Hey guys, wondering before I do this. Is it legal to black out your car entirely besides the front windshield. My cars black, wheels are black, I just ordered black background headlights, im customized my signals. I got some tint for the tail lights and stuff. I know the tail lights yeah, but the bumpers and everything its legal to black out the car right?
Is it legal?
.Bad75.
21 - 37 of 37 Posts
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3,772 Posts
James, I have a feeling the laws you stated are in reference to vehicles displaying a standard tag and are not 25 years or older. A car displaying historic or hotrod tage are governed by different guideline. Do cars displaying historic tags have to go through emission testing or inspections at all during their life with a historic tag? In Maryland, ANY vehicle displaying historic tags is exempt from inspections and emissions and is not governed by the same vehicle repair laws. Therefore, I can do anything I want to my vehicle. I can tint the windows as dark as I want, I can run hid's even though aftermarket hid kits are not auto leveling and I can have the car as low to the ground as I want because the car is considered as a non daily driver or a show car. On the MD DMV website, they specifically site historic tagged vehicles as being exempt from the normal vehicle repair laws. I have a feeling all states are this way. A car that is not being driven daily is considered a show vehicle or a special vehicle and as such is given special considerations. If the car is not over 25 years old and does not have historic tags, then it must adhere to any and all standard laws in regards to repair orders and guidelines, but in MD, any historically tagged vehicle is exempt. I carry a copy of said law in my glovebox with me at all times just in case.
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27,011 Posts
Charlie - In CA a car from '75 or '76 and older doesn't have any emmisions testing or inspection but still has to conform to all the laws if it is to be driven on public roadways.
For a young guy like Levi who already has problems with the local LEO's (based on prior postings) the last thing he should want to do is make questionable changes and give LEO's more reasons to stop him...
For a young guy like Levi who already has problems with the local LEO's (based on prior postings) the last thing he should want to do is make questionable changes and give LEO's more reasons to stop him...
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53 Posts
The laws I am stating are in reference to ANY vehicle that touches a highway. Hence the two sections I quoted have specific years written into them. If a vehicle is exempt from a certain section in CA, it will be written into the law. As far as emissions go, any vehicle manufactured after 1976 is required to pass the sniffer test. Any vehicle manufactured from 66 and up is required to have the emissions controls that were on it, but don't have to pass the sniffer. So the adjustable fuel pressure regulator on my 68 would be illegal if I were to get stopped and cited. I would have to go to the state referee and he would not sign off until all the original emissions deviced were put back on.
Ok, just found what you are referring to.
From the Health and Safety Code:
44011. (a) All motor vehicles powered by internal combustion
engines that are registered within an area designated for program
coverage shall be required biennially to obtain a certificate of
compliance or noncompliance, except for all of the following:
(1) Every motorcycle, and every diesel-powered vehicle, until the
department, pursuant to Section 44012, implements test procedures
applicable to motorcycles or to diesel-powered vehicles, or both.
(2) Any motor vehicle that has been issued a certificate of
compliance or noncompliance or a repair cost waiver upon a change of
ownership or initial registration in this state during the preceding
six months.
(3) Any motor vehicle manufactured prior to the 1976 model-year.
(4) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), any motor vehicle
four or less model-years old.
blah
blah
blah...
(c) For purposes of subdivision (a), any collector motor vehicle,
as defined in Section 259 of the Vehicle Code, is exempt from those
portions of the test required by subdivision (f) of Section 44012 if
the collector motor vehicle meets all of the following criteria:
(1) Submission of proof that the motor vehicle is insured as a
collector motor vehicle, as shall be required by regulation of the
bureau.
(2) The motor vehicle is at least 35 model-years old.
(3) The motor vehicle complies with the exhaust emissions
standards for that motor vehicle's class and model-year as prescribed
by the department, and the motor vehicle passes a functional
inspection of the fuel cap and a visual inspection for liquid fuel
leaks.
(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1,
2010, and as of that date is repealed.
And 44012(f) H&S talks about visual and functional tests. --http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=hsc&group=44001-45000&file=44010-44025
4000.1(g) VC talks about registering such cars--http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=veh&group=03001-04000&file=4000-4023
259. "Collector motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle owned by a
collector, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 5051, and the
motor vehicle is used primarily in shows, parades, charitable
functions, and historical exhibitions for display, maintenance, and
preservation, and is not used primarily for transportation.
