Just Tinted my Front Windows 15%
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 793
Likes: 63
From: California
Just Tinted my Front Windows 15%
I just had my front windows tinted along with a front strip.
The strip was only up to the AS1 line due to the complexity of the rear view mirror.
I went with Llumar $15% which matches ok on the outside but you can notice it is darker when inside looking out. Not sure if it was due to the brand or not.
The 20% precut tint on ebay was too light and did not match.
The strip was only up to the AS1 line due to the complexity of the rear view mirror.
I went with Llumar $15% which matches ok on the outside but you can notice it is darker when inside looking out. Not sure if it was due to the brand or not.
The 20% precut tint on ebay was too light and did not match.
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 103
From: Sacramento, California
I so want to do this, my wife's pretty light blue eyes are very sensitive to light. But I see you are located where I am in California. This is illegal, but I see it done a lot. What are your thoughts on being stopped for the tint.?
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
From: Nebraska
Looks nice. That would also be illegal here in Nebraska. When I was a street cop years ago, my partner's thing was stopping people with illegal tint, especially since we were patrolling certain hot spots. He would bring along the tint meter all the time.
CL Community Team
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 396
From: Ohio
So if you should not tint your windows because it's illegal and you could be stopped and given a ticket and because it impairs your night vision and endangers everyone in the car as well as in other cars in your vicinity, what are the arguments for tinting them that trump those two? All I see mentioned in the owners' forums is that it "looks neat," or words to that effect. And don't give me that it's hot down here crap - these cars are air conditioned.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 14
From: California
From the California Highway Patrol FAQ website:
http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/answers.html
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.
http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/answers.html
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.
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CL Community Team
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 396
From: Ohio
Tinting the windows does not affect the "visibility" of the car, because people can see it just as well as before. If you mean that you can tint the windows 35% and still be able to see out of the car just as well as before, then you need to think about that statement again. As noted previously, I observe that the only argument for tinting front windows seems to be "I like the look," followed by a contradiction of optics and physics and a disregard for one's own safety. But I could be wrong about this whole tinting thing.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 934
Likes: 198
From: N. CA
One of my co-worker went to his long time doctor, got a doctor note indicating he has skin problem. Was stopped by a cop due to his front tint, showed him the note, he was free to go. 
. This is in SF bay area.
08 RX350 AWD (wife)
08 Avalon Touring (mine)
. This is in SF bay area.08 RX350 AWD (wife)
08 Avalon Touring (mine)
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,999
Likes: 37
From: FL
I was pointed to this and told to ignore what I see referenced in CA 26708.5 which is now outdated:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc26708.htm
In short, front tint is allowable if it allows 88% light through. Since tint is allowable the doctor's note should no longer be necessary. However, it is up to YOU to provide proper documentation if pulled over. You need all the documentation from the shop which installed the film to prove what was installed to be correct. Failure to provide that documentation will more than likely get you the ticket. Also, seems that like many such matters its enforcement varies widely within the state. Where my friends live law enforcement look for this on a regular basis. They are looking for drivers on their cellphones and if they cannot see the driver clearly they pull you over for the tint.
Keep in mind, tint not need to be dark to block UVA and UVB.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 14
From: California
The cop should have written the ticket. If the guy had an excuse let him tell it to the Traffic Court Judge.