Reasons to Keep it Legal

Let's put this thread up as a reference to point to for customers that post here who may be inclined to tint darker than legal.

Instead of repeating the same old arguments, we can just give a link to this thread.

A link to this thread will also appear in the side navigation for easy reference, so, let's hear some of the many good reasons to keep it legal!

good thread here TD.

a good reason would be to get TD members off your back.

avoid getting pulled over 20 times before you get to work in the morning.

a good reason to keep it legal in your state is being able tosee out your side view mirrors.

some of the tint laws suck and alot of us would like to get them changed, but as long as "illegal" work keeps getting done by "professionals" the more ammo state lawmakers have to keep the laws the way they are, or make them tougher.
That is why you will be instructed by most professional shop owners as to what the laws are for your state, and why they will not do illegal work.

Good thread and idea..saves saying the same things al the time


It only takes once to accidentally hit a child and you can't take it back and just say "oops" and fix your fender..the child doesnt get to have a say in your decision to go with dark tint on your front roll downs and/or windshield.

To be able to keep the laws atleast where there at and to get no worse.
That way the legit tinters in this world that work daily to provide means for them and there family do not get run out of the business for doing the right thing.

I also second what TW said. For the safety and security of everyone

Nice thread....keep it real

Good idea TD! From srictly a consumer's perspective(I'm sure they have little cognizance of the installer or his family's well being when selecting tint shade), the first two things that come to mind are the same reasons that I don't speed.

1:That I don't have time for a ticket , and

2:I can't afford a ticket.

Saftey and security are of course serious issues but I'd wager that many people think they are way too skilled a driver to let a "little bit" darker window affect their driving.

KEEP IT LEGAL !!!!

a. these days lighter films perform as well if not better than some darker films so there is no reason to go dark. (ex.Prestige70 blocks way more heat than CS20)

b. Dont worry about if every cop that goes by you is going to flip a b*tch and get you !!!

c. chicks may think your cool with darker tint...until you run them over because you cant see them

But at least they can't run away FROM you

j/k couldn't resist..like Willie says, lets keep it real

not to dark

You can always tell when you walk into a QUALITY shop by whether or not they will break the law. Law breakers don't plan for the future, they play for today. Those that obey the law, no matter how wrong it is, are planing to stick around in this business. Therfore they will tend to do a better job and be there when and if a problem arises. IMHO

reason i keep it legal.....

because nothing pisses me off more than some STRANGER that i've never met before IN MY LIFE comes walking in and asks me to break the law for them. fock you

...good to see you Blade

so as not to sacrifice the future of the industry, as for some its all we know, and maybe buracrates may one day say no film for autos??




Oz............





ask a cabbie to go 100 mile an hour you know what he said???

Pay once, or pay 4 times.
Once for legal.
Once for illegal, the cost of the ticket for illegal, once to remove the illegal, and once again to put on legal which shoulda been put on in the first place.

Well said.

I have been in several hundred tint shops from Michigan to Florida, No matter what most people say on this site Everyone puts darker than legal film on cars. I have only been in one shop in Ky who Doesn't do it.....Auto Trim Design, Elizabethtown....(GOOD JOB)
I do not like to do it, gotta feed the children and I know competitor will do!! I explain the law, show photos of legal window film and even charge them more. Most people do not know the state laws...explain the laws PEOPLE.... I even give discounts if they put legal on instead of illegal...

Also getting sued!!! i am new to the boards here , i have been tinting for about 10 years.
I had every tinter nightmare, i tinted a car legal for my state, the customers went to hack shack shop across town, and them lay 5% over my film, well needless to say Mr. hack shack didn't remove my sticker from the glass,(at that time we had to use those)
the customer got into an accident, hurting others and him, totaled the car, and his lawyer determined that, it wasn't that he blew a 1.9 on the alcohol breath test,(3x's the limit), it was b/c his widows were to dark and he see his turn, since my sticker was on there they tryed to sue me!! they didn't win, but the b/s i had to go though was insane

I feel for ya mang!

06/19/2007: Window tinting violation leads to weapon charge


A deputy investigating whether window tinting on a car met legal requirements, netted a Wautoma man a weapons charge last week.

Richard A. Muth, 54, was charged with carrying a concealed weapon after a deputy found a 22-inch machete in his car after it was stopped just after 3 p.m. June 14 on I-94 southbound just south of Two Mile Road. Deputies also found two knives, one a folding knife and the other a straight knife with a 3-inch straight blade, in his possession.

Muth was also cited for a violation of window tinting. Law requires a 50 percent penetration of light, but a meter determined only 35 percent penetration on Muth’s vehicle.

better take that 2 foot machete out of my car

Another reason: The cops mighgt mistake you for Michael Vick.

I have been in the same shop in the same town for 21yrs. I know of only one other shop other than me that don't do illegal tinting. One place has been fined time and time again to no avail still does it now may lose his shop(about time). You have custy say I swear I won't say a word about who did it don't put your stickers on no reciept and bammm they get stopped and thats the first thing they say who did it...... I have lost tons of buisness because i would not do it...people will come in beg for me to when i say NO well so and so down the road will..well then beat feet why u in my shop.Not woth the hassel I have a great reputation and want to keep it

good for you.. ..at least some people still respect the industry unlike some ppl that get there jollies off posting all their illegal stuff on here.

Agreed

yep...no matter what, you'll always have jackasses around.

