I recently upgraded my 05 base to a 09 GT and my first upgrade is to have the window's tinted. My state (NC) law for tint is 35% all around. My issue is on the sticker it states "Solar Ray Light Tinted Glass" and the windows do look ever so slightly tinted. I was wondering does anyone know what % the factory tint is or what % I should tell the installer to put on the windows so I don't go beyond my states guidelines. Any help is appreciated.
I'm guessing the factory tint is around 85-90% so you may not want to go lower than 45%. to stay above 35%. But you might be fine with going 35% regardless.However, MN is 50% I am at 35% all around and never had an issue. I think it is due to having a sunroof to let more light into the cabin. I never get a second glance. Of course they could see my grey hair and think they'll let the poor old guy go...lol.
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Quote, originally posted by BlueCrush »never get a second glance. Of course they could see my grey hair and think they'll let the poor old guy go...lol.I guess the latter. lol only because i'm in the same boat.
This is a good - I've also thought about tinting and noted there is already a very light tint on the 2009's.Anyone know if a tint shop would a light meter or something to measure it? Then you could just put a piece of the tint on the window and check.
1997 Civic EX sedan w/auto trans2001 Accord EX sedan w/5-spd manual2009 Vibe 2.4L w/5-spd manual, sunroof, monsoon, GT spoiler, Magnaflow muffler and rolled SS tip, lowered on H-Tech springs, window tint, debadged (save the red arrow!).
I have 35% all around on my '09 GT and it is pretty light. You can easily see someone sitting in the front and rear seats from the outside of the car. Here in Illinois the front windows are not supposed to be tinted at all, but I haven't even gotten a second look from cops. I've been driving right next to them with the windows up and they don't even pay me any attention. If they don't have any other reason to pull you over, chances are they won't pull you over for tint alone, especially if it's as light as 35%. Now if you are driving like an idiot or you have a really loud exhaust or something to that effect, they will probably pull you over, but if you're driving normal and your car isn't "noticeable" you really shouldn't get bothered.Here are a couple pictures of mine (the darkness/lightness of it varies on how much light is shining through the windshield and all, but these two pictures show the actual percentage pretty well IMO):If you do go ahead and get the windows tinted 35% all around and you do get pulled over, the chances are pretty good that they will tell you if you remove it and show them proof that you removed it they will drop the ticket, so if you did happen to get pulled over it probably wouldn't be a big deal, but I really don't see you getting pulled over for it.Just my $.02 though.
2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT - 5-Speed Auto – Garage
2009 Steel Blue Metallic Vibe GT - 5-Speed Auto – Garage
Quote, originally posted by J_TO_ENVY »Here are a couple pictures of mine (the darkness/lightness of it varies on how much light is shining through the windshield and all, but these two pictures show the actual percentage pretty well IMO):That looks nice. Okay, tinting the windows is definitely moving up the list (while I wait for lowering springs to come out).
1997 Civic EX sedan w/auto trans2001 Accord EX sedan w/5-spd manual2009 Vibe 2.4L w/5-spd manual, sunroof, monsoon, GT spoiler, Magnaflow muffler and rolled SS tip, lowered on H-Tech springs, window tint, debadged (save the red arrow!).
Quote, originally posted by kanens »The issue isn't really with the cops. In some states tint check is part of the state inspection.If you have to pass inspection than you really can't tint your windows. Anyone with half a brain would realize this.Quote, originally posted by Kincaid »That looks nice. Okay, tinting the windows is definitely moving up the list (while I wait for lowering springs to come out).Thanks! Yes, I highly recommend tinting the windows. Like I said, IMO 35% is just right because it looks good, but doesn't draw unwanted attention from the cops.
2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT - 5-Speed Auto – Garage
2009 Steel Blue Metallic Vibe GT - 5-Speed Auto – Garage
Quote, originally posted by J_TO_ENVY »If you have to pass inspection than you really can't tint your windows. Anyone with half a brain would realize this.Really? Wow that is a productive comment. Anyone with a brain would realize if you are within the legal guidelines you can tint your windows and pass inspection.