Any tips on front tint?
04-30-2010 | 03:12 AM
#1
Any tips on front tint?
I'm in DE and as far as I can determine, tint limits are above the AS-1 line on the windshield and better than 70% VLT on the front sides. Plus, it's necessary to have a tint-is-legal verification decal between the film and the window on the driver's side.
I'm thinking this means 75% VLT is probably my best bet for the front sides (UV block, plus minimal neutral shading), but I've no idea about the decal
. Ideally, this would be something I'd do myself, but in light of the decal, I'm wondering if that's even a realistic option.
Anybody know anything about this? Any pointers/suggestions?
I'm thinking this means 75% VLT is probably my best bet for the front sides (UV block, plus minimal neutral shading), but I've no idea about the decal
. Ideally, this would be something I'd do myself, but in light of the decal, I'm wondering if that's even a realistic option.Anybody know anything about this? Any pointers/suggestions?
Last edited by TrevorS; 04-30-2010 at 03:25 AM.
04-30-2010 | 03:58 AM
#4
Considering that the oem front glass only has about 75-80% VLT I don't see any way to add any film tint and remain legal in DE. 75% film will net you ~60% VLT and 50% will net ~40% VLT. I'd probably do 50% and if you ever get pulled over, turn on your dome light and roll down your window before the cop gets there and don't ____ him off. They just hate it when they can't see inside. I'd be paranoid too if I were doing their job.
04-30-2010 | 04:08 AM
#5
Considering that the oem front glass only has about 75-80% VLT I don't see any way to add any film tint and remain legal in DE. 75% film will net you ~60% VLT and 50% will net ~40% VLT. I'd probably do 50% and if you ever get pulled over, turn on your dome light and roll down your window before the cop gets there and don't ____ him off. They just hate it when they can't see inside. I'd be paranoid too if I were doing their job.
Still, if that much tinting is already present, I guess I should just forget about it anyway. The highest VLT film I've spotted is 85% which is basically a 99% UV block. I presumed the xB2 fronts were completely clear, but sounds like you're saying not.
Last edited by TrevorS; 04-30-2010 at 04:15 AM.
04-30-2010 | 05:45 AM
#6
OEM from the factory:
Front windshield = clear 100% VLT
Front door glass = 73% VLT
Rear privacy glass = 28% VLT
I live in Cali, where the legal limit is 70% VLT on the front door glass, and ONLY from the factory. Here it is technically not legal to add ANY tint beyond what is supplied by the factory to the front door glass. That being said, many people add tint; some get pulled over & ticketed, some don't. I added 50% tint to my fronts (bringing down to about 36% VLT), and while it is not legal, I have never been pulled over. As long as Johnny Law can clearly see into the car, and you don't draw the attention of Johnny for other reasons, it's generally not a problem even here in the ticket happy state of California. Here are a couple shots of mine, keep in mind these pics were taken in a shaded garage, not out in direct sunlight:
Front windshield = clear 100% VLT
Front door glass = 73% VLT
Rear privacy glass = 28% VLT
I live in Cali, where the legal limit is 70% VLT on the front door glass, and ONLY from the factory. Here it is technically not legal to add ANY tint beyond what is supplied by the factory to the front door glass. That being said, many people add tint; some get pulled over & ticketed, some don't. I added 50% tint to my fronts (bringing down to about 36% VLT), and while it is not legal, I have never been pulled over. As long as Johnny Law can clearly see into the car, and you don't draw the attention of Johnny for other reasons, it's generally not a problem even here in the ticket happy state of California. Here are a couple shots of mine, keep in mind these pics were taken in a shaded garage, not out in direct sunlight:
04-30-2010 | 08:13 AM
#9
Are you saying the OE windshield and front sides are only 75 to 80% VLT? Wow, that seems really low for untinted glass -- or is it known to be tinted from the factory? I was just thinking in terms of adding tint to the front sides, mostly as a UV block, though that decal issue seems a problem for a do-it-yourselfer.
Still, if that much tinting is already present, I guess I should just forget about it anyway. The highest VLT film I've spotted is 85% which is basically a 99% UV block. I presumed the xB2 fronts were completely clear, but sounds like you're saying not.
Still, if that much tinting is already present, I guess I should just forget about it anyway. The highest VLT film I've spotted is 85% which is basically a 99% UV block. I presumed the xB2 fronts were completely clear, but sounds like you're saying not.
FWIW, typical sunglasses have a VLT of 15-25%.
BTW, see the post above this for a great example of who the cops harass for window tint.
04-30-2010 | 09:56 AM
#10
Double stagger FTW! Here's the original thread if you want to see exactly what I did, and why I did it:
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=166074
Can you say "old school rake"?
