From the Chief: Vehicle Light and Window Tinting

Popular vehicle additions many vehicle owners have chosen to install are smoke-colored vinyl wraps or lenses on the head and taillights.  These and other readily available products are purely for show and off-roadway use, and may not be used when driving on public roads.  These products reduce lens transparency to the point that the lights are often barely visible, creating a safety hazard for the car’s driver and other motorists.

Federal Law regulates all passenger vehicles.  While local police officers do not enforce these Federal regulations, commonly called the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, or FMVSS, we do enforce Tennessee motor vehicle laws.  Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) generally follows FMVSS with regard to lighting and other vehicle safety systems.  Under TCA 55-9-402, tail and brake lights must be daylight visible from 100 feet.  Tint that reduces visibility, or alters the color of the lighting is unlawful.  This law also requires tail and brake lights to be red, and the use of other colors, like green, blue, or white, is illegal because it creates a hazard by confusing other drivers.

Window tinting is another popular vehicle addition, and one that often garners police attention.  Vehicle tint has several benefits, including keeping the vehicle interior cooler, protecting the interior surfaces, reducing UV rays, and increasing visual appeal.  TCA 55-9-107 governs under what conditions and which windows you may tint on different vehicle types and to what degree various windows may be tinted.  For example, light transmittance cannot be less than 35% on the side and rear windows of a passenger car.  Tinted windows that reduce too much light, especially at night, make it more difficult to discern objects.  Window tint that exceeds the TCA standards is unlawful because it poses a legitimate safety issue for the driver and other motorists.  Dark tint also poses a safety concern for police officers because it can be very difficult to discern objects inside the vehicle or what the persons may be doing.  Also, be aware that many newer cars come with UV-reducing treatments; adding additional tint often reduces light transmittance below 35%.  Aftermarket window tint installers are required to give you a certificate to keep with the vehicle and place a sticker in the window certifying compliance with state law.

Personalizing vehicles is part of our culture.  While darker tints can look great, they typically do not meet the TCA standards for good reason.  Reducing visibility endangers all roadway users.  In order to avoid wasting money and avoid being stopped and cited by the police, make sure you use reputable installers who insure that you meet applicable state laws.  Another option to consider are newer, clear films that reduce both light and UV transmittance similar to traditional shaded window tinting, while not affecting safety.  Please don’t endanger yourself or others for the sake of appearance!