Hi all, I’m seeing conflicting information regarding getting your vehicle inspected and it being tinted.

Online is saying it’s okay for the front driver and passenger windows at 70%, but when I called an inspection station, they are saying none is allowed in the front.

I have my front tinted to match my factory installed rear SUV windows. Is this okay, and can anyone recommend an inspection station? Preferably in Warwick or EG, but I’ll go anywhere that follows the right law.

Thank you!

Edit: I’m not trying to get away with my tint, just don’t want to fail inspection and lose out on $ if the direction is that nothing is allowed, and want to go somewhere where they know the law (several had no idea). Thanks all for weighing in!

Edit 2.0: anyone know of a tint removal place that will come to your home? I wfh so that would be helpful.

Comments

NET42 t1_j6ic5w8 wrote on January 30, 2023 at 3:24 PM

70% is basically the factory UV tint applied to most windows. Anything additional on the front windows of an SUV/Truck is illegal in Rhode Island. There are exceptions for those with diagnosed eye conditions with severe light sensitivity, but those are rare and difficult to get.

Automotivematt t1_j6ijm8k wrote on January 30, 2023 at 4:14 PM

I was a RI state inspector for a while and they teach in the class that any after market tint is illegal. They said that a piece of clear plastic wrap blocks enough light to technically be illegal so anything with color is definitely illegal. Since all inspections are recorded and monitored by the inspection main office, don't expect many techs to let it slide since it's easily visible.

RIhawk t1_j6imuc0 wrote on January 30, 2023 at 4:35 PM

Since they started making the techs take pictures of the drivers windows. Nobody is getting away with anything.

March_Latter t1_j6jzher wrote on January 30, 2023 at 9:37 PM

Many false stories get pushed together and stations don't check, leading to stories becoming law by ignorance. So you need to find the actual law and here it is. Page 56 has your answer, and this should be carried around if your windows are tinted to be handed to those who feel they have a say about your window tint.

https://dmv.ri.gov/media/481/download?language=en

PigpenMcKernan t1_j6ici1t wrote on January 30, 2023 at 3:27 PM

Technically you aren’t allowed to have anything other than factory rear tint unless you have a prescription from a doctor. You may be able to convince an inspection station to sign off that your front windows are also factory tinted, but ymmv on finding a shop to sign off on that.

It’s a really stupid law and really has no meaning because you could register a vehicle in the state with front tint if it came that way from the factory/dealer — the state can’t force you to remove factory tinted glass but be prepared to get pulled over all the time.

For example, my parents are snow birds and bought a vehicle in Florida that came with 70% tint on the front and the rear is completely blacked out. They have since registered and inspected the car here and don’t have issues. If buying a vehicle out of state is a loophole to the law then it doesn’t really have the intended effect.

xpdtion76 t1_j6iurne wrote on January 30, 2023 at 5:25 PM

It will fail. I had to get mine removed on a previous suv that I had the front windows tinted.

EliBruins63 t1_j6iwg5z wrote on January 30, 2023 at 5:35 PM

It’s funny you mention inspection stations not knowing the law. When I used to live in MA I took my crown vic(former cop car) to get inspected. It had 35% tint on the front windows which is legal in MA. The first place I went to said “if it’s that car you want inspected I’m gonna have to charge you to remove the tint it’s too dark” left and went to a different inspection station. The dude threw a tiny meter on it and then passed the car no problem. You’d think every inspection place should be on the same page

Winter_Wind7498 OP t1_j6iy6uz wrote on January 30, 2023 at 5:46 PM

This! It’s all over the map, hence me coming to Reddit lol!

StunningConfusion t1_j6iyk5l wrote on January 30, 2023 at 5:48 PM

I had the same situation. I removed my own tint with warm soapy water and a razor blade scraper which took about 15 per window, including clean up. I was quoted $35 a window to remove the tint.

For and SUV, you will have to remove the two front window tints get it inspected and then reinstall the tint then remove it again for the next inspection.

Unfortunately, that’s the easiest way.

FezzikSPrestonEsq t1_j6mzvux wrote on January 31, 2023 at 2:14 PM

I suggest you try rolling your windows down and removing the fuse for power windows. According to the wording of the law (sec G #4) it should probably pass. I would bet some inspectors won't agree but by the letter of the law you don't need to have front windows to pass.

Another option would be removing the glass entirely then putting it back after inspection.It may cost less than removing the tint and reapplying if that's what you were thinking of doing.

Inspection and tint law