TINT LAW CATCHING DRIVERS UNAWARE

A new state law could result in thousands of cars and trucks failing inspection because their rear windows are too darkly tinted.

The law, which took effect Tuesday, prohibits vehicle windows with tinted film that blocks out more than 65 percent of the light -- called "35 percent shade" in the industry.

The old law prohibited any tinting on the windshield or front side windows but allowed almost solid black tint on backseat side and back windows.

Under the new law, everything except the windshield can be tinted as long as the film meets the shade requirement. Factory-installed glass is exempt.

Many auto detailers and operators of inspection stations found out about the law only within the last week, and most motorists still don't know about it, said Kelly Wright of Auto Trim Design, a Cape Girardeau auto detailer.

The firm was still installing tinted film on back windows within the last two weeks that won't meet the requirement. It will have to be removed, a process that could take several hours, cost hundreds and damage defroster lines, Wright said.

Last-minute bill

The restrictions, approved in a last-minute bill that covered a number of traffic issues, received little attention from most lawmakers. State Rep. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, said it wasn't controversial and voted for it.

"This was an omnibus-type bill that got thrown together at the end of the session," he said.

It was so buried in other legislation and convoluted that even supporters were dissatisfied and confused with the way it emerged.

State Rep. Carson Ross, R-Blue Springs, was a key supporter of the tinting law. He said allowing tinted front windows would help keep motorists shaded from the hot sun.

Ross asked Gov. Bob Holden to include the bill in the Legislature's special session next month so lawmakers can add a grandfather clause, but he hasn't received a reply. Ross also doesn't want the tinting requirement to be included in state inspections and would prefer it be enforced during police traffic stops.

"I don't want to cause hardship on people," Ross said. "It's not anybody's intent to criminalize our citizens."

Those who don't comply could be found guilty of a Class C misdemeanor and receive a sentence of up to 15 days in a jail and a $300 fine.

Angry drivers

All the confusion has left some vehicle owners angry.

Three or four vehicles failed to pass inspection this week at the Plaza Tire store on William Street because their rear, side and back windows were tinted too darkly.

"People don't like it," said Bryan Wilkison, assistant store manager. He canceled an appointment to have his own windows tinted after he learned about the law because he wanted to have darker back windows that what's allowed.

For now, the Missouri State Highway Patrol plans to issue warnings to motorists they find in violation of the tinting law.

The state patrol opposed the tinting provisions because of the expense, said Lt. Tim Hull, patrol spokesman. To enforce the law, the state will have to spend over $76,000 for light meters for the patrol's 765 cars.

Hull said light meters also will be required at the more than 5,000 vehicle inspection stations in the state. Currently, the inspection stations are using plastic strips distributed by the state to compare with customers' vehicles to determine if the tinted windows meet the new law.

Ross said he will bring the issue up at next year's legislative session if the governor doesn't include it on the special session agenda.

WHAT IT MEANS

*THE LAW

Prohibits vehicle windows with tinted film that blocks out more than 65 percent of the light.

*IF YOU HAVE TINTED WINDOWS

The tint will have to be removed, a process that could take several hours, cost hundreds and damage defroster lines.

*FINES AND PENALTIES

Those who don't comply could be found guilty of a Class C misdeanor and receive a sentence of up to 15 days in a jail and a $300 fine.