Anyone with dark tint and getting pulled over by the police ?

[db12]

I purchased my S4 lightly used from the dealer about a year ago and the car had an extremely dark tint. Here in MN they have very strict laws only allowing like a minimum of 50% tint. I surprisingly have made it the whole year (until this morning) without getting pulled over. The policeman took the reading on my car and it was a 13% tint...lol. I was polite so he gave me only a warning and said the dealership illegally sold me the car with the tint. Anyway anyone else had this issue? And if so if I don't get it replaced what happens the next time I get pulled over? A fix it ticket etc?

[brianc21]

It all is going to depend on the area your in. What city stopped you? I have 20% all around, and had 11% on my last car. Never been stopped just for tint.

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[14S4GWM]

If it was a verbal warning it most likely won't show up if you get pulled over again. If you got a paper warning then it will show next time you get pulled over and you will most likely get a fix it ticket.

[14S4GWM]

It all is going to depend on the area your in. What city stopped you? I have 20% all around, and had 11% on my last car. Never been stopped just for tint.

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That does nothing for him

[brianc21]

If it was a verbal warning it most likely won't show up if you get pulled over again. If you got a paper warning then it will show next time you get pulled over and you will most likely get a fix it ticket.

Neither does this since its entirely inaccurate because your in a different state.

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[14S4GWM]

Neither does this since its entirely inaccurate because your in a different state.

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It's pretty accurate, that's the way it works in a ton places. If it's illegal he can get a fix it ticket or something similar. Since you're from there post up the facts.

[brianc21]

It's pretty accurate, that's the way it works in a ton places. If it's illegal he can get a fix it ticket or something similar. Since you're from there post up the facts.

I'm waiting to see which agency stopped him. That would depend on whether it's tracked or not. The only thing your correct about is a fix it ticket. That's an option wherever you go. Bottom line is if you leave it on, you risk getting stopped, warned or cited.

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[jimrobbington]

Find out more about your local laws. It's different in every state. For example, in Colorado, as long as your front windows are no darker than 35%, your rear windows can be 0% dark if you want.

That being said, I ran 18% on all my windows for 7 years and never once had a cop mention it when pulled over. Always be courteous, roll as many windows down as you can when you are pulled over, and they will be less likely to care typically.

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[SDV325]

As a matter of fact YES!!!

An asshat of a cop pulled me over on Friday for just this and only this. He was in a ghost SUV travelling 10kph under the speed limit in the left lane, I was going around 10kph over (100kph limit), he moved over when he saw I was coming up behind him...I slowed down because those things are so friggin obvious. Passed him doing exactly the speed limit. Pulls me over and gives me a $78 ticket for tint. I asked, seriously this is the only reason you pulled me over, yes sir....I nearly said someone is a little low on their quota this month huh? Made me so mad he pulled me over just for this. I've passed hundreds of cops of the years (10+) that I've had windows tinted, never been singled out like this. My front tint is only 40% as well, barely anything.

First actual ticket in 14 years, and second time I've been pulled over ever.

Police around here are typically very very good for little things like this (tint/exhaust/etc), unless you are really speeding/driving like an idiot and deserve more tickets. He never even mentioned the reason why it was illegal, nor did he mention the course of action that is required to remove the tint to have the ticket thrown out...just a cash grab. which irritates me even more!

[chilort]

I got pulled over for speeding a couple of years ago and the cop tested my tint. My tint is just beyond the legal limit here. He let me go without even a written warning for speeding or the tint. I would guess that getting pulled over exclusively for tint is rather rate.

[b6onboost]

I'm pretty sure everyone who has tint has at one time or another been pulled over for it or had it brought up when pulled over for something else. In most states, even the lightest shade of front window tint is illegal. Enforcement is subjective, I've only been pulled once for tint in 15 years and I too was polite and only warned. My friend (same tint %, same area) was pulled over 3 times for tint within 6 months of getting it. His car was Imola. If your car stands out, its just a bigger target. (Same goes for ride height, loud exhaust, etc.)

What happens all depends on state law. If the warning was officially recorded, you'll definitely get cited if pulled over again. If cited some states allow you to just pay a fine while others require you to remove the tint and have it inspected.

