House passes vehicle window tint bill

People who sell vehicle windows or apply window glazes to a motor vehicle that are darker than Minnesota law allows would face misdemeanor charges, according to a bill on its way to Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Driving a vehicle with dark window glazes is illegal under current law, but the sale or application of the darker glazes is not. In order to align the sale and use standards, Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL-St. Paul) and Sen. Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul) sponsor HF2914/SF2370*. It was passed 112-17 by the House. The Senate passed the bill 43-24 March 29.

States differ in the degree of tinting allowed on vehicle windows. The legislation would prohibit applying dark tints regardless of where the vehicle is licensed or primarily driven. Current law prohibits tinting which results in a light transmittance of less than 50 percent or a reflectance of more than 20 percent.

The bill repeals and replaces a law regarding car dealers and leasing companies. Dealers and leasing agents would be allowed to apply the darker tints if the vehicle is transported from the premises of the dealer or lessor without being driven on a public street or highway in Minnesota.