Traffic stop and tinted windows

[steveno]

so what is the standard for tinted windows in a vehicle? I just bought a 2004 Chevrolet Colorado pickup Extended cab. the windshield and the door windows are what I would call the standard tinting on them. the side windows for the extended cab and the back window are tinted a LOT more. in the daytime you can see into the cab ok I guess but at night you can't see through those windows very well at all. this is factory tinting.

 

[Steel]

When I was a badge, I used to hate dark tint (especially at night). The officers(s) is already going to be on hightened alert due to the tint when he walks up to the car.

As explained to me by my tint man, high quality tinting like the tint on my vehicles does not necessarily mean dark. Tint can be a relatively light shade, but have good heat and light reflective quanities. Choosing to go dark is mainly for privacy or stealth.

 

[steveno]

I understand that walking up to a vehicle with tinted windows probably wouldn't be much fun. My point is that the tinting on my truck is factory original and not custom. I'm not going to like getting a ticket by a cop for something that I didn't have any control over. what are the official regulations covering tinting and not something left up to the individual cop?

 

[carebear]

I've seen a light meter used to register the opacity. reads too high, factory or no, tickie. not necessarily a "cop thinks it's too dark issue"

 

[jamz]

My other primary board is a car board, and there is a lot of discussion regarding getting pulled over, and the driver's ettiquette thereafter.

Common wisdom is that you pull over in the safest spot you can, roll down your windows, (all of them if they are tinted), turn you car off, and turn the interior lights on. Put your hands on top of the wheel where they can be seen, and make all you movements be slow and deliberate. This tends to be appreciated by most cops, and by showing some common sense increases your chance of getting away without a ticket.

From my point of view, a traffic stop is a stressful, dangerous activity, and I like to do whatever I can to make it less risky from the cop's point of view. I haven't been pulled over while carrying yet, although I was pulled over a while ago with a trunk full of guns. Just a warning that time. The proper attitude helps a lot.

-James

 

[Edmond]

roll down your windows, (all of them if they are tinted)

I understand but the key issue with the guy I'm talking about is that he doesn't have power windows. Therefore, he is making a lot of movements in side that car and not just using his fingers to press a button.

 

[Fly320s]

Steveno,

Each state regulates how dark window tint can be, if the windows even can be tinted.

You'll have to check your state laws to find out if your windows are legal. I would guess that if you bought your truck in your home state that the factory tint is legal.