And for Trevor, the above thread will give you a good look at the difference between OEM windows, and adding 50% tint to the fronts. OEM on page 1, and 50% tint on page 2. Hope that helps with your decision.
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=166074
Can you say "old school rake"?
And for Trevor, the above thread will give you a good look at the difference between OEM windows, and adding 50% tint to the fronts. OEM on page 1, and 50% tint on page 2. Hope that helps with your decision.
Last edited by CIONIDE; 04-30-2010 at 10:18 AM.
05-01-2010 | 02:54 AM
#11
Thanks very much for your assists guys. It seems clear at this point the tint job would have to be done by a pro-installer (thanks to the decal requirement) and DE has this nifty little legal proviso that if a tint job is found to be illegal, then the commercial installer is subject to a $500 fine plus refund of the purchase price. Given the front side window tint is already 73% VLT, I'd say there's no chance of getting those windows further tinted. Only remaining possibility would be a tint band above the AS-1 line on the windshield -- not sure how worthwhile that would be. Still, now I know -- thanks again 
!
Ken, thanks for the tint photos and very much congrats on that nifty tire/rim setup. I had no idea what "dual stagger" even referred to before reading that thread. Very inventive and very nice -- looks fantastic (including the tint)!
!Ken, thanks for the tint photos and very much congrats on that nifty tire/rim setup. I had no idea what "dual stagger" even referred to before reading that thread. Very inventive and very nice -- looks fantastic (including the tint
)!
05-01-2010 | 04:30 AM
#12
Senior Member
SL Member
Scinergy
Team ScioNRG
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,569
From: 5280
Thanks very much for your assists guys. It seems clear at this point the tint job would have to be done by a pro-installer (thanks to the decal requirement) and DE has this nifty little legal proviso that if a tint job is found to be illegal, then the commercial installer is subject to a $500 fine plus refund of the purchase price. Given the front side window tint is already 73% VLT, I'd say there's no chance of getting those windows further tinted. Only remaining possibility would be a tint band above the AS-1 line on the windshield -- not sure how worthwhile that would be. Still, now I know -- thanks again !
Ken, thanks for the tint photos and very much congrats on that nifty tire/rim setup. I had no idea what "dual stagger" even referred to before reading that thread. Very inventive and very nice -- looks fantastic (including the tint)!
!Ken, thanks for the tint photos and very much congrats on that nifty tire/rim setup. I had no idea what "dual stagger" even referred to before reading that thread. Very inventive and very nice -- looks fantastic (including the tint
)!Wow... sucks to try and get tint in DE... lol. out here and even when I lived in Phoenix, AZ (land of the sun)... There weren't "tint decals" of any kind. If an officer thought your tint was too dark.. they'd just test it with their portable devices. And it was the owner's responsibility for the legality of it. Shops would tint as dark as you wanted... however, if it was darker than the legal limit they would say so and hold on to a waiver the customer would have to sign to release the shop from liability b/c they informed the customer what they wanted was not legal in that state.
05-01-2010 | 05:24 AM
#13
05-01-2010 | 07:40 PM
#14
Yep -- the tint decal is basically a certification by the installer that the tint is legal. I haven't seen one, but it apparently shows the actual measured VLT for the install. So, number one it has to be there (sandwiched between the tint and the driver's window), and number two, it has to display legal numbers. If the officer or DMV inspector think the tint is darker than indicated, they have meters they can check with and if it fails -- bad news for the commercial installer. Really can't imagine any of them sticking their necks out -- not worth the risk.
Last edited by TrevorS; 05-01-2010 at 07:44 PM.
05-01-2010 | 07:44 PM
#15
Member
SL Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 60
From: DE
TrevorS
Just put what you want on there and take it off every 2 years when you go through inspection or 5 years as is the case if you bought it new. You do not need a verification sticker on the window, that is only for commercial installs. You just need the tint waiver from the DMV signed by a Dr. When you go through inspection they only check the darkness of the tint with the meter never a check for sticker verification.
Just put what you want on there and take it off every 2 years when you go through inspection or 5 years as is the case if you bought it new. You do not need a verification sticker on the window, that is only for commercial installs. You just need the tint waiver from the DMV signed by a Dr. When you go through inspection they only check the darkness of the tint with the meter never a check for sticker verification.
