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Why? What Do I Care?
THIS SITE IS NOT ABOUT TINTING!
Tinting on windows is not an issue that I feel is important, and I've never been inclined to install tinting on a vehicle. I don't work in the tint business, and I really don't care whether or not people put legal tint on their vehicles.
ITS ABOUT OUR LAWS AND THE RIGHTS THEY PROTECT
But one issue I do feel is important is our rights and the laws that protect them. Like most Americans, I detest attempts by people to deny others of their legal rights or property, especially by coercion.
The Story
Back in 1995 I purchased a car from my mother that had been registered in Florida, a state where almost all cars are sold with Federally Approved sun-screening on the windows to prevent eye strain, heat, and damage to the interior or the car. As these photos show, you could easily see into the car, and I hadn't even noticed the tinting. I immediately registered the car and took it for inspection.
When I went to get my car, I was told that it wouldn't pass PA Inspection until I peeled the tinting off of the side windows. Besides how odd the car would look, I risked damaging the vehicle with solvents and razor blades. But unless I did I would not be allowed to drive my new car!
Although he no formal legal training, the mechanic told me that it was against the Law. The State Trooper that visited regularly had told him so.
I was shown an impressive Safety Bulletin issued by the Dept. of Motor Vehicles. Although it had lots of ***CAPITAL LETTERS*** and ***ASTERISKS***, I was still curious to see the actual law.
I got copies of the PA Law and the Inspection Regulations. Neither regulations specifically prohibited the use of Federally approved window tinting, and I became curious why I was being prevented from exercising my legal rights. Who was trying to illegally force me to spend money or damage my vehicle in order to deprive me of legal property that I'd acquired from my mother?
At that time (1995) an acquaintance put me in contact with the officer at the State Police Barracks in charge of inspections. Interestingly, and to his credit, the officer would not say that the tinting was against the law, and even commented that I might be able to find an inspection station that would pass it (although he wouldn't recommend one).
He did remark that the police did not like dark tinting (except for themselves) and discouraged its use, and we both agreed that we were thankful that we lived in a country where we were governed by The Law and not just by what the Police like or don't like.