FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1664

                                  C 210 L 89

BYRepresentatives Betrozoff, Baugher, Zellinsky, Patrick, R. Fisher, R. Meyers, Schmidt, Ferguson and Walker

Restricting the use of tinted glass on motor vehicles.

House Committe on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The tinting of vehicle windows is currently regulated by WAC Rule 204-82-050 which sets the maximum level of film sunscreening material to be applied to windshields, and windows to the immediate right and left of the driver to have a total reflectance of 35 percent or less, plus or minus 3 percent, and a light transmission of 35 percent or more, plus or minus 3 percent.  All other windows may have sunscreening applied that has a greater degree of light reduction.  The tinting can be checked for legality by a gauge carried by law enforcement officers.  Many individuals are adding sunscreening over that which is installed by automobile manufacturers.

A law enforcement officer approaching a vehicle with sunscreening of this type is placed in a hazardous situation because the officer is not able to view the occupants in the vehicle.  With heavily tinted windows it is difficult to perceive driver switching, or the possession of weapons, contraband drugs or unlawful alcohol.

SUMMARY:

No tinting or coloring material may be applied to the surface of vehicle windows unless it measures a total reflectance of 35 percent or less, plus or minus 3 percent, and a light transmission of 35 percent or more, plus or minus 3 percent, when measured in conjunction with the safety glazing material.  Sunscreening requirements are expanded to include all windows of a motor vehicle.

A greater degree of light reduction is permitted in a vehicle operated by or carrying as a passenger a person who possesses written verification from a physician that the individual must be protected from the sunlight for physical or medical reasons.

The application of sunscreening material is restricted to the top six-inch area of a vehicle's windshield.

If sunscreening material is applied to the rearview window, outside mirrors on both the left and right sides shall be located to reflect to the driver a rear view of the roadway, through each mirror, a distance of at least 200 feet.

Sunscreening materials such as mirror finish products or red, gold, yellow, or black material, are prohibited, as are spray-on or brush-on sunscreening.

Any person who operates a vehicle with tinting or coloring material in violation of this section for use on the public highways is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Limousines and passenger buses used to transport persons for compensation are exempt from the requirements of this section.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 98   0

      Senate    44     0 (Senate amended)

      House 97   0 (House concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 23, 1989