05-01-2010 | 08:01 PM
#16
OK, I just reread that section of title 21 and it is headed "§ 4313A. Commercial window tinting". Sounds like you've personally taken vehicles through DMV inspection and they've tested the tint. So, thats interesting, but having learned I already have 73% VLT on the sides, the only thing I'd consider would be a UV block. Still, that's 85% for an end total of 62% VLT. Though I really wouldn't want to have to replace it every other year, I read removing the adhesive is pretty messy. I guess install and removal would both require the window glass be removed from the door to do properly.
A DMV Tint Waiver signed by a Doctor? That's for a medical condition requiring additional tint and I can't claim that.
A DMV Tint Waiver signed by a Doctor? That's for a medical condition requiring additional tint and I can't claim that.
Last edited by TrevorS; 05-01-2010 at 08:06 PM.
05-01-2010 | 10:17 PM
#17
Member
SL Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 60
From: DE
A doctor being either a MD or eye doctor stating needing tint. You have to have that waiver to legally have any tint on the front whether it be your eyes are sensitive to light or whatever. I have the waiver on my other car for the front, I will check to see what the percentage that was put on there for it to pass with the waiver and will let you know.
05-01-2010 | 10:34 PM
#18
A doctor being either a MD or eye doctor stating needing tint. You have to have that waiver to legally have any tint on the front whether it be your eyes are sensitive to light or whatever. I have the waiver on my other car for the front, I will check to see what the percentage that was put on there for it to pass with the waiver and will let you know.
However, I also can't find any specific limitation of greater than 70% VLT for the front sides in Title 21. I found that information from searching other sites for Delaware tint restrictions. (Like this one: http://www.tintcenter.com/laws/)
Here are the applicable sections of Title 21:
§ 4313. Safety glass -- Federal safety standards applicable to windshield, front side windows and side wings; window tinting.
(a) No person shall operate any motor vehicle on any public highway, road or street with the front windshield, the side windows to the immediate right and left of the driver and/or side wings forward of and to the left and right of the driver that do not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 205 in effect at the time of its manufacture.
(b) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the use of any products or materials along the top edge of the windshield so long as such products or materials are transparent and do not encroach upon the AS-1 portion of the windshield as provided by FMVSS 205 and FMVSS 128.
(c) No person shall operate any motor vehicle on any public highway, road or street which does not conspicuously display a certificate by the manufacturer of any "after manufacture" window tinting material which may have been installed that such window tinting material meets the requirements of FMVSS 205 in effect at the time of the vehicle's manufacture. It shall be a valid defense to any charge under this subsection if the person so charged produces in court a validated mandatory inspection notice showing that the Division of Motor Vehicles has examined the motor vehicle since the date of offense and certifies compliance with FMVSS 205.
(d) No person shall be convicted under this section if that person possesses a statement signed by a licensed practitioner of medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine or optometry verifying that tinted windows are medically necessary for the owner or usual operator of said vehicle.
(e) This section shall not apply to anodized glass which is correctly installed in the windshield and windows of an antique motor vehicle or street rod, as such are defined in §§ 2196 and 2197 of this title or of a motor vehicle validly insured under an antique, classic or street rod designated motor vehicle insurance policy that covers the motor vehicle, pursuant to § 2118 of this title.
(f) This section shall not apply to any surveillance vehicles operated by a police officer, as defined under § 8401(5) of Title 11. This exception shall not apply to marked vehicles, or those unmarked vehicles used primarily for regular duty patrols.
40 Del. Laws, c. 35, § 4; Code 1935, § 5717; 46 Del. Laws, c. 63; 21 Del. C. 1953, § 4313; 57 Del. Laws, c. 670, § 15B; 64 Del. Laws, c. 33, § 1; 67 Del. Laws, c. 227, § 1; 68 Del. Laws, c. 210, § 1; 70 Del. Laws, c. 357, § 1; 71 Del. Laws, c. 396, § 1; 74 Del. Laws, c. 393, § 1.;
§ 4313A. Commercial window tinting.
(a) No person who installs window tinting material in motor vehicles as part of a commercial activity shall do so in violation of the requirements of § 4313 of this title.
(b) Whoever violates subsection (a) of this section shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500. If any fee was charged for such installation, the violator shall pay restitution to the owner of the vehicle in the amount of the fee charged for installing the illegal window tinting.
74 Del. Laws, c. 39, § 1.;
(a) No person shall operate any motor vehicle on any public highway, road or street with the front windshield, the side windows to the immediate right and left of the driver and/or side wings forward of and to the left and right of the driver that do not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 205 in effect at the time of its manufacture.
(b) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the use of any products or materials along the top edge of the windshield so long as such products or materials are transparent and do not encroach upon the AS-1 portion of the windshield as provided by FMVSS 205 and FMVSS 128.
