Title: An act relating to a windshield tint exemption for law enforcement vehicles.

Brief Description: Providing a windshield tint exemption for law enforcement vehicles.

Sponsors: Senators Haugen and Deccio.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 01/16/06, 1/23/06 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6381 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Benson, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Eide, Esser, Finkbeiner, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel and Weinstein.

Staff: Dory On (786-7321)

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 certain specified light transmittance, and have a certain maximum light reflectance, 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. A vehicle with tinted rear or side windows must have left and right outside mirrors that reflect to the driver a view of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle. All windows behind the driver on limousines and passenger buses may be darker under certain conditions.

Three types of tinting materials are prohibited: 1) mirror finish products; 2) red, gold, yellow or black material; and 3) liquid preapplication material.

Professional tinting installers must apply a sticker to the driver's door post indicating that the tinting meets state requirements.

Operating a motor vehicle equipped with prohibited window tinting is a traffic infraction.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: Exemption from current window tinting requirements to allow less light transmittance is essential for the protection of our dignitaries, the health and well being of police K9's, and the execution of undercover operations.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Captain Jeff De Vere, Washington State Patrol.

CON: No one.