Tinted Windows

[Gunner75]

First of all, I just want to say I am very, very up to speed on the state laws on tinted windows in KS and other states. Also, I do fully understand the safety issue on the officer side of the back window when one is pulled over.

But, I still would like to get this off my chest.

Some time ago, my wife and I were pulled over within 7 miles of Dodge and the reason we were pulled over was tinted windows. (highway patrol). Didn't argue, just listened to my wife all the way home about it.

No more than 5 days later, driving my daily driver, pickup, I was pulled over after work. This was just at the bypass east of Dodge. (highway patrol). I saw the officer heading west past the intersection as I was heading north to the same intersection. I STOPPED and took off west behind him. I noticed he pulled over up the road a bit over a mile, maybe more. I passed him and guess what. Yep, pulled over. He walked up and stated he pulled me over for not stopping. BS, because I did. He either had eyes in the back of his head, or he wasn't paying att'n to the road when he was driving. Anyway. gave me a warning for the no stop, and said he was going to check my windows. *$&% "to myself" another ticket. Sure enough. another ticket.

Well, I kindly asked a few questions, played dumb. One question was, if it is against the law to have tinted windows, shouldn't it be the law for the installer to put it on? His responce. Well sir, they have to make a living. (Couldn't resist, So I told him that maybe it would be worth my time to sell drugs, If I was just trying to make a living, it should be ok).

LOL, told him I was just kidding. He took it well. As I took the second ticket of the week, I watched a vehicle go by and it did in fact have probably 2 layers of tint on the windows. Blacked out. I asked, what about them? He said, you are the one I pulled over, not them.

All in all, he wasn't ready for someone to ask the correct questions, he didn't have a good answer for any of them.

I know I was in the wrong, and paid the fines.

My commint is this. If the manufacture can sell smoked out glass in about every truck or Suv today, why can I not have it on my older vehicle?

Also, why doesn't the 64% of vehicles driving down Wyatt Earp get tickets as well?

I say BS, Make it a law, say you are going to enforce it, and give the 62% a chance to remove it properly.

62% was counted over 5, 1 hour sessions of watching traffic go down wyatt earp on the following week.

In a past experience, I was pulled over and instructed to remove it off my side windows. I didn't argue, but I did tell the officer it would hinder my vision, and I wouldn't drive with foggy messed up windows. He argued, I pulled it off. The adhesive stays on when you just pull it off. I made sure I smeared it well, and he allowed me to leave the rest on until I could properly remove it. That was some time ago. Guess I shouldn't have broke the law the second time around with these two vehicles.

[jeezeweeze]

Maybe its becoming more of a Homeland Security thing. I know my officers hated those things. To them its very dangerous. I can see exactly where they are coming from.
But you are right It should be the same for all and not just pick and choose if the night is slow.

IMHO for the safety of the Officers they should not be allowed.

[dodgehighforeve]

If I remember right, which I probably don't, the legal limit for KS is 20%. I do know one place in town that will do 35 if the price is right. That is for aftermarket tint, however privacy glass, like that on my jeep, is legal as long as it's under the federal limit. Which is probably higher than the kansas limit.

One question, did they test your windows with a meter, or just say, they're do dark?

[Highwayman]

I’m reminded of when Dave Parks did the one-way mirrors all the way around, including the windshield, on his ’52 Chevy.

[tat2me82]

Originally Posted by Highwayman

I’m reminded of when Dave Parks did the one-way mirrors all the way around, including the windshield, on his ’52 Chevy.

wow how'd that work out?? I wish I could've seen that!!

[tat2me82]

I'm glad this topic came up, I've been considering getting my windows tinted aways down the line when I had some extra cash.

[Tee]

Originally Posted by daVINman

...stay at 33% (plus or minus 2%). Anything over under 31% and you could be looking at a ticket...

I'm confused. Sounds like you work for the government.

[Gunner75]

Actually anything under 38% can get you a ticket. This is how it works. KS is 35% all the way around, minus the windshield. Most windows already have a 3% (avg) tint to them. Do the math.

Factory tint on average, and it varies from year to year and make/model, is around 24%. Thus bringing your windows on the back of factory tinted suv's and pickups to around 21%.

This is the kicker. Most all tint manufactures have the basic % of tint. 5,10,15,20,25,30,35,and so on. So, in many cases you would have to request 40% tint to be darn sure in the right.

FYI, both times I was fined the officer used a meter.

I was told by the officer of my last ticket that, "if I pull someone over and they register 32 or 33% (35% tint installed), I will give them a written warning to get it replaced".

I know this is out of control, and will never happen, but I would be happy and shut up about my two tickets if they did a DUI style checkpoint on Wyatt Earp and gave everyone a written warning. Until then, I guess I just have bad luck, and will continue to be a *$tc*$ about it.

[retired]

I will say sorry in advance if I upset any one here.

The law says 35% but 3 of the meters the DCPD has is +- 2% and one is +- 3 %. The most used are the 2% ones.

The law says if vehicle is reg. in Kansas the non factory tint is 35% on the driver's window, front passenger's window, the windows immeditaly behind the driver and front passenger and rear window. The only windows on vehicles that have factory tint that have to be at least 35% are the driver's window and the front passenger's window.

If the vehicle is reg outside of Kansas the law does not apply to them.

On the windshield there can not be ay type of sunshading or writing that is the color of red, amber or yellow any where. All tint on windshield tint must be above the AS1 line.

In responce to the companies that install the illegal window tint. It is illegal for them to install it, per city ordiance. But it is very hard to catch them because no one wants to testify against them.

If you have any futher questions contact Officer Strader at the Dodge City Police Department and he will be happy to help you.

[daVINman]

Sorry about my typo Tee! To clear up my message, just stay above 31%, and I know I will not write you a ticket. Sorry for the confusion! (37% will not get you a ticket Gunner, not in Dodge)

Vin