(c) No person shall operate any motor vehicle on any public highway, road or street which does not conspicuously display a certificate by the manufacturer of any "after manufacture" window tinting material which may have been installed that such window tinting material meets the requirements of FMVSS 205 in effect at the time of the vehicle's manufacture. It shall be a valid defense to any charge under this subsection if the person so charged produces in court a validated mandatory inspection notice showing that the Division of Motor Vehicles has examined the motor vehicle since the date of offense and certifies compliance with FMVSS 205.
(d) No person shall be convicted under this section if that person possesses a statement signed by a licensed practitioner of medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine or optometry verifying that tinted windows are medically necessary for the owner or usual operator of said vehicle.
(e) This section shall not apply to anodized glass which is correctly installed in the windshield and windows of an antique motor vehicle or street rod, as such are defined in §§ 2196 and 2197 of this title or of a motor vehicle validly insured under an antique, classic or street rod designated motor vehicle insurance policy that covers the motor vehicle, pursuant to § 2118 of this title.
(f) This section shall not apply to any surveillance vehicles operated by a police officer, as defined under § 8401(5) of Title 11. This exception shall not apply to marked vehicles, or those unmarked vehicles used primarily for regular duty patrols.
40 Del. Laws, c. 35, § 4; Code 1935, § 5717; 46 Del. Laws, c. 63; 21 Del. C. 1953, § 4313; 57 Del. Laws, c. 670, § 15B; 64 Del. Laws, c. 33, § 1; 67 Del. Laws, c. 227, § 1; 68 Del. Laws, c. 210, § 1; 70 Del. Laws, c. 357, § 1; 71 Del. Laws, c. 396, § 1; 74 Del. Laws, c. 393, § 1.;
§ 4313A. Commercial window tinting.
(a) No person who installs window tinting material in motor vehicles as part of a commercial activity shall do so in violation of the requirements of § 4313 of this title.
(b) Whoever violates subsection (a) of this section shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500. If any fee was charged for such installation, the violator shall pay restitution to the owner of the vehicle in the amount of the fee charged for installing the illegal window tinting.
74 Del. Laws, c. 39, § 1.;
!
§ 4314. Lights and reflectors; change of original design or performance of vehicle.
A person may not use on any motor vehicle or trailer any light, lamp or reflector that tends to change the original design or performance of the motor vehicle or trailer, unless the light, lamp or reflector is of a type that has been approved by the Department and is mounted, adjusted and aimed in accordance with regulations adopted by the Secretary. Such regulations shall not violate the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
66 Del. Laws, c. 109, § 1.;
§ 4315. Penalties for §§ 4301-4316.
(a) Whoever violates §§ 4301-4305 of this title shall for the first offense be fined not less than $25 nor more than $115. For each subsequent like offense, the person shall be fined not less than $57.50 nor more than $230, or imprisoned not less than 10 nor more than 30 days, or both.
(b) Whoever violates §§ 4306-4311 of this title, except for § 4306(c) of this title, shall for the first offense be fined not less than $10 nor more than $28.75. For each subsequent like offense, the person shall be fined not less than $28.75 nor more than $100. Whoever violates § 4306(c) of this title shall be subject to a fine of at least $50 and not to exceed $250. For each subsequent offense such person shall be subject to a fine of at least $125 and not to exceed $500.
(c) Whoever violates § 4311A of this title shall be fined $500.
(d) Whoever being the operator, owner or custodian of any motor vehicle which is operated in violation of §§ 4312-4316 of this title shall be fined not less than $28.75 nor more than $100.
(e) In case of any violation of §§ 4301-4316 of this title by any common carrier or person operating under a permit or certificate issued by any public authority, in addition to the penalties prescribed in this section, such permit or certificate shall be revoked or, in the discretion of the issuing authority suspended until such sections are satisfactorily complied with.
36 Del. Laws, c. 10, §§ 141, 142; 37 Del. Laws, c. 10, § 34; 38 Del. Laws, c. 30; 40 Del. Laws, c. 35, § 6; 40 Del. Laws, c. 37, § 1; Code 1935, §§ 5679, 5680, 5719; 45 Del. Laws, c. 292, § 2; 46 Del. Laws, c. 61; 21 Del. C. 1953, § 4315; 65 Del. Laws, c. 503, § 22; 68 Del. Laws, c. 9, §§ 41-43; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1; 74 Del. Laws, c. 399, §§ 2, 3; 75 Del. Laws, c. 164, § 2.;
§ 4334. Tail lamps.
