HB 2208

HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2208

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:
Transportation

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 23 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Flannigan, Vice Chair; Jarrett, Ranking Minority Member; Campbell, Curtis, Dickerson, Eddy, Ericksen, Hailey, Hankins, Hudgins, Kristiansen, Lovick, Rodne, Rolfes, Sells, Simpson, Springer, B. Sullivan, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace and Wood.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 3 members: Representatives Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton and Armstrong.

Background:

Current law restricts film sunscreening or coloring material, also referred to as "window tinting," that may be applied to the windows of a motor vehicle. Clear film sunscreening material that reduces or eliminates ultraviolet light may be applied to windshields. Tinting applied to the windows of motor vehicles, except the windshield, must allow minimum light transmission of 35 percent, as compared to clear glass. Tinting with a greater degree of light reduction is permitted on the top six-inch area of a vehicle's windshield, and on all windows and the top six inches of the windshield for vehicles operated by, or carrying, a person with a documented physical or medical need for protection from sunlight exposure. All windows behind the driver on limousines and passenger buses may be darker under certain conditions. Using a sunscreen material classified as AS-2 glazing is allowed to have a minimum of 24 percent light transmission when measured against clear glass, as long as the vehicle is equipped with outside rearview mirrors on both the right and left side of the vehicle. Three types of tinting materials are prohibited: (1) mirror finish products; (2) red, gold, yellow or black material; and (3) liquid pre-application material. Professional tinting installers must apply a sticker to the driver's door post indicating that the tinting meets state requirements. From June 7, 1990, a person who installs safety glazing or film screening material not in compliance with state laws is guilty of unlawful installation of safety or film screening materials. Unlawful installation is a misdemeanor. Operating a motor vehicle equipped with prohibited window tinting is a traffic infraction.

Summary of Bill:

The bill removes the exemption for vehicles using AS-2 glazing after the date of enactment of the bill. It is a misdemeanor for a person or business tinting windows for profit to install film sunscreening or coloring material that is in violation of state law. The act changes the date for installer violations from June 7, 1990, to the effective date of the bill. The bill also removes obsolete language in statute that requires owners of vehicles with tinting installed prior to June 7, 1990, to comply with new requirements by July 1, 1993.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.