Red Devil
08-21-2006, 07:12 PM
Yes, I shall try and provide a quick overview of the goofy laws in MA. Why? A friend of mine called and asked for some info on it and I can't get a PM through to him so you all gain from my vast experience.:lol:
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I'll give you the short version first:
Tint in MA is measured net (through the tint and glass).
Total visible light reflectance of not more than 35% (ie 40% would fail... told you :finger:).
Visible light transmittance of not less than 35%.
Stock from the factory tint, glaze, etc. is generally exempt.
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This is the long version:
The Massachusetts General Law which dictates the limitations of window tint is found here: http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/90-9d.htm
That would be Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90 Section 9d
The two specific parts which are needed to weave through the money grabbing maze of the various Massachusetts law enforcement agancies are these:
This section shall not apply to:
(1) motor vehicles manufactured with windshields and window glass areas equipped in accordance with specifications of 49 Code of Federal Regulations 571.205 as authorized by 15 USC 1407.
...
(4) the use of nontransparent or sunscreen material or window application which has a total visible light reflectance of not more than thirty-five per cent or a visible light transmittance of not less than thirty-five per cent on the side windows immediately adjacent to the right and left of the operator’s seat, the side windows immediately to the rear of the operator’s seat and the front passenger seat or on the rear window if the vehicle is equipped with two outside mirrors, one on each side, adjusted so that the driver has a clear view of the highway behind the vehicle.
(Section 5 BTW deals with the top of the windshield)
The factory stock exemption I referenced above is derived from #1 in that quote. If it came from the factory and meets the criteria set forth here: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=660384481e934a05eed769a3ea6450b0&rgn=div8&view=text&node=49:6.1.2.3.36.2.7.54&idno=49...you are good to go. IT DOES NOT MATTER IF YOU FAIL THE METER TEST(S) so long as the glaze/window/tint were there from the factory (ie dealer installed does not count) and met those standards (which I believe is required, check with a damn lawyer).
Now here comes the part where I must say... SHOULD you get a ticket, consult with an attorney. IIRC (BIG if sometimes) the MA law came out in 1985 or thereabouts. The Fed Code linked was updated to Aug. '06. This link: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_00/49cfr571_00.html has the text that was updated to 2000. Reading that one, it would seem that the scope was for all passenger cars et. al.
Sooooo... if it's factory, FIGHT IT... but not on the side of the road. ;)
-------------------------------------------------
I'll give you the short version first:
Tint in MA is measured net (through the tint and glass).
Total visible light reflectance of not more than 35% (ie 40% would fail... told you :finger:).
Visible light transmittance of not less than 35%.
Stock from the factory tint, glaze, etc. is generally exempt.
-------------------------------------------------
This is the long version:
The Massachusetts General Law which dictates the limitations of window tint is found here: http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/90-9d.htm
That would be Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90 Section 9d
The two specific parts which are needed to weave through the money grabbing maze of the various Massachusetts law enforcement agancies are these:
This section shall not apply to:
(1) motor vehicles manufactured with windshields and window glass areas equipped in accordance with specifications of 49 Code of Federal Regulations 571.205 as authorized by 15 USC 1407.
...
(4) the use of nontransparent or sunscreen material or window application which has a total visible light reflectance of not more than thirty-five per cent or a visible light transmittance of not less than thirty-five per cent on the side windows immediately adjacent to the right and left of the operator’s seat, the side windows immediately to the rear of the operator’s seat and the front passenger seat or on the rear window if the vehicle is equipped with two outside mirrors, one on each side, adjusted so that the driver has a clear view of the highway behind the vehicle.
(Section 5 BTW deals with the top of the windshield)
The factory stock exemption I referenced above is derived from #1 in that quote. If it came from the factory and meets the criteria set forth here: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=660384481e934a05eed769a3ea6450b0&rgn=div8&view=text&node=49:6.1.2.3.36.2.7.54&idno=49...you are good to go. IT DOES NOT MATTER IF YOU FAIL THE METER TEST(S) so long as the glaze/window/tint were there from the factory (ie dealer installed does not count) and met those standards (which I believe is required, check with a damn lawyer).
Now here comes the part where I must say... SHOULD you get a ticket, consult with an attorney. IIRC (BIG if sometimes) the MA law came out in 1985 or thereabouts. The Fed Code linked was updated to Aug. '06. This link: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_00/49cfr571_00.html has the text that was updated to 2000. Reading that one, it would seem that the scope was for all passenger cars et. al.
Sooooo... if it's factory, FIGHT IT... but not on the side of the road. ;)