5051. As used in this article, unless the context otherwise
requires:
(a) "Collector" is the owner of one or more vehicles described in
Section 5004 or of one or more special interest vehicles, as defined
in this article, who collects, purchases, acquires, trades, or
disposes of the vehicle, or parts thereof, for his or her own use, in
order to preserve, restore, and maintain the vehicle for hobby or
historical purposes.
And then you have to read 5004 VC. So lots of hoops to jump through. As far as the OP goes, he had to have the car up to code if it is not a historical car.
Ok, just found what you are referring to.
From the Health and Safety Code:
44011. (a) All motor vehicles powered by internal combustion
engines that are registered within an area designated for program
coverage shall be required biennially to obtain a certificate of
compliance or noncompliance, except for all of the following:
(1) Every motorcycle, and every diesel-powered vehicle, until the
department, pursuant to Section 44012, implements test procedures
applicable to motorcycles or to diesel-powered vehicles, or both.
(2) Any motor vehicle that has been issued a certificate of
compliance or noncompliance or a repair cost waiver upon a change of
ownership or initial registration in this state during the preceding
six months.
(3) Any motor vehicle manufactured prior to the 1976 model-year.
(4) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), any motor vehicle
four or less model-years old.
blah
blah
blah...
(c) For purposes of subdivision (a), any collector motor vehicle,
as defined in Section 259 of the Vehicle Code, is exempt from those
portions of the test required by subdivision (f) of Section 44012 if
the collector motor vehicle meets all of the following criteria:
(1) Submission of proof that the motor vehicle is insured as a
collector motor vehicle, as shall be required by regulation of the
bureau.
(2) The motor vehicle is at least 35 model-years old.
(3) The motor vehicle complies with the exhaust emissions
standards for that motor vehicle's class and model-year as prescribed
by the department, and the motor vehicle passes a functional
inspection of the fuel cap and a visual inspection for liquid fuel
leaks.
(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1,
2010, and as of that date is repealed.
And 44012(f) H&S talks about visual and functional tests. --http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=hsc&group=44001-45000&file=44010-44025
4000.1(g) VC talks about registering such cars--http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=veh&group=03001-04000&file=4000-4023
259. "Collector motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle owned by a
collector, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 5051, and the
motor vehicle is used primarily in shows, parades, charitable
functions, and historical exhibitions for display, maintenance, and
preservation, and is not used primarily for transportation.
5051. As used in this article, unless the context otherwise
requires:
(a) "Collector" is the owner of one or more vehicles described in
Section 5004 or of one or more special interest vehicles, as defined
in this article, who collects, purchases, acquires, trades, or
disposes of the vehicle, or parts thereof, for his or her own use, in
order to preserve, restore, and maintain the vehicle for hobby or
historical purposes.
And then you have to read 5004 VC. So lots of hoops to jump through. As far as the OP goes, he had to have the car up to code if it is not a historical car.
Your information is partially correct. You can't do what ever you want because you have historic tags. You are refering to section H of 13-936 - "Exemption from inspection requirements.- A vehicle registered under this section is exempt from any statute that requires periodic vehicle inspections or that requires the use and inspection of emission controls." Some sections you are exempt from, including 22-406 for window tinting. If you run Historic registration plates then you also then as provided under 13-936 certify that your vehicle is at least 20 years old, has not been substantially altered from the manufacturer's original design, and meets criteria contained in regulations adopted by the Administration. Aftermarket window glazing allowing less than 35% light transmittence alters the design of the window and fails to meet the criteria in the administration's regulations. You also certify your vehicle will be maintained for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades, tours, occasional transportation, and similar uses only. If you use it for anything else, then your vehicle is considered unregistered. If and when a violation came to court, it would depend on if it was a knowledgeable officer or trooper who was properly able to articulate and prove his findings.
Someone said to contact the insurance company to see what sort of liability would be involved in a collision. I perform collision reconstruction for the largest department in maryland, and I can tell you that aftermarket window glazing can be considered in a criminal case to show gross negligence. There was a case a few years ago where it was used on a collision at night where a vehicle pulled in front of another attempting to cross a highway. There was a fatality involved and it was argued that if the driver had legal light transmittance that he would not have proceeded into the highway because he would have had better sight of the approaching vehicle. On a civil lawsuit, I would think that 100% of the time you would be determined more negligent with the glazing. On every case I investigate, I record the light transmittence if it has any aftermarket glazing added and that is also part of a post crash inspection from the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division of the State Police.
Ok my next question is. DO YOU LOOK for this sort of thing all the time or just when you really need to make the required limit for the month? I mean I understand the tail lights but the window tint is bull. Just cuz its the law doesnt make it right...