(a) Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer and pole trailer and any other vehicle which is being drawn at the end of a train of vehicles shall be equipped with at least 1 tail lamp, mounted on the rear, which, when lighted as hereinbefore required, shall emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear, provided, that, in the case of a train of vehicles only the tail lamp on the rearmost vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified. Provided, however, that every such above mentioned vehicle, other than a truck tractor, registered in this State and manufactured or assembled after July 1, 1956, shall be equipped with at least 2 tail lamps mounted on the rear, which, when lighted as herein required, shall comply with this section.
(b) Every tail lamp upon every vehicle shall be located at a height of not more than 72 inches nor less than 20 inches.
(c) Either a tail lamp or a separate lamp shall be so constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate and render it clearly legible from a distance of 50 feet to the rear. Any tail lamp or tail lamps, together with any separate lamp for illuminating the rear registration plate, shall be so wired as to be lighted whenever the head lamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted.
36 Del. Laws, c. 10, § 128; Code 1935, § 5666; 21 Del. C. 1953, § 4334; 50 Del. Laws, c. 292, § 1.;
A person may not use on any motor vehicle or trailer any light, lamp or reflector that tends to change the original design or performance of the motor vehicle or trailer, unless the light, lamp or reflector is of a type that has been approved by the Department and is mounted, adjusted and aimed in accordance with regulations adopted by the Secretary. Such regulations shall not violate the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
66 Del. Laws, c. 109, § 1.;
§ 4315. Penalties for §§ 4301-4316.
(a) Whoever violates §§ 4301-4305 of this title shall for the first offense be fined not less than $25 nor more than $115. For each subsequent like offense, the person shall be fined not less than $57.50 nor more than $230, or imprisoned not less than 10 nor more than 30 days, or both.
(b) Whoever violates §§ 4306-4311 of this title, except for § 4306(c) of this title, shall for the first offense be fined not less than $10 nor more than $28.75. For each subsequent like offense, the person shall be fined not less than $28.75 nor more than $100. Whoever violates § 4306(c) of this title shall be subject to a fine of at least $50 and not to exceed $250. For each subsequent offense such person shall be subject to a fine of at least $125 and not to exceed $500.
(c) Whoever violates § 4311A of this title shall be fined $500.
(d) Whoever being the operator, owner or custodian of any motor vehicle which is operated in violation of §§ 4312-4316 of this title shall be fined not less than $28.75 nor more than $100.
(e) In case of any violation of §§ 4301-4316 of this title by any common carrier or person operating under a permit or certificate issued by any public authority, in addition to the penalties prescribed in this section, such permit or certificate shall be revoked or, in the discretion of the issuing authority suspended until such sections are satisfactorily complied with.
36 Del. Laws, c. 10, §§ 141, 142; 37 Del. Laws, c. 10, § 34; 38 Del. Laws, c. 30; 40 Del. Laws, c. 35, § 6; 40 Del. Laws, c. 37, § 1; Code 1935, §§ 5679, 5680, 5719; 45 Del. Laws, c. 292, § 2; 46 Del. Laws, c. 61; 21 Del. C. 1953, § 4315; 65 Del. Laws, c. 503, § 22; 68 Del. Laws, c. 9, §§ 41-43; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1; 74 Del. Laws, c. 399, §§ 2, 3; 75 Del. Laws, c. 164, § 2.;
§ 4334. Tail lamps.
(a) Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer and pole trailer and any other vehicle which is being drawn at the end of a train of vehicles shall be equipped with at least 1 tail lamp, mounted on the rear, which, when lighted as hereinbefore required, shall emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear, provided, that, in the case of a train of vehicles only the tail lamp on the rearmost vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified. Provided, however, that every such above mentioned vehicle, other than a truck tractor, registered in this State and manufactured or assembled after July 1, 1956, shall be equipped with at least 2 tail lamps mounted on the rear, which, when lighted as herein required, shall comply with this section.
(b) Every tail lamp upon every vehicle shall be located at a height of not more than 72 inches nor less than 20 inches.
(c) Either a tail lamp or a separate lamp shall be so constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate and render it clearly legible from a distance of 50 feet to the rear. Any tail lamp or tail lamps, together with any separate lamp for illuminating the rear registration plate, shall be so wired as to be lighted whenever the head lamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted.
36 Del. Laws, c. 10, § 128; Code 1935, § 5666; 21 Del. C. 1953, § 4334; 50 Del. Laws, c. 292, § 1.;
! Wonder which number?
Last edited by TrevorS; 05-02-2010 at 12:07 AM. Reason: added bolded sections
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mischadoll
Maintenance & Car Care
3
03-09-2015 06:48 AM
TheSilencerTC
Scion tC 2G ICE & Interior
4
02-24-2015 05:56 PM
