Many of my fellow motorers in GA my not know the current law regarding window tint in Georgia.
As many of you know, the window tint law was strck down in 2004 because the law was applied diferently to people who were residents of the state and people from other states, (basically, if you were from another state, the police would not ticket you for any window tint violation).

As of May 1 2005, any window tint that measures under 30%, you could be ticketed and fined up to $1000.00 and or 12 months in jail. This does not apply if the fatory, (not dealer) tinted the windows. The law also allows for limos, busses and "vehicles having a truck type chasis and can be used offroad, (read> SUV).. This law includes ALL Windows on passenger cars, not just the front windows.

I tinted my windows in November of last year, (while the law as repealed). I had all of the windows tinted to 20%. When you add in the factory UV protection and minor tint it measured 14% when I was ticketed yesterday.

Now I face a $140.00 fine and have to have my windows retinted, ($175.00) on top of the $175.00 I already paid. The officer said that if my tint regstered in the 20% range he would not have ticketed me.

The GA State Patrol is ACTIVELY inforcing this law as are the local police departments, (I guess they need the money and there are no other pressing crimes to take care of).

Just a heads up to my fellow Mini drivers. If you come through Georgia, make sure your windows are down or you are legal.

*side note* The ticketing officer made very nice comments about Sting.

 

Save your money by getting a prescription from your doctor for your window tint.

It's a medical necessity for those who cannot handle excess glare.

 

I thought about that.

 

I noticed when I was following, then passing you on I-85 a few weeks back that your windows seemed awfully dark. Sorry to hear about the ticket.


I have heard of the doctor's excuse working in Georgia. You just have to find a doctor to write it.

 

I had thought about getting my windows tinted but my car is always in a garage when it isn't driven. I guess this is another reason to leave them alone.

By the way, glad to see some other Cooper owners in my neighborhood. Kevin, I don't know that I have seen you around town. Where in Columbus do you live?

 

My windows aren't tinted yet, but they will be. I think the key is ensure legality. On the VW Jetta I had prior to the MCS, the windows were tinted with 38% bronze film. It did a good job of cutting down the sun, but people generally had to look twice to realize the windows were tinted.

Bronze won't look good with my Indi Blue/Black MCS, so I'll probably go with 35% smoke. I had that on a black BMW 318ti and it worked out very well.

Just north of the JR Allen Parkway, off Whitesville Road. At St. Francis Hospital, where I work, there are two other MINIs as well: a BRG/white Cooper and a BRG/black MCS.

 

I've noticed a BRG/White one around town. I work at AFLAC on Wynnton Rd and live on the northeast side of town near Bull Creek golf course. A gut that I work with has an MCS identical to mine without the stripes.

 

Used to have 20% on my old BMW, but when I sold it I decided it was a bit too dark, I went with a 35% strright from the dealer when I picked it up, so no argument could be made if I was pulled over.

I find the 35% is quite nice, it blocks the sun, looks good, but it still gives you the ability to see at night easily.