Window-tint bills go to governor for OK

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Bills correcting a Missouri law that made thousands of vehicles with tinted windows illegal are on their way to Gov. Bob Holden for consideration.

The House voted 130-1 for the Senate bill, making it the first to reach the governor's desk. The Senate followed with a 31-0 vote in favor of an identical House bill. If signed by the governor, the legislation would go into effect immediately.

Last year's law, which took effect last Aug. 28, was actually intended to allow more tinting of vehicle windows, not less.

Previously, Missourians could only tint the rear and rear-side windows of their vehicles, but could make those tints as dark as they wanted.

The 2001 law allowed tinting of all windows except the windshield -- but limited the blockage to the so-called 35 percent shade, which keeps out 65 percent of light.

That made it likely that thousands of cars and trucks with very dark backseat and rear windows would fail state vehicle inspections.

Gary Harvel, owner of Auto Trim Design in Jefferson City, said the current law caused concern among his customers who have tinted windows.

"We started getting phone calls last June and we had up to 20 to 30 calls a day just questioning about what people could do, and we're still getting those," Harvel said. "A lot of people are hesitating to get their windows tinted because they know how quickly that is going to change."

Harvel said that while he has removed tints from several dozen vehicles since the law went into effect, there were others who decided to wait. It can cost up to $250 either to tint windows or remove the tinting, he said.

"Most people were riding that out hoping the law would change back before the next inspection time," Harvel said.

The bill applies the 35 percent shade rule only to the front side windows. The backseat and rear windows could be as dark as desired.

Front side windows also could be darker if a person has a prescription from a doctor.

Last year's window tinting provision was part of a last-minute bill passed in May to deal with numerous transportation issues.

The only representative to vote against this year's bill was Rep. David Reynolds, D-Florissant.

Jerry Nachtigal, a spokesman for Holden, said the governor has to review the bills before deciding whether to sign them.