[968Reckless]

I've been pulled over a few times. Usually I only get tint tickets when it's a road block though. Cops are usually pretty nice on the highway and will just give me a ticket for no front plate or a seat belt or something. Fix it tickets only work if you actually fix the problem...I'll never remove my tints.


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[theswoleguy]

In GA here, i think it is a secondary offense and you cannot get pulled over for tint alone but im sure there is something they can get away with via probable cause. Honestly, if it's that infrequent, I would chalk it up to being pulled over and let go and worry about the next time. Another option to appears less dark is to always open up (at a minimum) the visor for the sunroof when in the vicinity of a LEO. I can't say much on the whole thing as my windows are dark enough that I also frequent the HOV lane while solo. The # of times i've done it over the passed years and the time saved to get home, is worth the $150 fine whenever i do finally get popped.

15% all the way around, windshield at 45%

[Jimminez@Nemesis]

As a matter of fact YES!!!

An asshat of a cop pulled me over on Friday for just this and only this. He was in a ghost SUV travelling 10kph under the speed limit in the left lane, I was going around 10kph over (100kph limit), he moved over when he saw I was coming up behind him...I slowed down because those things are so friggin obvious. Passed him doing exactly the speed limit. Pulls me over and gives me a $78 ticket for tint. I asked, seriously this is the only reason you pulled me over, yes sir....I nearly said someone is a little low on their quota this month huh? Made me so mad he pulled me over just for this. I've passed hundreds of cops of the years (10+) that I've had windows tinted, never been singled out like this. My front tint is only 40% as well, barely anything.

First actual ticket in 14 years, and second time I've been pulled over ever.

Police around here are typically very very good for little things like this (tint/exhaust/etc), unless you are really speeding/driving like an idiot and deserve more tickets. He never even mentioned the reason why it was illegal, nor did he mention the course of action that is required to remove the tint to have the ticket thrown out...just a cash grab. which irritates me even more!

Similar thing happened to my brother living in Edmonton. Driving to Calgary, he got pulled over for no other reason other than his fronts were tinted as Alberta is no front tint permitted. Ticket wasn't an option. He was told rip the tint off or get the car towed.

Lots of Ontario folks get pulled over by Quebec police as Quebec is also a no tint on front province while Ontario allows it. Many pay for the ticket even though you can fight it since the vehicle isn't registered within Quebec.

[db12]

It was a written warning...not a verbal. It was in minneapolis on the express lane (he was checking for the MN pass and for couldn't see mine...)

[whiped]

I've never been pulled over for dark tint or no front plate.

However, the meter maids can enforce both of those now.

2 Parking tickets for no front plates so far at $80 a piece.

Nothing about the tint. (Oregon you can't go less than 35% all around. I have 35% in the front, 20% in the back)

[brianc21]

It was a written warning...not a verbal. It was in minneapolis on the express lane (he was checking for the MN pass and for couldn't see mine...)

I assume a trooper then? They track all their stops, even if it wasn't a written. Doesn't sound like a fix it ticket so you should be fine doing nothing. Make sure it doesn't say you have a certain time to prove you removed it, if that's the case it could roll into an actual ticket if you don't.

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[S4Flyer]

He never even mentioned the reason why it was illegal, nor did he mention the course of action that is required to remove the tint to have the ticket thrown out...just a cash grab. which irritates me even more!

You aren't a continuing source of revenue if he tells you how to avoid future citations.

[jprice]

Just avoid Edina and Eden Prairie and you should be fine. ;)

I went with 40% tint to try and not stick out.

[S4Flyer]

Just avoid Edina and Eden Prairie and you should be fine. ;)

I went with 40% tint to try and not stick out.

I went 35%, my car's black.

I think the same % on a white car would be more conspicuous.

[whiped]

I went 35%, my car's black.

I think the same % on a white car would be more conspicuous.

35% Front
20% Back

[chilort]

In the US they have to follow the laws of the state where the car is registered. A friend had a cop key his tint (nearly 2 decades ago) in FL. FL paid to fix the tint on that window as the car was not registered in FL. My friend was a douche bag and likely deserved to have the cop screw up his tint.

