Tinted Windows - Need Some Advice

[Chexjc]

I'm dropping my black 2000 Volvo S80 off tomorrow to have the windows tinted. The problem is, I don't know how dark to go. New York State Law says 70% on the front and rear windows is legal. Now, I don't want to be pulled over for having tinted windows, but tinting to 70% is hardly worth the cost.

I was thinking something like 20% all around (excluding windshield), maybe going a little lighter on the front windows. Could someone (with pictures, maybe) provide some insight on this predicament of mine.

Thanks,

Jason

[MuniAddict]

I'm dropping my black 2000 Volvo S80 off tomorrow to have the windows tinted. The problem is, I don't know how dark to go. New York State Law says 70% on the front and rear windows is legal. Now, I don't want to be pulled over for having tinted windows, but tinting to 70% is hardly worth the cost.

I was thinking something like 20% all around (excluding windshield), maybe going a little lighter on the front windows. Could someone (with pictures, maybe) provide some insight on this predicament of mine.

Thanks,

JasonIn NY, the law says the Back window can be 5m if you want..that's full limo! The front driver/passenger & side windows must allow 70% light in, so 30% tint is legal max on those. http://www.tintcenter.com/laws/NY/

Here in CA, i can tint my rear side windows as dark as I want. So my question is, does that mean if I drive to NY, I either have to have it removed, or risk a ticket, even though it's legal here!?

[1-wheeled-grape]

How can the police know if it is too tinted?

[unibikeling]

How can the police know if it is too tinted?

when they cant see you.

[MuniAddict]

How can the police know if it is too tinted?If they can't see you or your passenger(s) clearly, that's reason enough for them to pull you over. They can easily see you with 30% tint.

[1-wheeled-grape]

true... My car gas gold tinted windows. It looks amazing :D

[phlegm]

tinting to 70% is hardly worth the cost.

Sunglasses are even cheaper. :p

[unibikeling]

i should get purple window tint on my next car... I want to get a some cheap car, and cut the top off.

[Chexjc]

In NY, the law says the Back window can be 5m if you want..that's full limo! The front driver/passenger & side windows must allow 70% light in, so 30% tint is legal max on those. http://www.tintcenter.com/laws/NY/

Here in CA, i can tint my rear side windows as dark as I want. So my question is, does that mean if I drive to NY, I either have to have it removed, or risk a ticket, even though it's legal here!?

:confused: I'm a little confused about that statement haha. The max legal tint I can get is 70%...which means 70% of light will still pass through. But like I said before, that's hardly a tint at all.

EDIT: Another thing. I'm worried about having a 'two-tone' appearence if I make the front windows lighter. Do you guys like a 35% to 20% would look alright?

[ThisGuyIKnow]

The best advice I can give you is don't tint your windows, it's a waste of money

[MuniAddict]

:confused: I'm a little confused about that statement haha. The max legal tint I can get is 30%...which means 70% of light will still pass through. But like I said before, that's hardly a tint at all.fixed.:)

[MuniAddict]

The best advice I can give you is don't tint your windows, it's a waste of moneyNot at all, it's an asset-at least in my case. In CA, I can tint the rear side & back windows of my Prius full limo, but I chose 70% dark. This has 2 real benefits; It keeps the car much cooler when parked in direct sun, and the dark tint makes it extremely hard to see inside...where I often have my piano tools, piano action, etc. Plus, it looks awesome!:cool::cool::cool:

[ThisGuyIKnow]

It also makes the inside of the car feel depressing.

[Chexjc]

fixed.:)

But thats what I don't understand. A "30% tint" blocks 70% of light, which is against NYS law. I think that it is a bit out of the ordinary to say "70% dark". 70% dark is a "30% tint" isn't it? Why is this so confusing?

EDIT: Tinting windows has a lot of advantages. Privacy, keeps out 65% of heat, 99.9% of harmful UV rays, holds glass together better in accidents, protects car interior, looks bad-ass, etc.

[MuniAddict]

It also makes the inside of the car feel depressing.To who? Not me lol. There's plenty of light in the front...where I'm driving. :)

[1-wheeled-grape]

It also makes the inside of the car feel depressing.
no it doesn't you can see out... they cant see in! And it keeps it cooler inside.

