I still have to go to court for because of something that has to do with the visibility of the tail light from a certain distance or something? wtf? anyways, it cost me $260 to tint my whole car, $50 to get the front 2 windows and the lights removed, and $10 to the state of California for having them on. Mind you my front 2 windows were 35%. I could see perfectly in and out of them. I guess it all depends on the cop.

[Frey7190]

really... damn, thats ending up costing alot for the tint.. Im paying $180 for the guy to come to my house and tint everything but the front windshield. As for the front two windows... what is the lightest shade of tint on the market, b/c I think ill but that on the front. My car gets really hot in the summer and with the blk interior it bakes my gf ass to the point I have to put something over the leather so it wont heat up... pain in the a**.

Also as for the front plate thing... I have a plate bracket for it but instead of having a plate I have the dealer paper.. is that still a $10 fine, and do I have to remove it, if a cop cites me for it?

Thanks

[Russ D]

If you're gunna do front tint just do whatever shade. If the cop is gunna get you for front tint, he's gunna get you for front tint... no matter the darkness. I had medium in the rear and Light in the front (absolute lightest I could get) CHP still gave me a tint ticket... just because he felt like it.(And there was SOME tint there to ticket for)

[Cargo8]

correct law is 70% in front side windows anything in back.

[Eric @ WAR]

Keep in mind that if you have a dark interior, it will make your tint look even darker. I've been given a tint ticket on all my vehicles in the past (Camaro, G35, truck, Mustang). Hell my truck was like 60% or something and I got a ticket (but it was also nearing nighttime so it looked darker).

[cloaked]

IIRC it's 70% but you'll need a tent reader device to be accurate on the driver and front passenger side.

[socaljoe]

correct law is 70% in front side windows anything in back.

No, that is not correct. In the state of California, you can not tint the front windows at all. Here's a CHP link
http://www.chp.ca.gov/community/streetlegal.html

[oc-drop]

an excerpt from another page on CHP.CA.GOV

Can I put after-market tinting on the windows of my vehicle?
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.

The law prohibits any person from driving any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied upon the windshield or side or rear windows, with certain limited exceptions.
However, legislation signed into law effective January 1, 1999, exempts from the above prohibition specified clear, colorless, and transparent material that is installed, affixed, or applied to the front driver and passenger side windows for the specific purpose of reducing ultraviolet rays. If, as, or when this material becomes torn, bubbled or otherwise worn, it must be removed or replaced.

[cloaked]

No, that is not correct. In the state of California, you can not tint the front windows at all. Here's a CHP link
http://www.chp.ca.gov/community/streetlegal.html

Yeah that was wrong what you need to have is 70% light when the tint is viewed via a tint meter. The tint meter is used by the CHP measure tint.

[clumpymold]

one of the officers at the chp just signed off on my ticket. he said that the tints on the front two windows are like a $10 fine, same with my front plate. But the tinted tail lights I still have to go to court for because of something that has to do with the visibility of the tail light from a certain distance or something? wtf? anyways, it cost me $260 to tint my whole car, $50 to get the front 2 windows and the lights removed, and $10 to the state of California for having them on. Mind you my front 2 windows were 35%. I could see perfectly in and out of them. I guess it all depends on the cop.

Old thread but what happened with your smoked tails? And how smoked were they? I just got pulled over yesterday for tint on my front sides but the cop mentioned my no front plate and my smoked tails though. I bought the car with the tint and no front plate but just added the tint on the tails.

What was the fine for the smoked tails? Should I remove it or just lower the darkness? I went with 20%. Should I go with 35% then?

[Slave IV]

I have 50% all around and 70% on the WS...been pulled over and drive by cops all the time and they don't even look twice...

[clumpymold]

I have 50% all around and 70% on the WS...been pulled over and drive by cops all the time and they don't even look twice...

Any pics from the side and rear? Your car's silver though so it's not going to be THAT noticeable (as opposed to black/black). I'm thinking about doing the same percentages just to lay low.

[Slave IV]

I don't have any pics unless you can find some from some GTG's and cruises from a few months ago on here...I think you could get away with 60% on the WS if you want a bit darker..

[clumpymold]

I don't have any pics unless you can find some from some GTG's and cruises from a few months ago on here...I think you could get away with 60% on the WS if you want a bit darker..

Yeah, I have 60% on my windshield now (and had 50% on my windshield on my last car). Never got hassled though. But that's probably because the sides are SO much darker it's not noticeable in comparison.

[Slave IV]

Darkest I would go on any car for stealthness and ability to see out clearly is 35-40% all around and 60% on the WS...I really like my current setup though, especially with the ceramic film, it rejects a lot more heat than darker non-ceramic films...

[Error]

Can I put after-market tinting on the windows of my vehicle?
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.

an excerpt from another page on CHP.CA.GOV

Say you got it from the dealer this way.

