hi all,

new to the forums. just picked up an '03 coupe in sacramento (but live in san jose) and i was wondering if anyone has tint on their front driver/passenger windows? i know it's illegal to have tint on the front windows but was curious if people have been able to get away with a light tint in the front.

thanks!

and also, any recommendation on a place to get tints in the bay area?

 

Welcome to the forum! There have probably been a few tens of threads about tinting here locally in the bay area so I would try the search function first. Off the top of my head I do not know of any shops that do it, so searching past threads will be your best bet until someone else chimes in.

 

Its pretty much up to you how much you want to get harassed by the cops. If you have %5 on the rear and go with 30% on the front, it will look darker than it actually is. I know there are areas where cops go ticket crazy so where you live and where you work should be an indicator of the potential to get pulled over. I have 5% all around but have a note from doc so I dont trip. Got pulled over again today for no front plate and tint. Showed my note and the cop told me that technically I should have a front plate but it was ok. Haha

 

There is a tint place on Tully called Lifetime or something like that. I heard they did a good job for a cheap price with a lifetime warranty on the tints. Also if you thinking of getting your car detailed you can try getting that at Detail Addicts and ask Leo if he can hook you up on some tints as well. If you do go to Detail Addicts, tell him you heard from me(Don Nguyen)

 

Mr. Tint off Stevens Creek did mine. I have 20% all around, car is black with black interior so looks darker. I've been pulled over 3 times over 3 years, but still have it. I'd suggest going with 35% up front just so you won't get hassled as much.

 

You should be fine. It depends where you live.

I have been pulled over twice. First it was a fix it ticket, last time i got a real ticket, but I paid it and left the ting anyway...Its up to you if you want to get harassed. I do enjoy the front tint and I dont mind being harassed once in a while and pay the ticket lol

 

How does one get this 5% tint doctor note for the front

 

Go into optometrist and tell hem you have sensive eyes and needs note to have tint on windows. I have used it about 20 times in past 4 years.

 

Is there any testing to confirm that our eyes are sensitive?

 

I'm pretty sure I have it now that I think about it, because I always have to wear sunglasses when outside or I have to squint. However, I've noticed that people I'm with almost never wear them. As soon as I turned 16 is when I started wearing them, with the sun and driving and all.

I'm not a doctor, but it seems to me that my eyes are sensitive.

 

YMMV - that "doctor's note" is still illegal and not a defense in case an officer actually knows the law.

 

I have used the note about 20 times in past few years. I have used it in court with a judge, various local police officers as well as CHP. Some have even thanked me for having a note. While YMMV, having something documented is always better than just giving the officer some verbal nonsense. I would not call the note illegal, as it is a medical condition. I have only been told once that any tint on the fronts need to be removable. Again, that officer let me go. All one needs to do is be cool and dont create a situation with the officer. There is no need to give them reason to search your whole car for violations.

 

thanks for the replies.

my coupe actually came with the front windows tinted so i no longer need a place to do tint. now i just need to know what to say if i get pulled over for tint in the front =P but i'm not too worried about it. the first ticket will probably be a fix-it ticket anyways and i'll worry about it then. i usually try to ride with my windows down anyways.