[ThisGuyIKnow]

To who? Not me lol. There's plenty of light in the front...where I'm driving. :)

It's different than overcast, and you're in the front where it's not tinted, the few times I've been in a heavily tented vehicle, which was usually buses not cars it looked gloomy out even on bright sunny days. I also don't think of overcast days as gloomy.

[dudewithasock]

I always drive with my windows rolled down. :cool:

[MuniAddict]

I always drive with my windows rolled down. :cool:Yeah me too, all of 'em down, and while it's raining and I'm doing 65pmh on the freeway! It's so liberating!:D Comfort, quiet and security is so overrated! :p

[Chexjc]

:D

I just got the car back, I went with 35% to 20% - it looks SO awesome. It is a TAD darker than I anticipated, but it looks so cool that I don't care. I'll post pictures later.

[ThisGuyIKnow]

:D

I just got the car back, I went with 35% to 20% - it looks SO awesome. It is a TAD darker than I anticipated, but it looks so cool that I don't care. I'll post pictures later.

Isn't more than 30% illegal, hopefully they also put in the stickers showing that it's legal tinting

[yoopers]

There is a major push in our hometown right now by the local police to ticket drivers with illegally tinted windows. I'm not sure of the percent tint, but basically, the front side windows cannot be tinted. Rear sides can. Some of the drivers are simply accepting the tickets for the privilege of having tinted windows. One teenager is on his fourth $75.00 ticket. In a newspaper article, the police chief says theu will continue to ticket drivers until the drivers feel the $$ pinch.

Not sure why the push for ticketing for tint, but it's a hot topic in town right now.

My Avalanche is tinted pretty well on the rear window and rear sides. I think it looks good, but probably because I'm used to seeing it that way. I also really appreciate the benefits of tinted windows. Doesn't feel gloomy to me one bit, rather it's much more comfortable than having direct sun beating down on the back seat passengers.

You can also partially see our Chrysler minivan in the photo with the same setup.
.

[Chexjc]

Isn't more than 30% illegal, hopefully they also put in the stickers showing that it's legal tinting

Not in New York. Anything lower than 70% tint is illegal on the front and rear windows. :rolleyes:

EDIT: A conversation with my friend:

Friend: how is it?
Me: it looks really nice
Friend: cool
Me: I'm paranoid about getting pulled over for it though
Friend: haha, i highly doubt that will happen
Friend: and if you get a ticket... well that's the price you pay for being cool
Friend: think of it as a "cool tax"
Me: hm, i like that
Friend: hahaha

[Chexjc]

Some Pics:

[Chexjc]

.

[Chexjc]

.

[ThisGuyIKnow]

Not in New York. Anything lower than 70% tint is illegal on the front and rear windows. :rolleyes:


Right the tint has to allow 70% of light in, so a tint that is 35% would be illegal because it blocks 35% of light allowing only 65% of light in. Or am I thinking backwards and the tint % is the amount of light that it allows through in which case 35% letting less than 70% of light in and is still illegal. No matter which way it's measured it seems a 35% tint would be illegal.


The tinting shop certainly doesn't care if the tinting is illegal because they still make their money, just like the stereo installers don't care that the stereos they install are illegal, because they can be heard more than 50 feet away from the vehicle.

[dudewithasock]

Maybe it's just me, but how does that look cool? It's just darker windows. If you really want to be cool, you roll them down and blast classic rock. :cool:

[wickedbob]

It just looks badass. Pfft, you blast hip-hop.

[Rubix]

In NY, the law says the Back window can be 5m if you want..that's full limo! The front driver/passenger & side windows must allow 70% light in, so 30% tint is legal max on those. http://www.tintcenter.com/laws/NY/

Here in CA, i can tint my rear side windows as dark as I want. So my question is, does that mean if I drive to NY, I either have to have it removed, or risk a ticket, even though it's legal here!?

You would probably get pulled over, but as long as you are a residence of Cali, you should be ok. Yes, the cop can be a prick and give you a ticket. I got pulled over in Memphis since I had a tinted license plate cover. Its illegal here in TN, but in SC, its allowed. I asked the cop if he wanted me to remove it, but he said he didn't know the laws in SC so I was ok. I think it all depends on the situation and the mood of the officer.



