Car window tinting law questions (credit, live, move to)

[GregW]

Check with the official State of NH DMV website for the exact regulation. Do not guess or use this forum as a reference. If you have tinted windows that are illegal then be prepared to have the law enforced. We do not have many laws but we do enforce the ones we have. If you insist in being a scofflaw you will not be welcome here.

[vpchestnut]

Ignorance of the law is no excuse. It is your responsibility to find out what the law states. If you don't believe that, let me look at your "I just voted" sticker.

[deathklone]

You guys think that because the windows are tinted that Im hiding something in the car. my windows are all tinted with 20% except front windshield. I live in New Jersey where it is illegal as well. but when i get stopped i always turn on my hazards, open all windows as much as possible, turn on the domelight, shut car off and take keys and put them on the dashboard, and put both hands on steering wheel. if i was hiding something in the car, i wouldnt do that. but because i know it is illegal i try to make it as comfortable as possible for the officer (because your right, they dont know me from their A**) and nine out of ten times i get let go. i never pose a risk for an officer. they just profile all vehicles that are tinted that they are probably gang bangers, drug dealers, or young kids. and that is not right in my book. im 25 years old and on my way into work and home from work, i am driving with the ****ing sun right in my face and i cant stand it. they really do have to make an exemption to this law all around the country. it is really not something that a state like new jersey needs to worry about when they have murderers, serial killers, rapists, sex offenders, gang bangers and drug dealers to worry about. but they really need to have my $56 (with court fees) because if they dont, its going to break the bank and cause the town to go bankrupt. this is ridicules and not needed. and for the person who said that it is my right to drive in NH and not my right to tint my car because it is illegal. thats bull****, because it is my vehicle, not the state of NH and I can do whatever I want to it. Most people get the tint because the sun is bothering their eyes (like myself) or just to make the car look better. Whats the problem with that. Maybe they should outlaw using radiation on people, because if that person slips up just one bit, the person being treated can die immediatly. TAKE AWAY THE LAW. ITS ABOUT TIME PEOPLE START TO STICK UP FOR THEIR RIGHTS.

[BF66389]

Originally Posted by deathklone

they really do have to make an exemption to this law all around the country...Most people get the tint because the sun is bothering their eyes (like myself)

Actually there are exceptions for those who have increased sensitivity to bright light. If you are finding that light entering your vehicle when it is untinted is a problem when it isn't for other drivers- you should talk with your doctor and follow the appropriate procedures to get your exemption approved.

The goal of the law is to allow the police to see into the vehicle in question (it protects them); in most states tint is allowed on the back windows of vehicles that lack an out of view primary storage area (it protects the vehicle owners property).

However, if you need additional protection due to a physical condition/increased sensitivity; you can receive it. Likewise it will be noted with your vehicle records so that when the officer runs your plates- they will be aware (I believe you also have something to keep with your registration). I know someone in VA and NJ with such exemptions...one as a result of botched corrective vision surgery and another the result of a skin condition thats hypersensitive to light (she wears a big had outside...but its impractical in a vehicle)

[Wireless]

Interesting to see this thread is still alive...

I believe the bigger issue is what NH is supposed to be all about with the slogan, "Live free or Die". Pretty stern slogan, don't you think? For a state that seems to pride itself on liberty above that of government, this seems like a contradiction.

Just my observation, not my opinion.

Has anyone noticed that SUV's are not required to remove tint on back windows (rear sides or back window). Only the front side windows. Not sure why this is true, but it is.

Along those same lines, the other item that surprised me when I moved here was the requirement that we turn over our cars title, even if we already own the car, to the state. And if a bank still has the title, they are told to send it to the state or we won't be able to register our car. I had never heard of that before, but I find that another strange contradiction to the state motto.

Anyway, no place is perfect and we are still loving it here!

[BF66389]

Originally Posted by Wireless

Has anyone noticed that SUV's are not required to remove tint on back windows (rear sides or back window). Only the front side windows. Not sure why this is true, but it is.

Along those same lines, the other item that surprised me when I moved here was the requirement that we turn over our cars title, even if we already own the car, to the state. And if a bank still has the title, they are told to send it to the state or we won't be able to register our car. I had never heard of that before, but I find that another strange contradiction to the state motto.

The reason the SUVs aren't required to remove it is because they have no protected rear storage space so there is a provision allowing the factory tint so there is some protection for the rear storage. I believe minivans and station wagons also can legally have factory tint on the rear windows for the same reason.

Likewise- as for registration...the state SHOULD NOT be keeping your title. In my case I turned in my VA title and received a NH title in return on the vehicle I owned; and in the case of the vehicle that is financed my bank sent the VA title in and received a NH title in return...

I just double-checked to make sure I am giving you the right information- if you send in titles; you/your bank should have gotten NH titles back.

PS: While I agree that banning reasonable tints is "dumb"...I also agree that tint does complicate a police officers job (or even EMS if the vehicle is rolled...they now have to get REAL close to check for passengers)...so its a mixed bag.

[GregW]

My old (1992) Buick wagon has tinted windows from the rear doors back (some peeling) and I have never been stopped for it. The tinting came with the car.

I have been "profile" stopped in Claremont a couple of times. Once the young (they all look young now) cop gave the car the complete flooded with light and me the sound very authoritive treatment. He did not intimidate me but did annoy. I just suppressed the anger and drove off after he did what ever he did with the license and registration and gave them back.

[seamusnh]

Originally Posted by Wireless

Along those same lines, the other item that surprised me when I moved here was the requirement that we turn over our cars title, even if we already own the car, to the state. And if a bank still has the title, they are told to send it to the state or we won't be able to register our car. I had never heard of that before, but I find that another strange contradiction to the state motto.

Do you mean that you turned over the car's title from another state? It has been a while since I moved here so I don't remember the process, but I have 4 cars and have the NH title for all 4....

[Wireless]

Originally Posted by BF66389

Likewise- as for registration...the state SHOULD NOT be keeping your title. In my case I turned in my VA title and received a NH title in return on the vehicle I owned; and in the case of the vehicle that is financed my bank sent the VA title in and received a NH title in return...

I just double-checked to make sure I am giving you the right information- if you send in titles; you/your bank should have gotten NH titles back.

Where did you find this? Can i get a link or number to call?

Originally Posted by seamusnh

Do you mean that you turned over the car's title from another state? It has been a while since I moved here so I don't remember the process, but I have 4 cars and have the NH title for all 4....

I'll have to check into this, but I just had to send in my out of state title on the car we own outright because they sent a letter stating that we would not be able to register the car next time. Nobody has said anything about receiving a NH title in return. I believe they now have both of my titles. It sounds like I should be receiving a NH title based upon these two responses, guess I'll have to check in on this.

Thanks

[dubthang]

Originally Posted by deathklone

and for the person who said that it is my right to drive in NH and not my right to tint my car because it is illegal. thats bull****, because it is my vehicle, not the state of NH and I can do whatever I want to it.

While I agree that people should stand up for their rights, driving is a privilage. I drive illegally all the time, but when I get caught (was nailed for no seatbelt/no inspection the other day,) I know I am at fault. Cars are like guns. Every state has different laws about them. You are right about the car being your's, but the roads do not belong to you.