Window Tint Violation
In recent times, there has been an increased number of questions about Georgia window tint law, compliance, and window tint violation tickets. All motor vehicle drivers in the state of Georgia should understand the relevant details about the laws so as to make sure that compliance with window tint law is met.
Applicable Law in the State of Georgia Concerning Window Tint Violation From Yeargan & Kert, LLC
There are several important elements of Georgia law that individuals must understand regarding window tint. These laws include the following applicable provisions. It is against the law to place materials on motor vehicles that reduce light transmission or increase light resistance through windows or windshields to less than 32 percent, plus or minus three percent.
It is also against the law for any individual to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Georgia which has material and glazing applied or affixed to the front windshield, or which has material and glazing applied or affixed to the rear windshield or the side or door windows to more than twenty percent. These laws, however, introduces several unique definitions that individuals must understand:
- Light resistance refers to the ratio of total light that is reflected outward by a product or material as compared to the amount of total light falling on the product or material.
- Light transmission refers to the amount of total light that is allowed to pass through a surface to the amount of light falling on the surface.
- Manufacturer means a person who produces or assembles a vehicle glass-coating material or who laminates or tempers a safety-glazing material that reduces light transmission.
- Material means any transparent product or substance that reduces light transmission.
- Multipurpose passenger vehicle means a motor vehicle that is designed to carry ten passengers or less which is constructed on a truck chassis with special features for occasional off-road operations.
Exempted Vehicles from Window Tint Violation
There are several vehicles to which the window tint laws do not apply. These exceptions include the following groups:
- A person required to be shielded from the direct rays of the sun for medical reasons if approved by the Department of Public Safety. In order to receive this exception, an individual must send an application to the Department of Public Safety and include written documentation by either the individual’s physician or certified optometrist. This application requires a small monetary fee in the form of cashier’s check, certified check, or money order. If protective eyewear will adequately protect an individual from the sun, the Department of Public Safety will likely not approve an individual’s application.
- Vehicles had the windows tinted before factory delivery. Law enforcement officers frequently mistake vehicles with this type of tint frequently for unlawful vehicles and perform stops. Once a car is stopped, individuals are at significant risk because law enforcement can investigate crimes including driving under the influence and other much more serious crimes.
- Commercial and government vehicles are exempt from window tint law. Commercial vehicles must abide by the rules established by federal motor carrier safety regulations.
It should be noted that even individuals who qualify for one of these exceptions under applicable Georgia law are never permitted to have window tinting be below 23% light.
Resulting Consequences of a Window Tint Violation: Yeargan & Kert, LLC
If law enforcement stops an individual for violating window tint provisions, an individual can expect to be charged with a misdemeanor and a fine of up to five hundred dollars. As a result of these serious charges, it is often a wise idea to consult with the legal team at Yeargan & Kert, LLC if you are charged with any type of window tint violation. Contact Yeargan & Kert, LLC immediately.