Putting a window tint on the windows of your car may seem like a smart move to beat the summer heat in the San Fernando Valley. Window tinting is not necessarily illegal, but it can be confusing because two sets of laws regulate tinting. Furthermore, tinting can lead to car accidents as it can drastically reduce visibility. In fact, some law enforcement officials have described driving a car with heavily tinted windows as akin to driving with sunglasses at night. If you are in an auto accident that you believe was caused by the other driver’s tinted windows, be sure to take pictures of the car and the scene before the evidence is removed or destroyed. Indeed, whether the windows were tinted could become an important part of the theory of liability that your experienced personal injury attorney uses to help you recover financial damages for your injury.
Window Tinting and Car Accidents
Not all of the discussion about window tinting is negative. While tinting can cause car and truck accidents, it has been said that window tinting can actually prevent accidents. In fact, window tinting may reduce sun glare (which can not be used as a defense for causing a car accident, read more about that here) or the reflection from snow or rain water from the roads. Tinted windows can also reduce eyestrain and tension headaches, which may help a driver feel comfortable and more alert. However, if a driver has illegally tinted windows and causes your car accident, make sure you discuss your legal rights with an auto accident attorney in the San Fernando Valley.
Enforcement of Window
Tinting in California
Most experts agree that any after-market tinting is illegal. However, enforcement is always an issue. The federal rules, which all car manufacturers follow, allow 70% of visible light into the car’s interior. The state rules in California are consistent with the federal rules in that more than 70% of light must be allowed in. To most people, this simply looks like clear glass. While it is illegal to drive with darker window tint, some news articles suggest enforcement is difficult unless the amount of penetrating late is 35%. Some tint is reflective, which can reduce glare and heat. However, the tint cannot be more reflective than a standard window. Back and rear car windows have different standards. Many car manufacturers end up letting only 20% of light into these windows. In California, the rule is that any darkness can be used for the back and rear car windows.
If you or a loved one has been involved in or injured in an accident that you believe was caused by illegally or improperly tinted car windows, talk to the knowledgeable legal professionals and attorney Barry P. Goldberg today.