As far as tint goes, they check with a flash light. Most of the time, you can go 5 to 10% lower than what's allowed, and be fine. However, if you get pulled over, the officer can make you pull the tint off right there on the side of the road. Normally though, they won't pull you over for tint only unless they are bored. I know when I get the money, I am taking my car to 40%, its at either 35 or 25 right now, but I do want to be darker and I know I will have a really good chance of being pulled over.


http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z207/Cenataur/DSC00670.jpg

[dudewithasock]

It just looks badass. Pfft, you blast hip-hop.

I'd rather cut my ears off, thanks.

[MuniAddict]

Back 'n sides is all I need! Keeps the inside cooler, and keeps my piano tools & stuff out of easy view.:cool:

27893

27894

[MuniAddict]

I'd rather cut my ears off, thanks.Why not... worked for THIS (http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/art/19th/vangogh/vangoghself3.jpg) guy! :p

[uniaddict]

Well that was only one ear I think but anyway I would rather eat my face than blast hip hop. I can't stand all the kids around with their subs blasting that audible evil.

[MuniAddict]

Well that was only one ear I think but anyway I would rather eat my face than blast hip hop. I can't stand all the kids around with their subs blasting that audible evil.I agree! My musical tastes are quite varied, from classical to 60's-70's classic rock-Beatles to Zep- Jazz, some classic soul like temptations, four tops, Stevie wonder, etc. Also some quieter stuff like Simon & Garfunkle, America, Cat Stevens, and Al Stewart to name a few.

[Chexjc]

Right the tint has to allow 70% of light in, so a tint that is 35% would be illegal because it blocks 35% of light allowing only 65% of light in. Or am I thinking backwards and the tint % is the amount of light that it allows through in which case 35% letting less than 70% of light in and is still illegal. No matter which way it's measured it seems a 35% tint would be illegal.


The tinting shop certainly doesn't care if the tinting is illegal because they still make their money, just like the stereo installers don't care that the stereos they install are illegal, because they can be heard more than 50 feet away from the vehicle.

I'm not 100% positive, but I think you are thinking backwards. I think 35% tint means only 35% of light is passing through. Thus far, it's only been one's word against another's. Can anyone find some more information on this?

Whether or not you like the tints is preference, I think most people prefer the look though.

I don't have any subs...yet. But I'm not one to blast my music, I'm more about quality of sound.

[wickedbob]

I'd rather cut my ears off, thanks.

Need a knife?:p Besides, you might be able to stomach what I listen to, it's real hip-hop, not commercialized money making retards with gold in their mouth.


Nice car checjc, it's sharp lookin'.

[ThisGuyIKnow]

I'm not 100% positive, but I think you are thinking backwards. I think 35% tint means only 35% of light is passing through. Thus far, it's only been one's word against another's. Can anyone find some more information on this?

Whether or not you like the tints is preference, I think most people prefer the look though.

If only 35% of the light passes through than it's definitely illegal, because the law says 70% of light has to pass through.

But when you're talking 35% regardless of whether it means 35% of light passes through, or it blocks 35% of the light 70% of light is not passing through so it would be illegal.

I also don't think MOST people prefer the look, it puts off an unfriendly vibe, and gives a sense that you're trying to hide something, it's also not a good idea if you're involved in any sorts of illegal activity or illegal driving habits because it gives the police the right to pull you over at any time to see whether your tint is legal or not, and if you act hostility, it gives the cop the right to search your vehicle. I don't know why anyone would want to pay money for something that gives the police a legitimate reason to pull you over.

[SkierAlex]

Our truck's back window is tinted and I can barely see out when driving. Don't tint windows. It's dangerous. What does it gain anyway?

[MuniAddict]

Our truck's back window is tinted and I can barely see out when driving. Don't tint windows. It's dangerous. What does it gain anyway?

Glad to answer that. Many automobile owners tint their car windows. There are many practical reasons.

A car's interior can be 60% cooler during those hot summer days with proper tinting.

Harmful UV rays from the sun can cause skin cancer. Tinting your car can block 99% of these damaging rays.

In an auto accident, tinting can help shattered glass hold together, protecting the occupants of the car.

Tinting reduces dangerous glare from the sun, snow, and other headlights, helping you drive safely.

Tinting protects your privacy and contents within a car. What a burglar can't see, he won't steal.

