Drivers around the United States know that there are many different factors that can cause a car accident, whether it be distractions, inclement conditions, or driver impairment. One major factor of a car accident is poor visibility, an issue that has its own causes, such as window tinting. Although getting a car’s windows tinted is popular among drivers young and old, and even comes equipped in some vehicles from the factory, it can certainly be dangerous for those inside and outside the vehicle.
Window tinting laws differ from state to state and can be confusing to even the most seasoned driver. Each state has their own variation of the federal law of what is allowed and what is not. Additionally, although it is legal to have tinted windows, it depends on what degree the tint allows light in and the location of the tint. There are many contradicting interpretations of these laws, both from drivers and law enforcement, so contacting an experienced car accident lawyer can help any driver understand the laws further.
Why are Tinted Windows Dangerous?
Although tinted windows do have their benefits, they can also be the cause of a car accident. Drivers have tint installed on their windows to keep their vehicle cool when the sun is out and to reduce sun glare while driving. Other drivers like the security window tint offers. It is also beneficial for medical purposes as well; in fact, in most states, drivers can get a special permit to allow for window tint if they suffer from certain eye or skin conditions. Some drivers also find window tint aesthetically pleasing.
Unfortunately, the downside to window tinting may outweigh its benefits. Although bad weather or sun glare are chief causes of poor visibility, window tint can cause the same issue. In fact, poor visibility is blamed for over 23 percent of all car accidents. Window tint, even tint that is within a state’s legal limits, can make visibility poor for those inside the vehicle. When driving at night or in poor weather conditions, a driver may already have trouble seeing outside the car. This only becomes worse when the windows are darker, limiting the necessary light to see objects and other cars.
Window tint is also dangerous for those outside the vehicle, such as pedestrians, police officers, or other drivers. Window tint comes in two forms: tint darkness to limit the amount of sunlight entering the vehicle, and tint reflection that reflects light away from the vehicle. Reflection tint is especially dangerous because it can increase the intensity of sun glare for other drivers and is illegal to have in some states.
The inability to see inside the vehicle is dangerous for those outside the vehicle, particularly police officers. When approaching a vehicle, a police officer needs to see who or what is inside the car in case there is any danger. In fact, some state police departments require two officers to approach a vehicle if its windows are tinted.
New Jersey and Federal Window Tint Laws
As aforementioned, window tint laws can be confusing. Some states allow window tinting in certain areas of the vehicle, whereas others do not. The general rule in most states is that tint is allowed on a vehicle if it allows at least 70 percent of light through the front windows. The rear windshield or windows may have less than that, upwards to just 30 percent or no restriction at all.
In New Jersey, window tint laws are as follows:
- Any window tinting on the front windshield is not allowed. Some states allow for some tinting on the windshield, mainly for medical reasons and only partially. States such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota do not.
- Front windows, both driver and passenger side, cannot have tint.
- There are no restrictions for rear window glass or the rear window glass.
Atlantic City Car Accident Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Help Drivers Injured by Reckless or Negligent Drivers
Chances for a car accident increase when a driver’s view is obscured. Window tinting certainly is a reason for poor visibility and is often overlooked as a car accident cause. If you or a loved one had been involved in a car accident because of window tinting or other negligent reasons, contact the Atlantic City car accident lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm immediately. Our knowledgeable lawyers will get the help you need and the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Call us today at 609-926-3300 or contact us online for a free consultation. With an office in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we assist accident victims in Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, Woodbury, and across South Jersey.