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$154 ticket for my tint

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by LulzChicken, Feb 1, 2012.

  1. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    Yeah, that's also what I've heard. I'll pay the fine, and if I get stopped again then I'll figure something out. First time isn't a big deal, but after is where it starts to become an issue.
    I think you already voiced your opinion, a few hours earlier, on how my car should be impounded because it has dark film on the windows.
     
  2. Teakwood

    Teakwood Member

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    What part of "it's illegal" do you not understand.
    Sorry - no sympathy here.
     
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  3. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    What part of "I know it's illegal" do you not understand?
    I have said MANY times throughout my thread that I was FULLY aware of the chance of getting a ticket. I was not whining about a ticket, I was not saying I shouldn't have deserved it, I was simply QUESTIONING the PRICE of the TICKET. :ear:
     
  4. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Like Detprius, I gave up after the 2nd ticket and stuck with 70% tint on the front windows. Life is much easier now that I don't have to stress every time I see an officer. :)
     
  5. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Eh, with 70% on the front you are still illegal because cumulatively the VLT is still below our CA limits. Your VLT is probably in the high 50% range. So the police officers can definitely still get you for it if they choose to. Fortunately it is passable most of the time; just stay away from Elk Grove or some other parts of our area. :D
     
  6. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Ahh but you forget that I have white interior and I'm a white boy so the windows do not appear to have any tint on them in most cases. :p
     
  7. jgod12

    jgod12 Junior Member

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    What is the reasoning for the dark tint, do you not want to be seen or you more concerned about a comfort control level inside the vehicle? It does look nice against the color of the car.
     
  8. scotk

    scotk Junior Member

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    Can't speak for anyone else, but I have my cars tinted because I think it enhances the look of the car. Same reason for getting new wheels & other mods - I think it looks sweet.

    Anyway, I always had full-illegal tint on all my windows (except front windshield) and got pulled over a few times and never had anyone ever question my tint. I was a few shades over the legal limit, not limo or anything like that. For me, the price of a ticket would have been worth it. I really liked how the tint looked on my 2005.

    I'm really surprised you got a ticket. I know it's illegal to go over the tint limit, but you're the first person I've ever heard who got a ticket for it. Sorry 'bout that!

    Not sure what some people have against window tint. It's just a matter of personal preference, I guess.
     
  9. Gary Otto

    Gary Otto Member

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    Don't you know that you need dark tint to be able to see your movies/video games more clearly.....
     
  10. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    And they're going after the bank and airline industries big time for charging excessive fees and not rolling the fees in the costs :rolleyes:
     
  11. kornkob

    kornkob New Member

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    It's notable that if you go in to challenge a ticket in pretty much any way, including going in to ask for clarification or a payment plan, they tack on fees.

    Generally, if you get handed a ticket the number on the ticket is the amount you pay to get out from under it. It's only if you challenge the ticket or utilize court time (by, for instance, going to a court date and pleading no-contest) that they typically add anything to the $ amount on the ticket.
     
  12. Joe166

    Joe166 New Member

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    I am pretty sure that it is not the same people. The Federal government isn't all that active in the traffic violations area.
     
  13. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    I know and of course they justify by saying just don't violate any traffic laws and you can avoid the steep fines. But the same can be said of paying your bills on time and living below your means. Just hypocritical in my opinion and they shouldn't meddle in these things and make it more expensive for the rest of us.
     
  14. wick1ert

    wick1ert Senior Member

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    I have mine tinted, and haven't been stopped by any officers (yet, as some of you would say). I actually went through a seat belt check point last summer, and they just waved me through. It's not the full dark up front, but anything here on the fronts is illegal. I actually wish I'd got a shade lighter, because sometimes seeing at night can become a challenge out the side windows. That said, it makes a TON difference on the interior comfort of the car in the summer (opposite effect in winter).

    I would tend to agree with others, that the added $$ is some sort of "administrative fee" added in. I guess I'm lucky here, because our officers seem to have better things to do. However, as you said, you were initially pulled over for speeding, so he probably gave you a ticket that was more in your benefit in that it probably doesn't add points to your license.
     
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  15. ryogajyc

    ryogajyc Active Member

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    While I think the tinting laws don't make sense, I consider having tint that does that cannot be seen through to be safety hazard. It reduces the visibility of other drivers through your windows. For example, seeing braking lights two cars ahead gives a driver an earlier warning to slow down. It is also especially useful where street parking is allowed on a street you are attempting to turn onto. The street parked vehicles obstruct your view, but a dark tinted vehicle doesn't even allow you to see through it, potentially obstructing the view of an oncoming car.

    As for the laws not making sense, I think tinting for heat rejection makes a lot of sense. A cooler, more comfortable cabin reduces driver anxiety and road rage and allows the driver to be more alert and relaxed. Not allowing the front windows/windshields reduces the effectiveness of heat rejecting tint especially in the Prius where the windshield is so large.

    So while I appreciate that you should have some freedom in tinting to your heart's desire, I think the safety of other drivers trumps looks.

    As alternative to dark tint to protect your expensive audio equipment, you should consider buying insurance to cover said equipment with the tint fine money instead.
     
  16. stevemcelroy

    stevemcelroy Active Member

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    My guess is that it is a law pushed for by the police unions almost exclusively - I know if I had to stop a car in a cruddy neighborhood late at night I'd want to be able to see inside of the car to see if the driver had his hands on the wheel (like we were all taught the first day of driver's ed) or if they are reaching under the seat.

     
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  17. ryogajyc

    ryogajyc Active Member

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    I can't speculate on who pushes it, but it isn't useful only to police. Seeing into the car is also safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers. Making eye contact is important to know that the driver sees you. If you can't see the driver, you can't tell if they see you or not.
     
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  18. SuperchargedMR2

    SuperchargedMR2 Diehard Rams Fan

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    Fixed. :) One point I have to make though, Alabama doesn't have mountains. :eek: hahahaha Hills maybe, but not mountains. :D Come out west if you want to see real mountains! :cool:
     
  19. SuperchargedMR2

    SuperchargedMR2 Diehard Rams Fan

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    This is the reason I also love having a sunroof. If the sunroof is open or if the sunshade cover is open it helps make the tint appear less dark to any cops. If I close the cover the tint appears darker but not so dark that I get bothered by cops. Just drive smart so that you don't attract any attention. :)

    I have 35% on my 09 Corolla along with 50% on my front windshield & I've never had any problems either in my Corolla. I also have a sunroof in the Corolla. :cool:
     
  20. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    In my experience, most of them are looking at cell phones.

    Tom