So, I bought my RX8 used, 2004 velocity red with 50k miles. I LOVE the car, and will continue to do so for a long time. However, whoever had the car before me (it was originally from TN and I live in PA) had the windows professionally tinted. Not super dark or anything like that, just enough for it to be legal in TN, I assume.

Anyways, I get pulled over 2 days ago for tinted windows in PA and they checked them and said they're 31% tint and I need to remove the tint from ALL the windows within 5 days blah blah blah. Not really that pissed, not like I paid to put them on. So, I went to the local PD station and asked them what the law was and they told me that I could have 30% tint...........

NOW I'm pissed. I have to do all that work taking them off for 1%?!

Anyone know a way to fade tinted windows maybe or something like that or am I screwed and sentenced to a day with a hair drier and razorblade?

 

Those meters have an inherent error with them more than 1%, depending on their calibrations. Sounds like the LEO was being a bit harsh.

I think the regulations in NC are 35% + or - 2.5%, meaning it will still be acceptable down to 32.5%.

I know you are not in NC, I'm just saying there may be something similar in your area. Also, take it to a local tint shop and ask them to read it. Maybe their meters are more accurate or at least they can verify that the tint is actually 30%.

I'd try to fight it if possible.

 

First thing I found after a brief search on Mr. Googles...

http://www.berksweb.com/users/dmv/tint/

2econd

http://www.tintcenter.com/laws/PA/

That first link looks like some good information if you wanted to try your luck at defending yourself in court. It's crazy what a nice suit, the correct information, and a calm demeanor will get you, sometimes.

 

that sucks. but like what he said, try to fight it because 1% is not even a huge difference

 

so....you hate the Police because they enforce the law?
Keep in mind, LEO's are not there to interrpret the law, they are there to enforce it.

This should be fairly simple to get kicked in court with only a 1% margin being disputed

 

I hate the police because when you call them, they take half an hour to respond...

Jedi and I knows that from experience... (the event that unfolded at dozer's pad)

 

Bro, we could have drained his blood into the near by sewer, cut up the limbs, and had him buried at the park just up the street before the cops even got there.
ummm...not that I would ever do such a thing or have ever thought about it before...

 

hahahh WTF?

 

meh, try having your car broken into, calling 911, and two separate precinct, having a cop buddy call for you. and im still waiting. Approx two weeks.

 

ok, I don't HATE them, infact i want to be one soon, but still.....

i hate the LAW that is dumb

 

Only the front windows have to be legal and NO tint on Windshield.

 

ok, so my game plan is this:

1) Clean my windows so they're super duper clean and spotless (incase maybe that added a 1% tint?)

2) Take my car to a tinting place and have them measure it

3) If they say its 30% or less, take it to police station and have them measure it.

4) If they have a problem with that, court!

 

No, then you remove it and get something lighter.

There is a reason for the law.

I can;t tell you how many times someone said to me.. I didn't see your motorcycle.

 

So...the legal limit where you live is 30% and the cop said yours was 31%?? That would make your tint legal, because the higher in percentage you go the more transparent it is.

 

yeah, cant believe no one else caught that. The % is the amount of light that passes through... so if it read 31%, then that means 1% more light is passing through than required...

 

^^ Ya that's the first thing that caught my eye when I read this...dude I think you're fine. No removing of tint at all it sounds like.

 

omfg, finally some common sense into this thread.

it looks like you are absolutely fine and the cop was being a dick. if you have 31% tint on your windows and the law is 30% you are 1% above the legal limit which means you are fine.

write the judge a letter and include a copy of the ticket saying you have 31% tint.

 

I agree with them ^^

 

i wish that was the case, the legal limit is 70%

i meant the legal amount of tint i could have was 30% and im at 31% but if you ask me that could def be just a layer of filmy dirt on the window

 

I think you must still be confused.... 31% tint is 1% lighter than 30% tint. If the legal limit is 70%, then you're way over...

edit: as someone stated earlier, the limit looks like it's 35%, which would make you over the limit.

 

i got 5% in the back and 25% on the sides. Im never bothered by police for my tinting

 

If the legal limit there is 70% you really cant have any tint at all. Clear glass with no tint is actually rated between 70-80%. Even the lightest film avaliable drops you down below 40%.

 

yeah, screw it, i gave in and took it off.

however, there is still al smelly glue-like film on the windows that I can't seem to get off of them. Suggestions?

i've tried windex, rubbing alcohol, and bug and tar remover.

no use!

 

here's an idea you might like. Don't worry about your windows for now. Go to your courthouse and pay the $10 Complaint dismissal fee (or whatever the cost is if you've fixed what you got a ticket for), and take a picture of it with you to the judge. Once she/he checks it off, then wait a day or so and then go get some different tint... odds are you won't get caught again, especially if you have your windows down. And then if you get caught again with the new tint on, take it off and leave it off and worry about all that left over glue-like film then.

 

my windows were all down when i got pulled over