window tint

[97F1504RAD]

Wow, a lot of ignorant spouting off regarding tint NOT being an officer safety factor... DO THE JOB and THEN come back and tell me/everyone that it's perfectly safe NOT being able to see clearly into a vehicle on a traffic stop or that window tint does NOT compromise officer safety in any way...

That would depend on how dark the tint is.

[G1500]

Wow, a lot of ignorant spouting off regarding tint NOT being an officer safety factor... DO THE JOB and THEN come back and tell me/everyone that it's perfectly safe NOT being able to see clearly into a vehicle on a traffic stop or that window tint does NOT compromise officer safety in any way...

Not saying an officer's job is not easy or not dangerous, but what about other states that allow tinted windows, is it easier for them to do the job, or is it just dangerous in CA?

Either way, it is beside the point, if I get pulled over, I roll my windows down so the officer can see in the vehicle, and I have license, registration, and proof of insurance ready for him. This way, he can clearly see into the vehicle to see what I am doing.

I do agree though with some others, with super dark tint on the rear windows of a vehicle, the officer cannot see in. If some gang bangers were getting pulled over, and the officer could clearly see the driver, and there is someone hiding out in the back seat, he could be in for some trouble.

People need to remember, bad people do bad things, whether they are breaking the law at the time or not. An officer's life could easily be in danger if he pulls over a vehicle with no tinted windows and lets his guard up for a split second.

I have noticed though, since I have had my windows tinted, that I drive safer, and make sure all my ducks are in a row, more so than before, simply due to the fact that the minute I pull out of my driveway I have a reason to be pulled over at any time.

[MaHoTex]

If said vehicle had crystal clear windows, and was turning and not looking, what would you do?

The situation is the same. Just being able to see someone doesn't change.

Not the same. If you are about to pass an intersection where a car is trying to turning into your same lane, it certainly is helpful to see if the person is looking in your direction. If they are starting the slow roll anticipating me passing and only THEN merging in behind me while looking in my direction is totally different that if they do the same exact thing but are looking away.

The slow roll in anticipation of me passing is hugely different that a slow roll while looking the opposite direction.

Of course, the risk of them pulling out is still present, it is MUCH more likely they will see me if their eyes are on me. My ability to see their face and not the back of their head greatly influences my reaction/decision on what to do next.

So, I argue that being able to achieve eye contact is critical and it is ineed safer.

[G1500]

That is your driving style then. I can drive all day long without having to see another person's face. I seem to have no problem with it.

[tempdrummer]

I have a question, how is it dangerous if you can't see me? Why do you even care? You should be focused and concentrated on your driving instead of watching me while you drive.

I never said I was watching you "drive". I said at an intersection (or 4 way stop) its annoying when you can't see if anyone is looking, waving you through or acknowledging the fact that i'm about to drive through.

Its called driving defensively. I'm always the guy to wave the other car through rather than just assume the other person saw me and isn't gonna t-bone me cause he's bent down picking up a french fry he just dropped.

[G1500]

I don't eat fries I drop, I leave them there

I honestly feel that if you are truly driving defensively, you would not need any sort of communication to the other drivers other than your signals.

Not really touchy, just don't know why it is such a big deal for people to have to see other drivers. I see people on the freeway trying to look into my windows all the time, I don't know what the fascination is. Those are the people who cause delays and accidents if you ask me. My window tint has yet to cause an accident.

[Notorious]

Try walking up to a parked car and not being able to see if there are people inside. Now do it in the dark, in an abandoned parking lot, by yourself, wondering if there is someone in there pointing a gun at you.

Not a good feeling. But it's one that I am having to deal with on a constant basis.

[G1500]

Try walking up to a parked car and not being able to see if there are people inside. Now do it in the dark, in an abandoned parking lot, by yourself, wondering if there is someone in there pointing a gun at you.

Not a good feeling. But it's one that I am having to deal with on a constant basis.

Try walking up to a parked car and not being able to see if there is something good to steal inside. <-- That's what thieves say, much easier to find something good to steal if the windows aren't tinted.

I to it to protect myself and my valuables.

When I had night classes, I had to walk past hundreds of cars in the dark, someone could be hiding behind a car waiting, you never know.

I understand the job is tough and dangerous, which is why if I get pulled over at night, or anytime for that matter, I make sure my my window is down, and I have my hands in a place where they are easily visible.

[Notorious]

Try walking up to a parked car and not being able to see if there is something good to steal inside. <-- That's what thieves say, much easier to find something good to steal if the windows aren't tinted.

I to it to protect myself and my valuables.

When I had night classes, I had to walk past hundreds of cars in the dark, someone could be hiding behind a car waiting, you never know.

I understand the job is tough and dangerous, which is why if I get pulled over at night, or anytime for that matter, I make sure my my window is down, and I have my hands in a place where they are easily visible.

Why you leaving valuables in your car where people can see it? Isn't that the first thing not to do? People can't steal what is not there.

[tempdrummer]

I don't eat fries I drop, I leave them there

I honestly feel that if you are truly driving defensively, you would not need any sort of communication to the other drivers other than your signals.

Not really touchy, just don't know why it is such a big deal for people to have to see other drivers. I see people on the freeway trying to look into my windows all the time, I don't know what the fascination is. Those are the people who cause delays and accidents if you ask me. My window tint has yet to cause an accident.

Again, Never said ANYTHING about watching you while you were driving.

In a perfect world, signals are all you need. This world...not perfect.

Regardless. This is a pointless debate. The law is stupid. End of story.

[Spetsnazos]

I'd be down with 30% only tint in the front. Just enough to shade from the sun and not get skin cancer.

srs

Also in other states they do not have this law and somehow the cops dont get killed. idk...

[FLIGHT762]

I'd be down with 30% only tint in the front. Just enough to shade from the sun and not get skin cancer.

srs

Also in other states they do not have this law and somehow the cops dont get killed. idk...

They do have tint laws/ requirements in other States. Here's a good site that lists the tint gradients for all States. California is not the only State that requires 70% VLT on the driver's compartment windows. New Mexico is the lowest and allows tinting down to 20% VLT
I've cited for windows that were tinted darker than allowed in ANY State, in the teens and down to 2% VLT. A lot of people want to do what they want to do, regardless of laws.

http://www.tintlaws.com/

[G1500]

Why you leaving valuables in your car where people can see it? Isn't that the first thing not to do? People can't steal what is not there.

Kind of hard to remove an in dash nav every time I get out of my vehicle.

Other than my nav, speakers, woofers and amplifiers, I leave nothing valuable in my vehicle.

Sometimes it is necessary to leave things in the vehicle such as when traveling.

[G1500]

Again, Never said ANYTHING about watching you while you were driving.

In a perfect world, signals are all you need. This world...not perfect.

Regardless. This is a pointless debate. The law is stupid. End of story.

I agree, stupid laws wherever you look. I'm just glad southern California is pretty lenient on window tint.

I use my signals on occasion, but I NEVER trust anyone with their signal on. I can name countless times I have seen someone go from the #1 lane to #4 lane to exit the freeway with their left hand blinker on, or people who drive aimlessly down the street with a blinker on. Its almost like they don't even matter.

[hawk1]

Try walking up to a parked car and not being able to see if there are people inside. Now do it in the dark, in an abandoned parking lot, by yourself, wondering if there is someone in there pointing a gun at you.

Not a good feeling. But it's one that I am having to deal with on a constant basis.

In this example you give, how would a LEO in Arizona (or any other state that allows tinted windows) accomplish this? Are they any different than you? I wouldn't think so?
Maybe it comes down to your training in that area.