| Washington State House of Representatives |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Transportation Committee | |
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.
Brief Description: Modifying window tint requirements and penalties.
Sponsors: Representative Wallace.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/26/07
Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).
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 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.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.