Question: Hawaii’s hot climate has made vehicle window tinting a big business. But having tint that’s too dark can be costly given the price to replace illegal tint or the expense of a ticket. How significant are window tint violations for the Honolulu Police Department?
| To see a compilation of tint law variations by state, visit tintlaws.com. |
Answer: Window tint violations are a concern to the HPD as this is a safety issue. If a vehicle has an illegal tint, it decreases clarity through the windows or windshields.
It is also an officer safety issue because it makes it difficult for police officers to see into vehicles.
Q: How old is Hawaii’s tint law, and how has compliance and enforcement evolved over time?
A: (The law) has language that goes back to 1983. Enforcement has improved over time with the advent of portable tint meters.
Q: How much is the fine for illegal vehicle window tint?
A: $287 vehicle owner; $537 installer.
Q: Is that one of the smaller or larger fines compared with other motor vehicle infractions?
A: It appears to be one of the higher fines.
Q: What does Hawaii’s tint law require or prohibit?
A: Please refer to Hawaii Revised Statutes section 291-21.5, which explains what is legal and what is not.
(The law states, among other things, that tint on driver and passenger windows must allow light penetration of at least 35 percent plus or minus 6 percent. The same is required for the back window and rear side windows. However, back and rear side windows of certain vehicles — vans, minivans, trucks and buses — have no tint restrictions if the vehicle has two side mirrors. Nonreflective tint is allowed on the top four inches of the windshield.)
Q: Why is there a distinction between vehicles? How is a sport car’s rear window different from a truck, or rear side windows on a SUV versus a minivan — provided all have two side mirrors?
A: (The Police Department deferred this question to crafters of the law.)
Q: How can consumers tell whether window tint is legal?
A: It will be checked in their annual safety check. The person conducting the inspection will use a tint meter to check the percentage of light that goes through the windows to make sure the tint complies with the law.
Q: Are professional tint installers prohibited from installing tint that doesn’t meet the law?
A: Yes.
Q: Do all new cars meet Hawaii’s tint law?
A: Yes, they meet the federal regulations that are set forth on window tinting.
Q: What about used cars brought to Hawaii from other states? Is it possible they may have tint that violates Hawaii law?
A: Yes.