[clumpymold]

Darkest I would go on any car for stealthness and ability to see out clearly is 35-40% all around and 60% on the WS...I really like my current setup though, especially with the ceramic film, it rejects a lot more heat than darker non-ceramic films...

Yeah, I was thinking of doing that. Maybe I'll do it if I get pulled over again. For now, though, I'll just keep mine. I'm guessing it's around 20% sides and 5-10% rear. Not sure though.

[whartung]

No, that is not correct. In the state of California, you can not tint the front windows at all. Here's a CHP link
http://www.chp.ca.gov/community/streetlegal.html

actually, that is incorrect as well. follow the vehicle code numbers the CHP link has within and you'll find this little nugget:


(d) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), clear, colorless, and transparent material may be installed, affixed, or applied to the front side windows, located to the immediate left and right of the front seat if the following conditions are met:

(1) The material has a minimum visible light transmittance of 88 percent.

(2) The window glazing with the material applied meets all requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205 (49 C.F.R. 571.205), including the specified minimum light transmittance of 70 percent and the abrasion resistance of AS-14 glazing, as specified in that federal standard.

(3) The material is designed and manufactured to enhance the ability of the existing window glass to block the sun's harmful ultraviolet A rays.

(4) The driver has in his or her possession, or within the vehicle, a certificate signed by the installing company certifying that the windows with the material installed meet the requirements of this subdivision and identifies the installing company and the material's manufacturer by full name and street address, or, if the material was installed by the vehicle owner, a certificate signed by the material's manufacturer certifying that the windows with the material installed according to manufacturer's instructions meets the requirements of this subdivision and identifies the material's manufacturer by full name and street address.

(5) If the material described in this subdivision tears or bubbles, or is otherwise worn to prohibit clear vision, it shall be removed or replaced.


or to summarize, 70% seems to be the federal limit, and california's limit is 88%... go figure.

[GotRS?]

Say you got it from the dealer this way.

That's what I'll say, and it really did, but the reply to me will be "so what?".

I have 50% all sides and rear, and fairly dark tails although I have turned up the brightness with VAG-COM, pretty bright now.

Interesting to hear what Rick says about the visibility of the lights at a distance being the requirement, not just a random opinion from whoever pulls you over.

Brightness edit:
To increase the brightness of the three tail light bulbs, go into 09-Cent.Elec., choose Adaptation-10, then on Channels 02; 03; 04 you can set the brightness in % for each of Brake; Tail; Rear-Fog bulbs.

Enter your new % value (the range allowed and standard setting come up in a pop-up info box, max is 40%), press Test then Save if you like it.

[clumpymold]

That's what I'll say, and it really did, but the reply to me will be "so what?".

I have 50% all sides and rear, and fairly dark tails although I have turned up the brightness with VAG-COM, pretty bright now.

Interesting to hear what Rick says about the visibility of the lights at a distance being the requirement, not just a random opinion from whoever pulls you over.

Brightness edit:
To increase the brightness of the three tail light bulbs, go into 09-Cent.Elec., choose Adaptation-10, then on Channels 02; 03; 04 you can set the brightness in % for each of Brake; Tail; Rear-Fog bulbs.

Enter your new % value (the range allowed and standard setting come up in a pop-up info box, max is 40%), press Test then Save if you like it.

But what about during the daytime? When our rears are off? That's how I got noticed this week. :( Our DRLs don't light up the rears, do they?

[GotRS?]

But what about during the daytime? When are rears are off? That's how I got noticed this week. :( Our DRLs don't light up the rears, do they?

But then they are making an assumption that the lights would not be bright enough. I'd be happy to explain the technical aspect to the cop at the time, and that's the best I could do. Also you can still see my side and rear reflectors if a light shines on them, you would never guess that by looking.
Having said that, I would not have made them appear so obviously dark as the original owner did. They're painted too, not stick-on.
No rears with DRL.

[clumpymold]

But then they are making an assumption that the lights would not be bright enough. I'd be happy to explain the technical aspect to the cop at the time, and that's the best I could do. Also you can still see my side and rear reflectors if a light shines on them, you would never guess that by looking.
Having said that, I would not have made them appear so obviously dark as the original owner did. They're painted too, not stick-on.
No rears with DRL.

I see what you mean. Good point. I'll have to brighten my rears too then.

[2.slowT]

Have you guys had any problem with tint if your car is registered in another state?

[clumpymold]

Have you guys had any problem with tint if your car is registered in another state?

Would that even matter? Your car's driving in CA and it's illegal to them, no?

[whartung]

Would that even matter? Your car's driving in CA and it's illegal to them, no?

florida doesnt require front plates, and even though they're required in cali, a florida car doesnt need front plates in cali.

thats just an example of how it matters. out of state cops dont know california's limits. i've talked my way out of two window tint tickets out of state (and i have 20% on my front windows) by telling the cop its legal in cali. i'd assume it works the other way around.

