New window tinting laws to shake up inspection process

A new state law is set to take effect next week that will mandate vehicles to comply with window tinting laws in order to pass inspection. The new law requires auto shops to test window tints before

News 12 Staff

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Dec 30, 2016, 3:55 AM

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Updated 2,839 days ago

A new state law is set to take effect next week that will mandate vehicles to comply with window tinting laws in order to pass inspection.

The new law requires auto shops to test window tints before passing a vehicle for inspection. It only applies to passenger vehicles, such as sedans and hatchbacks. SUVs, vans and trucks are exempt.

Vehicles made in 1991 and older are also allowed to have darker tints.

Drivers who wish to see what classification their vehicles falls under can open the driver's side door and check the white manufacturer sticker.

New York state laws already require front windows on all vehicles to let in at least 70 percent of light. The new law requires the same standards for back windows on certain cars.

State Sen. John A. DeFrancisco, of Syracuse, wrote the bill, which aims to protect police officers when they approach vehicles during traffic stops.

Joe Conlon, owner of Conlon Automotive in Massapequa, says the new law is already causing confusion for both drivers and mechanics.

"The DMV put this together within a very short amount of time, and I think there's a lot of adjustments that have to be made as time goes by," says Conlon.

The new law takes effect on Jan. 1.