Harmful UV rays and heat cause car upholstery to crack and fade. Car tint is sunscreen for your car.

[SkierAlex]

Glad to answer that. Many automobile owners tint their car windows. There are many practical reasons.

A car's interior can be 60% cooler during those hot summer days with proper tinting.

Harmful UV rays from the sun can cause skin cancer. Tinting your car can block 99% of these damaging rays.

In an auto accident, tinting can help shattered glass hold together, protecting the occupants of the car.

Tinting reduces dangerous glare from the sun, snow, and other headlights, helping you drive safely.

Tinting protects your privacy and contents within a car. What a burglar can't see, he won't steal.

Harmful UV rays and heat cause car upholstery to crack and fade. Car tint is sunscreen for your car.

O, ok. Thanks. I thought it was just done to be "gangsta" lol. But still, too much tint and it's hard to see out.

[MuniAddict]

But still, too much tint and it's hard to see out.Actually, it's just the opposite. Even full limo tint you can see out-but nobody can see in! I got only my rear side and back windows tinted mostly for added security since I keep my piano stuff back there, and also unis! Plus it really does keep it much cooler inside. :D It's those who get their *driver* and passenger doors tinted dark who are kinda foolish, since it's illegal and you run a high risk of being ticketed.

[Hazmat]

It also makes the inside of the car feel depressing.
What??? how does it make the car more depressing??? :confused:

If anything, it makes the car cooler. Like what Terry said. Also i got my new ride and with the darkest legal tint in Australia. It looks so freaking AWESOME!!!

BTW this is my new ride. :D
http://fuzzz.gaulin.ca/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/mazda2_18_4502.jpg

[yoopers]

Our truck's back window is tinted and I can barely see out when driving.
You're not supposed to tint with a can of Rust-Oleum Satin Black spray paint. :)

[Chexjc]

There is no question that my tint is illegal, in New York. But there is also no question that many cars have an illegal tint right off the dealer's lot. The tint laws are so restricting in New York that it's not so much about whether or not it is illegal, but how illegal it is.

It's true, the dark tint will only give a cop more reason to pull me over, but I don't drive like a @$$hole, speed (that much), or partake in any "illegal activity." I've already passed a handful of cops, none of which did anything, It really isn't that dark.

I'm especially paranoid right now, however, because I can't open my windows until Friday (while the adhesive dissipates). What if I get pulled over? Haha.

Thanks Wicked Bob and that Mazda looks really nice Hazmat.

[ThisGuyIKnow]

There is no question that my tint is illegal, in New York. But there is also no question that many cars have an illegal tint right off the dealer's lot. The tint laws are so restricting in New York that it's not so much about whether or not it is illegal, but how illegal it is.

It's true, the dark tint will only give a cop more reason to pull me over, but I don't drive like a @$$hole, speed (that much), or partake in any "illegal activity." I've already passed a handful of cops, none of which did anything, It really isn't that dark.

I'm especially paranoid right now, however, because I can't open my windows until Friday (while the adhesive dissipates). What if I get pulled over? Haha.

Thanks Wicked Bob and that Mazda looks really nice Hazmat.

Since other people break the law it's okay for you to also?

A tint shop in New York shouldn't be allowed to install illegal tint on your vehicle. Did the tint shop even let you know that it was illegal?

[Chexjc]

Since other people break the law it's okay for you to also?

A tint shop in New York shouldn't be allowed to install illegal tint on your vehicle. Did the tint shop even let you know that it was illegal?

Actually, I agree. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. Why don't the police spend more time directing the law towards the root of the problem?

They didn't make an effort to let me know, but I was aware beforehand and talked about it with the guy. He said I should be okay with 35% in the front, after I told him I was concerned about being pulled over.

[ThisGuyIKnow]

He said I should be okay with 35% in the front, after I told him I was concerned about being pulled over.

Wouldn't it be smarter to just go with 30% and actually be legal and have nothing to worry about?

It seems silly to break the law just to be "cool"

[Chexjc]

Wouldn't it be smarter to just go with 30% and actually be legal and have nothing to worry about?

It seems silly to break the law just to be "cool"

You're still thinking backwards :).

When it comes to window tints, 100% would be clear and 0% would be a solid black. So any window tint on the front or rear windows that is below 70% is technically "illegal." My car isn't even close to legal, but strangely, there's a good chance no one will bother me about it.