[2.slowT]

^ I would think the same. Im not sure what clumpymold was even saying in his post. It did not make sense.

[clumpymold]

florida doesnt require front plates, and even though they're required in cali, a florida car doesnt need front plates in cali.

thats just an example of how it matters. out of state cops dont know california's limits. i've talked my way out of two window tint tickets out of state (and i have 20% on my front windows) by telling the cop its legal in cali. i'd assume it works the other way around.

Well, I would think, given enough time, if your car is here long enough, I would think the laws of the state apply.

It's like, just because marijuana is legal in Amsterdam, if you bring it over here, does the law not apply to you? You're bound by the laws of where you reside, no?

I just figured it would also be the same for automotive violations. I don't think CA (at least not SoCal) would let it go if you said your tint "was legal in xxx (insert state)". Not sure how strict Florida is but it seems CA is pretty strict. If that was the case, wouldn't everyone just say that?

You'd also need to have registration and plates to prove that you're out of state, right? But, assuming you have all that, then maybe?

[ArcticV8]

any tint on the 2 fronts windows are illegal, if I'm not mistaken

[whartung]

Well, I would think, given enough time, if your car is here long enough, I would think the laws of the state apply.

It's like, just because marijuana is legal in Amsterdam, if you bring it over here, does the law not apply to you? You're bound by the laws of where you reside, no?

I just figured it would also be the same for automotive violations. I don't think CA (at least not SoCal) would let it go if you said your tint "was legal in xxx (insert state)". Not sure how strict Florida is but it seems CA is pretty strict. If that was the case, wouldn't everyone just say that?

You'd also need to have registration and plates to prove that you're out of state, right? But, assuming you have all that, then maybe?

i drove a car that had florida plates on it in cali for a year, no front plate, and there were no issues. if you have a car registered in florida, and you have something like a mercedes where you actually have to drill your bumper to mount the plate instead of something simple like a filler plate, it would be ridiculous for georgia state police to expect you to pull over at the border and pull out a drill just to put a front plate on.

your amsterdam example isnt exactly valid due to the whole, different country thing.

I believe, to a certain degree your car is still subject to the laws of the state its registered in. Which would explain how i talked my way out of two tint tickets in Pennsylvania and new york by simply saying, "my cars registered in CA and this tint is legal in CA," to which they responded, "sorry to have wasted your time."

any tint on the 2 fronts windows are illegal, if I'm not mistaken

for cars registered in CA. and if you had read the post i wrote several above this i cited the CA law stating that tint in excess of 88% iirc is illegal. but not any tint.

[whartung]

Well, I would think, given enough time, if your car is here long enough, I would think the laws of the state apply.

It's like, just because marijuana is legal in Amsterdam, if you bring it over here, does the law not apply to you? You're bound by the laws of where you reside, no?

I just figured it would also be the same for automotive violations. I don't think CA (at least not SoCal) would let it go if you said your tint "was legal in xxx (insert state)". Not sure how strict Florida is but it seems CA is pretty strict. If that was the case, wouldn't everyone just say that?

You'd also need to have registration and plates to prove that you're out of state, right? But, assuming you have all that, then maybe?

another good example, clumpymold, is registration in NJ is required to be taped to the front windshield as opposed to mounted on the license plate. However, a CA car driven in NJ IS NOT EXPECTED TO HAVE THEIR REGISTRATION TAPED TO THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT IS JERSEY LAW. the CA car simply has to abide by the laws in place in the state its registered in

[clumpymold]

another good example, clumpymold, is registration in NJ is required to be taped to the front windshield as opposed to mounted on the license plate. However, a CA car driven in NJ IS NOT EXPECTED TO HAVE THEIR REGISTRATION TAPED TO THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT IS JERSEY LAW. the CA car simply has to abide by the laws in place in the state its registered in

I see. Is there a certain time frame one can have their car registered in another state?

Are there any states that allow tint on the front windows (and windshield) that is reasonably darker?

[whartung]

I see. Is there a certain time frame one can have their car registered in another state?

Are there any states that allow tint on the front windows (and windshield) that is reasonably darker?

I have no idea, but if your car were registered in said state, you wouldn't even have to lie to out of state police. You could say its legal in your state, and you'd actually be telling the truth. But for now, if you get pulled over out of state for tint, just tell them its legal in your state. I'm 2 for 2 so far.

[2.slowT]

another good example, clumpymold, is registration in NJ is required to be taped to the front windshield as opposed to mounted on the license plate. However, a CA car driven in NJ IS NOT EXPECTED TO HAVE THEIR REGISTRATION TAPED TO THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT IS JERSEY LAW. the CA car simply has to abide by the laws in place in the state its registered in

Thats what I was thinking ang the reason I ask is becasue I am looking to move to San Diego.

I could see where it would be a problem if your seen alot by the same cop.