Includes the examination of tinted or shaded windows in the periodic inspection of motor vehicles

1 Co-sponsor

• Robert Ortt

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to including the examination of tinted or shaded windows in the periodic inspection of motor vehicles

Purpose or general idea of bill

To include an examination of window tint in the yearly state inspection of a vehicle.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 -- Amends subparagraph (a) of paragraph 1 of subdivision (c) section 301 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law to require tinted glass to be one of the items inspected during the yearly New York State inspection of a vehicle.

Justification

Many vehicle owners do not realize the windows on their vehicles are tinted darker than New York State law currently permits. In order to take a more proactive approach in regulating this problem, and enforcing current law, this bill would include tinted glass to be one of the items inspected during an automobile's yearly state inspection. If the glass on a vehicle is tinted beyond twenty seven percent of light transmittance, then that vehicle would not pass the New York State safety inspection. The window tint would have to be removed or altered before it could be re-inspected to be in compliance with current state.

Glass that is too dark inhibits other drivers from making necessary eye contact with a driver to understand their intent. It also hampers law enforcement's ability to observe if illegal activity is occurring within the vehicle and will curb unnecessary car stops by police to enforce current law.

Prior legislative history

2003-2004 --S.1142 2005-2006 --S.37/A.9943 2007-2008 --S.1273/A.281 2009-2010 --S.1493/A.3609 2012 - A7351 2011 - A07351 2014- A4638

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall nave become a law.