Also, I'm not trying to be "cool" haha, I don't think there's anything cool about breaking the law. Unless you meant cool in the temperature sense, then you could say i'm trying to be cool.

[ThisGuyIKnow]

You're still thinking backwards :).
Also, I'm not trying to be "cool" haha, I don't think there's anything cool about breaking the law. Unless you meant cool in the temperature sense, then you could say i'm trying to be cool.

If you were actually worried about keeping cool in your car you wouldn't have bought a black car to begin with

Right :rolleyes: and you bought overly large wheels because they increase the cars performance in realistic driving conditions.

Regardless of how you try to justify them for practically you make the modifications because you feel that they give you status. The reason why people like tinted windows is they give a sense of anonymity, and like to keep a barrier between themselves and the outside world. You don't consciously think this when you're making the decision, but it is the underlying psychology.

The reason why tinting is illegal in the first place is because when drivers have this anonymity they are more likely to drive wrecklessly, and being able to see the drivers of other vehicles and make eye contact before turns and things makes things safer for all. I'm more certainly more likely to let someone in when I can see a person and not just a vehicle.

Terry's case is slightly different because he didn't tint his front windows and essentially is using tinting to turn his Prius into a panel van since it is a work vehicle.

[Chexjc]

I didn't buy the car, it was my father's initially.

Status? I tinted my windows because I thought it would look nice. Every other benefit was just a perk that came along with the purchase. I do not care for anonymity. But I guess i'm not entitled to make those statements now. Now every conscious action or statement I make is about an underlying psycology. You know, I think psychology is about status.

I'm the last person that anyone needs to worry about on the road.

[Blueboy39000]

You're the first person i worry about on the road. I've seen you drive, swervin all over and high beamin people for laughs. i bet you got the tints just so they wouldnt be able to see the @$$ doing it to them. jerk. who do you think you are getting tinted windows? whats wrong with you? i think you need some serious help if you'd go so far as to tint your windows to be a gool guy. OH and your tires, as mentioned above, whats with them?! why not just have good ol' stock ones. unless you think that they're "beneath" you your highness. psh, you should be ashamed of yourself. doing something you KNOW is illegal... its people like you who should be given the death sentence and hopefully rid the earth of you all one day...along with your sexy tinted windows.

[ThisGuyIKnow]

I tinted my windows because I thought it would look nice.


Seems silly to risk a ticket just for something that looks nice

[MuniAddict]

Seems silly to risk a ticket just for something that looks niceHey, what's life (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYGGCVE2lKY) without risk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWWJuuF_mM0)?

[UniBrier]

and being able to see the drivers of other vehicles and make eye contact before turns and things makes things safer for all.I'm surprised nobody else has picked up on this.

As cyclists, uni or bi, you should all know that at intersections you need to make eye contact with the driver of a vehicle to be sure they see you and will yield to you if you have the right of way. If you can't see the driver, you don't know their intentions.

To a cyclist, too dark tinted front windows are just plain stupid and should be illegal, with enforcement.

Our Yukon has the factory tint, the rear doors and windows are quite dark but you can see the driver and front passenger well enough.

[skrobo]

i have to say, tinting windows makes the WINDOWS much hotter, i don't know enough about heat transfer, but it should make it take longer to fully cool off your car if you have heavily tinted windows.

i think it is stupid and pointless to break such a reasonable law, if someone wrecks into me with "limo" tint i'm bound to pull it off and wrap it around their face (:

[uniaddict]

You're the first person i worry about on the road. I've seen you drive, swervin all over and high beamin people for laughs. i bet you got the tints just so they wouldnt be able to see the @$$ doing it to them. jerk. who do you think you are getting tinted windows? whats wrong with you? i think you need some serious help if you'd go so far as to tint your windows to be a gool guy. OH and your tires, as mentioned above, whats with them?! why not just have good ol' stock ones. unless you think that they're "beneath" you your highness. psh, you should be ashamed of yourself. doing something you KNOW is illegal... its people like you who should be given the death sentence and hopefully rid the earth of you all one day...along with your sexy tinted windows.
I can understand your opinions and I think tint should just be for practical puposes, but jeez don't come on the forum and be a giant thundercranky! There's already enough hate in the world so don't add to it.