[hotleadsingergu]

I've never been pulled over for it, and I've had 15% or darker tint on every car I've owned over 16 years. I've been pulled over for multiple things in that time, and not once did they ticket me for tint. That said, anytime I see myself being pulled over, I roll down both front windows (the only place it's illegal in Ohio).

I just got pulled over for going 20mph over the speed limit the other week. I have no front license plate (illegal in Ohio), super dark tint (illegal in Ohio), and a tint plate over my license plate (illegal in Ohio). I didn't even get a warning. He just said "Maybe don't use the gas pedal so much next time", then asked me about my car.

[S4Flyer]

35% Front
20% Back

Looks good. Just saying tint on a light colored car appears darker than on a dark colored car due to higher contrast.

[eXpressRR]

As a matter of fact YES!!!

An asshat of a cop pulled me over on Friday for just this and only this. He was in a ghost SUV travelling 10kph under the speed limit in the left lane, I was going around 10kph over (100kph limit), he moved over when he saw I was coming up behind him...I slowed down because those things are so friggin obvious. Passed him doing exactly the speed limit. Pulls me over and gives me a $78 ticket for tint. I asked, seriously this is the only reason you pulled me over, yes sir....I nearly said someone is a little low on their quota this month huh? Made me so mad he pulled me over just for this. I've passed hundreds of cops of the years (10+) that I've had windows tinted, never been singled out like this. My front tint is only 40% as well, barely anything.

First actual ticket in 14 years, and second time I've been pulled over ever.

Police around here are typically very very good for little things like this (tint/exhaust/etc), unless you are really speeding/driving like an idiot and deserve more tickets. He never even mentioned the reason why it was illegal, nor did he mention the course of action that is required to remove the tint to have the ticket thrown out...just a cash grab. which irritates me even more!

ive passed hundreds of cops over the years speeding (insert whatever you'd like that is against the law) and one asshole cop finally pulled me over for this me only this! The nerve of that guy. Must be trying to make his quota!

[Johnnycash]

When I was a whipper snapper I used to run dark tint exclusively, got sick of getting pulled over and sweated constantly, so I wised up and started to play a little closer to the rules:)

My car was from New Mexico and had20% all around, looked damn good too, drove it like that for about 3 months until my luck ran out.

Removed it and put 50% all around. (Sighs) I usually do 50 on the sides and then you can put 35 on the rear window to darken it all around, but most of my cars are white and have tan interior, if you have a dark car and black interior it will appear darker of course...

So you may still get harassed but if a cop checks the side windows you're good because 50% is legal! But still be prepared to get pulled over:/


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[KVDM]

I have a window tint exemption, go to an eye doctor and have them write a short letter to your state DMV...you'll never get a ticket again and you can even tint your windshield up to 20%


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[bayonet14]

When I had my blk on blk B5.5 - the dark interior always made the tint appear even darker - would get a warning
Remember (and I have nothing against cops) if it gives them a reason to pull you over...they will....they will try to collect information on you (again their job) ... If you give them reason / further suspicion (either based on your response(s) or actions/verbal non-verbal) so they can search your vehicle.

Know your rights - do not act like a fool - respect goes both ways.... this is my PSA for the day ;)

[j1n]

Im in VA and they are Nazi's over here about it. Had 35% all around on my last car and got a few tickets. im 50% all around on my s4. i was going to get a doctors note and take it to the DMV and be legal with darker tints but i realized that i would still end up getting pulled over. i wouldnt get a ticket but id rather not deal with cops if i dont have to.

[hotleadsingergu]

I tint for three reasons: It looks much better, I have a light aversion, and it helps a *lot* in hot summers.

With a good windshield shade, the inside of my car is only a few degrees warmer than outside air when I get in it. Cleveland summers actually get pretty hot, with a lot of days in the upper-90s and more than a few in the low-100s, so making sure the leather interior doesn't burn anything that touches it is wonderful.

With light aversion, bright lights or high contrast makes it hard for me to make out details. I don't wear sunglasses all the time, so having dark windows makes it a lot easier to drive without stressing my vision.

That said, the few times I've been pulled over, they've never mentioned it. My cars have always been noticeably darker than the limit, but I've been respectful and honest when I've been pulled over and it hasn't been a problem. Then again, I'm white...so I'm pretty sure I've gotten away with some things I wouldn't have, otherwise.

