SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 1664

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

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 29, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Bender, Benitz, Hansen, McMullen, Murray, Sellar, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Brad Lovaas (786-7307)

                  March 31, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, MARCH 29, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Sunscreening vehicle windows is a legal practice.  The limits of such tinting are established by rule of the Washington State Patrol.  Some individuals are adding sunscreening over what is installed by automobile manufacturers so it is not possible to view the driver and occupants of the vehicle or safe driving is inhibited.  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, the possession of weapons, contraband drugs or unlawful alcohol.

SUMMARY:

Vehicle window sunscreening requirements are expanded to include all windows of a motor vehicle.  Window sunscreening shall 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, when measured in conjunction with the safety glazing material.

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

A greater degree of light reduction shall be 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 the left and right sides shall be located to reflect to the driver a rear view of the roadway 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, alters or sells a vehicle with tinting or coloring material in violation of this section for use on the public highways is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

An exemption for for-hire buses is added.

Senate Committee - Testified: Rick Jensen, Washington State Patrol; Jim Boldt, Auto Dealers