Dark Tinted Windows Could Have Installers Fined

Dark tinted windows are a longtime trend in Louisiana, but depending on how dark they are it could be against the law. Thats nothing new, but police are now cracking down on the business who install the illegal tint. All together West Monroe and Monroe Police have ticketed hundreds of drivers for having tinted windows that dont meet state requirements. West Monroe Police have ticketed 117 drivers since January of this year and Monroe Police 347. Summer heat in Louisiana is no joke. That’s one reason many people across the state get their windows tinted. Other reasons are appeal and privacy. Zach Ward of Monroe says, “My vehicle is an extension of my home. I like to have a little privacy when I’m driving down the road especially if youve ever seen me singing to a song. Plus, he says, “People dont steal what they cant see, thats another reason." Scotty Robinson, owner of Magic Glass and Tint, estimates nearly 60 percent of cars on the road have tinted windows. “You have some people that will buy a brand new car off the lot, it will have 10 miles on it, to get it tinted” he says. But if your tint is too dark its against the law. A law that police say is meant to keep drivers safe because if tint exceeds the limits its harder too see at night. This law is not only for drivers safety, its also meant to protect the cops. Imagine if a cops pulls you over and they cant see inside your car or whats going on inside because your windows are too dark. While drivers are an easy target, the installers are priority for police as well. Robinson says his business has installed tint beyond the legal limits. "Do I do it? Sometimes, possibly, it just depends on what they want, how dark they want it and who they are sometimes matters." But he doesnt think hes on the top of cop’s priority list. “No matter who you shut down, someone else is going to be doing it. If they want to crack down on someone theyd have to hit every shop in Monroe, West Monroe and Northeast Louisiana." Robinson says drivers generally put illegal tint on their own windows then come to him to have it removed after they get multiple tickets. (Copyright 2008, NBC 10/Fox 14 News, Written by Casey Ferrand)