I want to keep the tinted windows on my Corvette. Apparently the officer that pulled me over yesterday doesn't agree with me. It came out that it's the film on the window that makes it illegal, not the tint.

So, with that said, does anyone know if you can purchase tinted side windows? I would be looking at 35% tint if I had a choice or maybe 20%.

Thanks!!!

Riley

 

Have you checked laws in your state to see if film tint is illegal? If the film is legal and its not below the legal limit then tough titty for the cop.

 

Yes, on some cars they make windows that are already tinted, especially for the rear ones. Not so much for the front windows. For the Corvette, all I've seen though is film applied to the windows to make them darker. And if your state allows tinted windows, best to stay within the legal limits unless you want to run the risk of being pulled over by an LEO.

 

So there are tint laws in Canada also? What is the legal limit on tint there? I'm not sure you can get 35/20% "factory tint?"

Seems 'factory tint" is never dark enough. Last year I bought a 2011, 4Runner, with factory tint, not even close to dark enough, so I re-tinted, but it's legal here, to a certain percentage. Good luck....

 

All vehicles come with a tiny amount of tint in the glass. A very tiny amount that you almost need to compare it to a clear piece of glass to see it. The only vehicles to come from the factory with with the real dark "baked" tint are trucks, vans, and SUV's. Thats it. Other than that, film is the way to tint them. Check your local laws to see what the limit is. In New York is 30% but you have to factor in the tiny amount of factory tint.

PS - Canada's (Ontario at least) road rules are pretty restrictive.

 

As far as I know, there is absolutely no tint allowed in western Canada. It doesn't matter what the tint% is, it's the film that makes it illegal for "safety purposes" as the officer suggested that some films make glass bulletproof (I don't know why this is an issue). He also says that the glass doesn't break the same way (but I'm not sure why this is a safety concern, It's not like it goes from acting like tempered glass to plate glass). And he cited that it makes seeing out of the car more difficult but if it's the film and not the tint that makes it illegal, then there are no grounds for this argument.

Basically, if I have time, I'm going to find studies that show tint does not cause the safety concerns cited and see if we can get a percentage of tint allowed. I should talk to someone from a state that allows tint to see what their laws state and why.

Anyway, here is the law:

Side windows
66(1) The vehicle shall have at least two side windows or openings that are
located on either side of the driver so that the driver has a clear view to the sides.
(2) If the side openings are fitted with glass, the glass shall conform to ANSI type
AS-1, AS-2, AS-10 or AS-11.
(3) The glass shall not have coatings of sunscreen or reflective material other
than that applied by the glass manufacturer.
(4) Glass installed in passenger compartment windows, other than those described
in subsection (1), shall conform to ANSI AS 1 to AS 12 or be DOT approved and be
safety glass.

 

My guess would be removing your glass and sending it to a custom shop that can custom cut and shape a new piece of glass and have it "factory tinted" as they make it, just like rear windows on an SUV, like, a Yukon or such....If it is possible, expect $$$. In this day and age, I don't see why anyone who has the money to think of such an idea can't find someone willing and capable to do it.

 

Do you just want to look cool or do you want to be cool in the summer? Where I live most tinting of the side windows is illegal.

 

Very interesting. When it breaks the only difference I have seen is that it stays in a sheet, but still easily removable in the event that it shattered. And I have never heard of a film that was bullet proof.
You will find some of the states allow windshield tinting. As I recall a few are Arizona, Georgia & Nevada. Mirror tint is usually a no-go in the states.

The dark glass seen on trucks is only for trucksSUV & vans, besides, it is baked in when it's produced. I doubt you will find anyplace to make a new piece of baked tint glass.

 

I'm a medic. Having worked many a wreck with "film" covered windows I can confidently say that film tint in no way obstructs you from entering/exiting the car in the event of an MVA.

So silly.

 

How about moving to amerika and avoid the socialist laws?

 

Window tint is legal here in Texas, and with the weather it's almost a necessity if you want to prevent spontaneous combustion when getting into a car that's sat in the Texas sun for more than an hour. The back window can be as dark as the owner wants as long as the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides of the car if completely blacked out. The driver/passenger side windows can be a maximum of 25%. Cars that have 2 windows on the side, or four doors, can have the rear side windows as dark as the owner wants.

I opted for limo-style tint for my hatch window, and went with the 25% for the sides. The only problem with tinting the hatch is the factory "dots" at the top of the window prevent the film from sticking completely to the glass.