Thanks for the compliment

I totally agree with keeping it legal...but you have to get in the mindset of those younger teens and adults.....Honestly how many of you when you were younger had dark window film on ur cars? I know I did when I sported my 1989 Chevy Berretta GTZ. back in 1991 when I was 18....but as I got older I realized how dangerous it is trying to see out at night and most of all I don't like my cars to look ghetto. Hell I dont even have subs in my cars anymore...lol ~Cybil

i dont know why some of you on here insist on encouraging this kinda of blatant disregard of the tint laws. unless you dont give a sheit either

Cybil

"Cybil"

its a joke......go address some wedding invitations

We just had a ruling go through that the customer is responsible, not the shop, for illegal tints. Now it becomes a moral issue. Knowing how dangerous really dark films can be... what happens if one of your customers runs over and kills someone's kid, perhaps your kid or wife or mom or dad? Now you have a hand in the scenario even though it's legal... money starts to become relative doesn't it?

found this on ehow a while back thought it might help you car tinters since I don't do them. I do get a lot calls about how to get it off when their ride won't pass inspection Step 2 and 3 seem pretty convincing to me

by eHow Cars Editor
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Introduction
Nothing makes a car, truck or SUV look sharper than sophisticated window tinting. Safety benefits include 99.9% UV protection, reduced sun and headlight glare and less shattered glass in accidents and break-ins. On the other hand, that cool tint job could mean a run-in with the law. Take a proactive look at federal, state and local regulations when shading your favorite set of wheels.

Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

1Step OneCheck federal, state and local laws carefully before having window tinting applied to your vehicle. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires a basic 70% visible light transmission (VLT) on windshields and both front windows. This requirement is identified as FMVSS 205 on window tinting law charts and is the typical factory standard on new cars. However, the U.S. government has allowed each state to define their own window tint regulations which often allow darker shading. Some city governments and police departments also enforce their own local standards.

2Step TwoInvestigate compliance issues when purchasing a new vehicle with tinted windows, or when tinting windows as a consumer or installer. While it is possible to tint your own windows, it is far better to have them done professionally by a reputable, legal service center. Discuss state laws, certification and sticker requirements with the installer.

3Step ThreeLook into the laws throughout the 50 states if you intend to be traveling across state lines. State window tint laws vary greatly, and most states enforce their tinting laws with out-of-state drivers. Avoid an unpleasant ticket, an unexpected fine or an expensive fix-it order on your next vacation.

4Step FourUnderstand additional restrictions that may be written into your state window tint law. There may be exclusions on certain colors, restrictions on reflective tinting and a requirement for dual side mirrors on vehicles with darkened rear windows. Guidelines also vary according to vehicle type--passenger car or Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), such as recreation, police or medical vehicles, buses, limousines or hearses.

5Step FiveTake the time to understand the terminology used on state window tint law charts. Most of these charts have an accompanying glossary that explains the abbreviations used and the proper way to read them. The charts will cover a variety of features, including acceptable tint grades, details for each window type, restrictions and exclusions, fines and implications for out-of-state drivers.

6Step SixApply for a medical exemption with your state's Department of Transportation if you have a physical condition that requires greater protection from the sun's rays. This often requires submitting a notarized affidavit signed by the driver and a physician.
7Step SevenResist the temptation to take a risk in window tinting without covering all the bases first. While helpful state window tint law charts can be found on the Internet, it is always best to ask your local or state police if in doubt. In some states police officers are allowed personal discretion in enforcing window tint violations due to risks they take in the line of duty in approaching darkened vehicle windows. Your local DMV and Rules of the Road booklet may also be helpful.

front doors are illegal. thats it. We provide the service. But you are soley responsible for any violations.

I get asked all the time for "favors" on dark tint. JUST SAY NO

I'm for keeping it legal as well. If the person doesn't have a medex then legal is the way to go. I live in Mississippi and have a legal medical exemption which allows me to tint darker then the law allows--I have to carry the medex with me.

Be safe

Here in Harris County TX. Your car will not pass inspection if it is darker than legal

Reason #4965 to keep it legal.... Most auto tinters in 70% states will find a new career at Target!!!

For some people it's hard to say no when the law isn't really enforced in that area, and every shop in town does !llegal work. Times like that you just don't make any money saying no. I'm glad I don't do many cars anymore.

Who's to say the vehicle was going 10mph. over the speed limit Who's to say the child was'nt suppervised by an adult. Who's to say the driver intoxicated one form or fashion. Who's to say the driver was'nt paying attention because of a cell phone or droped cigarett or drink. The only reason they blame accidents on window tint is cause they can get away with it. The only reason they dont want it dark is so there officers can see in the vehicle and thats the ONLY reason, to keep dark tint at bay people will lie to get there way, or place the reason elswhere, like the bush amenastration said that IRAK had weapons of mass destruction. nothing but a smoke screen to get people to follow his idea's.

Is it a federal law govern by state? If it is,why not make the law cross the board nation wide no darker than 35% all the way . most states are that way already. The best agreements made is when both sides compromise. LEGALIZE THAT SHI-TINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know its wrong but I have tinted the front two on an suv to match factory glass Which is about 20% But I will not tint a car darker then legal. I belive we are all guilty of this.

I used to do the 5% on all the hoopties and buckets around my way, but now that sh!t is played out. Both my cars got 50/35 on them and they look classy. Lighter is classier if you ask me. Keep it legal so we can keep makin this chedda!

We are tying a proposed Illinois tint law with heavy fines for dealers who disregard that law. This type thing is more than likely coming to a state near you due to the massive abuse in the past everywhere.. A pretty good reason to stay legal no?

Very good reason indeed. All I can say is good luck some convincing others.