Public Defense

Tinted windows

By Gideon

I’ve long wondered why states permit cars to have tinted windows. Here, in CT, a minimum of only 35% of light must filter through the tint. Some states set the bar even lower (FL and TX, for example).

Is there any real value to tinted windows in cars other than privacy? Is that enough of a concern to permit such dark tints? More often than not, I will drive by a car with tinted windows and I will be unable to see a damn thing inside.

I also ponder this from a law enforcement perspective. Traffic stops, after all, are what cops do the most. Is there a safety concern here?

Also, practically speaking, can you see anything out those windows, especially the side windows? Are the side mirrors visible?

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Full post as published by A Public Defender on May 25, 2008 (boomark / email).