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A Small but IMPORTANT change to CA's window tinting laws

6/28/2018

 
As the summer reaches its peak, many drivers are utilizing any available means to stay cool and out of the sun. One of the most common efforts in doing so involves window tinting. Window tinting is utilized for various different reasons, for example: added privacy, prevent damage to the interior of the vehicle, or—as tinting film can reflect incoming light and therefore reduce the glare and heat inside the car—to keep cool.  Although many Californians have their windows tinted, window tinting has always been heavily regulated by law enforcement and can be used a means for initiating a traffic stop. In fact, in 2015, the California Highway Patrol reported a total of nearly 2000,000 tickets issued to drivers for violating California window tint law between January 2015 and August 2017!

Vehicle Code §26708 generally prohibits drivers from placing any material that may reduce or obstruct their view through the windshield. (Ironically, it seems Californians are constantly encouraged to do the complete opposite. Parking permits are a great example. Whether instructed to be placed on the windshield or hung on the rear-view mirror, based on the language of the law, doing so could be construed as a violation.) Also, other regulations address the darkness and location of the tint. For example, despite there being no current limitations on the darkness of rear windows, the front side windows must allow more than 70% of light to pass through into the inside the car, and a car can only have non-reflective tint on the top four inches of the windshield.[1]  

Through the passage of AB  1303, California created a small but important exemption to the window shield tint and object placement prohibition; Californians who obtain a signed certificate by a dermatologist indicating the driver has a sensitivity to UV rays[2]can now tint their windshields. It is important to keep in mind, however, that those utilizing this exemption can still expect to have interactions with law enforcement stemming from their use of tint as officers can still use a perceived violation of the tinting laws as probable cause to initiate a traffic stop.  …And once an officer has probable cause to pull you over, his observations while conducting that routine traffic stop are all fair game.
 
So if you are one of the drivers for whom window tint is medically recommended, by all means take advantage of the new exemption created by AB 1303. But remember, this could potentially result in an increased likelihood of interactions with law enforcement so make sure your other documentation such as license, insurance, and registration are all up to date!
 ___________
[1]Also of note, (1) a driver is required to have dual side mirrors if the rear window of the car is tinted, and (2) a driver cannot use red, amber or blue tint on any window.
[2]For example if the driver has either Lupus or xeroderma pigmentosum
Sarah Smith link
11/6/2018 04:29:23 pm

My father has really sensitive skin. That and the fact that our family has a history of developing skin cancer prompted a dermatologist to recommend greater window tinting. Your information that drivers in California can tint their windshields if they have a signed certificate from a dermatologist will be really helpful for him.

peter skrzyniarz
10/18/2019 12:45:49 pm

Why am I being told by California cops that there is no window tint allow on front side windows.

Ron Burgondy
10/28/2019 08:59:18 pm

Probably because they are unaware of the passage of AB 1303. You will likely know more than them, so educating them upon being stopped should be an interesting conversation.

Jeffrey Fox
11/3/2019 06:37:10 am

Because you cannot add darkening film to front side windows. All that's allowed is clear film that blocks UV-A. This is how it's always been.

AB 1303 doesn't change anything for side windows. This new bill (from 2017) merely allows you, with your doctor's note, to put the same clear UV-A film on your entire windshield. Without the doctor's note, you could put the clear UV-A blocker along the top strip of your windshield only.

Dave R
2/4/2020 09:21:52 am

The California Vehicle Code does allow for foreign objects (parking permits, toll transponders, etc) to be placed on the windshield - in specified areas.

website link
5/31/2020 10:35:05 pm

The more windows information and great titling laws included,I have found and getting the useful thoughts with us. Mostly sharing us impressive new building information and changing new doors and windows.

Jennifer Macdonald
6/19/2021 04:45:32 pm

Brentwood, N.California.

Local police S.U.V's ALL have solid black tint all the way around. Multiple coworkers , ranging from sport cars, mini vans, full size trucks and luxury sedans; ALL have solid black tint all the way around. I've asked several coworkers and they have never been pulled over or harassed for tint either. . . I can't imagine all of the above getting certification from a dermatologist.
I am seriously asking the community here, "why do you think it's overlooked in Brentwood?"


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  • Home
  • Profile
  • Practice Areas
    • DUI
    • Assault Crimes
    • Theft Crimes
    • Domestic Violence
    • Drug Crimes
    • Sex Crimes
    • Homicide
    • Restraining Order-related >
      • Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
      • Other Types of Protective Orders
      • If You Are Served With A Protective Order
      • Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence
  • Contact
  • Results
  • Other information
    • Devina's Blog
    • Cal. Fish and Game Updates
    • Commonly-Requested Documents >
      • Local Ordinances
    • Reference Links
  • Disclaimer
  • SoCo and COVID