The true lowdown on Calif Tinting.

[kle3good]

Hi everyone. Loved looking thru the forum and seeing all the mods. It seems that Tinting is the first on the list of mods. Saw a Red 6 the other day (first one ever here in the desert the dealers have a thing about only selling white black or silver.) It had dark tinting and looked awesome. So what is the true deal here in Calif.? I saw several views from people, then saw the CHP rules stating NO tinting on the driver and passenger. I am really interested in doing this, but someone reading this must be in Cal and know EXACTLY what the requirements are. I love the rebels among us who say they have done it since the dawn of creation and never been pulled over and there is rebellion in all of us when it comes to silly over regulation.. BUT.. I just dont want to have to take it off after spending the dough. Thanks for the skinny anyone.. also any suggestions where to get it done and approx what it costs. Cheers.

 

[StealthWyvern]

call a local tint shop. they will know the laws

 

[wardorican]

http://tintlaws.com/california-window-tint-law.php

In short, doesn't sound like much up front is allowed legally. It's usually a fine.

 

[kle3good]

I checked with a shop and technically there is really nothing allowed in front.. all others can be totally blacked out. The guy said that most people here do a 35 in back and 15 up front and has heard of no problems. Looking around as I drive I see this combo EVERYWHERE. Maybe the police are sympathetic because the Sun here is Extreme, especially in Summer where it gets to 122 sometimes.

 

[flash gordon]

Here in Jersey, we may be able to get away with some light tint in the front, but when the state inspection comes, you have to remove the front tint. I am sure you have state inspection in Cal also.

 

[CX-SV]

Here in Jersey, we may be able to get away with some light tint in the front, but when the state inspection comes, you have to remove the front tint. I am sure you have state inspection in Cal also.

No we do not have state inspection in California.

Tint laws are not heavily enforced in California, 50% tint on 2 front side windows gets no LE attention, 35% is marginal and very common. Some people have 20% to 28% on 2 fronts, IMHO I think that is asking for trouble and likely to result in fix-it tickets.

2 of my cars have 35% tint on 2 front side windows (including my CX-5 GT), no problems on several cars over last decade with same tint. IMO a sport sedan should have same shade on all 5 windows, that's how I've done my Lexus (35% all windows).

Yes, the CA laws essentially says no tint on 2 front windows. But how much money is being gambled here? $90 to tint 2 fronts, $20 to have it removed, not much considering what a new 2014 Mazda6 cost.