[Fast05stang]

I'm in CA, and I have no problem finding cops to pull me over. :-) But to be fair, I've never been pulled over in my S4 (35% front, 20% rear) or my S8 (20% front, 5% rear). But I've been pulled over about 10 times in my Mustang. Twice in one day, actually. But that tint is VERY dark all around. And the car is ALL black and obnoxiously loud. But I'm sure that had nothing to do with it. ;-) It seems the cops here leave the "nice" cars alone. It's the ricers and loud muscle cars that get messed with more.

Not once have I just received a warning. Every time I get pulled over for it, it's just a $10 fix-it ticket. So I get the tint taken off, have the ticket signed off, and go put it back on again. In my opinion, it's well worth it. Modded cars without tint, no matter how cool you think they look, look way better with tint. Just keep an eye out for cops. I typically drive with my front windows down anyway.

[Quidproquo]

I installed 35% to avoid getting hassled in NJ. There are so many people driving around in this state with 20% or less, I must look OEM to a cop.
But the funny thing is every police car has 15% or darker. How can they enforce a law they don't obey themselves?

[RLB6]

I installed 35% to avoid getting hassled in NJ. There are so many people driving around in this state with 20% or less, I must look OEM to a cop.
But the funny thing is every police car has 15% or darker. How can they enforce a law they don't obey themselves?

Because it's "do as I say, not as I do"

[KashOutS4]

Doesn't matter what agency pulls you over once your information goes in the system any law enforcement officer can see it. Granted even if you have been given a warning. Also rules of the road varies from state to state here in MD you can solely get pulled over for tints as a primary offense. Once you are issue a ERO (Equipment Repair Order) must be removed and inspected by a certified patircipant mechanic
Failed to so do will result in the suspension of your registration.

[evanb]

In NY the law is 70%.

[eXpressRR]

Doesn't matter what agency pulls you over once your information goes in the system any law enforcement officer can see it. Granted even if you have been given a warning. Also rules of the road varies from state to state here in MD you can solely get pulled over for tints as a primary offense. Once you are issue a ERO (Equipment Repair Order) must be removed and inspected by a certified patircipant mechanic
Failed to so do will result in the suspension of your registration.

This is not always true it depends on many different variants. If it's the same agency that pulls you over again yes. Or if they use the same program such as ETIX. However some agencies don't use the same programs or CAD and won't be able to see warnings

[KashOutS4]

This is not always true it depends on many different variants. If it's the same agency that pulls you over again yes. Or if they use the same program such as ETIX. However some agencies don't use the same programs or CAD and won't be able to see warnings

As long the agencies use ETIX/CAD system (digital copies) anyone else in the country with the same system will see previous stops either with the tag or license of that previous stop. This doesn't apply to agencies that issue hand written citations, so bottom line warning or citation if the info was submitted anyone with the same systems mentioned above will see the previous stops. Don't ask me how I know LOL

[Senseless]

The tint rule always seemed reasonable to me. You want to be able to identify a hit and run driver, for example.

[hotleadsingergu]

Doesn't matter what agency pulls you over once your information goes in the system any law enforcement officer can see it. Granted even if you have been given a warning. Also rules of the road varies from state to state here in MD you can solely get pulled over for tints as a primary offense. Once you are issue a ERO (Equipment Repair Order) must be removed and inspected by a certified patircipant mechanic
Failed to so do will result in the suspension of your registration.

Ya, that's very different per-state and per-system.

In most states, the 'inspection' isn't done by a mechanic, it's done by either the Highway Patrol or the local policing district. You go to the courthouse, a policing member comes out to look at your car, and signs off.

As for Warnings, only warnings that are written and delivered to you are recorded. Warnings are still an official citation, just one without fee or point accrual, so they have to be recorded and served to the citizen. If it's a verbal warning, there's nothing in the system.

[Mr.Tan]

In NY the law is 70%.

its the same in PA last time i checked... doesnt stop people from running 20% and darker all around (minus windshield).


I had my windows tinted on my last two vehicles, 40% all around on my bmw and then 18% on my wrangler. Never got hassled either time. The BMW looked darker than 40 because of the black interior and white exterior... I'd like to get the audi done, but the area i live i now the cops are real dicks about everything so i dont want to waste the money.