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53 Posts
Hey, you do what you want to do with your car. I was just trying to help you by showing you what you may not have known. Quotas are illegal in CA. And the saying is, "We don't have quotas, we can write as many tickets as we want." It's all about reducing the mileage death rate through education, engineering and enforcement. I'm just trying to educate so you don't get the enforcement.
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602 Posts
thanks james... appreciate the input from a law man...
while i think the dark tint is cool...it is very hard for me to drive with it...
as far as in alabama... i think the law is the same..
.what alot of folks do not understand is...with that dark of tint..the people behind you or alongside cannot see thru ..so they cannot see any traffic coming...as well as if the police do need to see in the car they can't so automaticaly they have to be on a major defense .... i for one do not want or need the hassle from the police...just to look cool...
while i think the dark tint is cool...it is very hard for me to drive with it...
as far as in alabama... i think the law is the same..
.what alot of folks do not understand is...with that dark of tint..the people behind you or alongside cannot see thru ..so they cannot see any traffic coming...as well as if the police do need to see in the car they can't so automaticaly they have to be on a major defense .... i for one do not want or need the hassle from the police...just to look cool...
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3,772 Posts
All police departments say they don't have quotas, but I think we all know that's a bunch of crap. I am not calling anyone a liar. I am simply saying, at the end of every month you see more cops on the roads, more radar setups and more nonsense tickets being issued. Is it just coincidence, I think not.
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3,772 Posts
Dennis, I did not know Levi's history with the fuzz. In this case, I would wholeheartidly agree. Chalk it up to be young. I was that way when I was younger, as were we all. My son can't understand why I want to leave early in the mornings when I take him to school. He can't understand that by leaving early, I don't have to rush and fly up the road. Run yellow lights or drive aggressively. I have had my run ins with the fuzz in my early driving years and experience has taught me to leave a little early so I can take my time and not run the risk of an accident or a speeding ticket. I like to be able to say I have a clean driving records with 0 points.
Im not picking on you dude im just curious is this something that you would normally look for or turn around for ya know
Hey hey im a good guy here! I dont have any points on my record at all
just a sound violation is all and I used to get stopped quite often in my car just for nothing. All I want is to be my own person and show it off
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53 Posts
Without getting too off topic, I do look for it. Just not so much on vintage cars, if you catch my DRIFT. I have attended a POST certified class on street racing and modified emission controls. If it gets me under the hood of certain cars, heck ya i'm looking for it.
2804. A member of the California Highway Patrol upon reasonable
belief that any vehicle is being operated in violation of any
provisions of this code or is in such unsafe condition as to endanger
any person, may require the driver of the vehicle to stop and submit
to an inspection of the vehicle, and its equipment, license plates,
and registration card.
40303. (a) Whenever a person is arrested for any of the offenses
listed in subdivision (b) and the arresting officer is not required
to take the person without unnecessary delay before a magistrate, the
arrested person shall, in the judgment of the arresting officer,
either be given a 10 days' notice to appear, or be taken without
unnecessary delay before a magistrate within the county in which the
offense charged is alleged to have been committed and who has
jurisdiction of the offense and is nearest or most accessible with
reference to the place where the arrest is made. The officer may
require that the arrested person, if he or she does not have
satisfactory identification, place a right thumbprint, or a left
thumbprint or fingerprint if the person has a missing or disfigured
right thumb, on the 10 days' notice to appear when a 10 days' notice
is provided. Except for law enforcement purposes relating to the
identity of the arrestee, a person or entity shall not sell, give
away, allow the distribution of, include in a database, or create a
database with, this print.
(b) Subdivision (a) applies to the following offenses:
(1) Section 10852 or 10853, relating to injuring or tampering with
a vehicle.
(2) Section 23103 or 23104, relating to reckless driving.
(3) Subdivision (a) of Section 2800, insofar as it relates to a
failure or refusal of the driver of a vehicle to stop and submit to
an inspection or test of the lights upon the vehicle pursuant to
Section 2804, that is punishable as a misdemeanor.
In other words, a person can go to jail for refusing to submit to an lighting inspection, among other things.
The original question was; "Is it legal to black out your car entirely besides the front windshield? My car's black, wheels are black, I just ordered black background headlights, I'm customizing my signals. I got some tint for the tail lights and stuff. I know the tail lights yeah, but the bumpers and everything its legal to black out the car right?"
As stated above; most states dont allow blacked-out side front windows, blacked-out headlights, taillights, or turn signals. That's all safety stuff. Go ahead and black-out the wheels, bumpers, chrome, etc, etc.
As stated above; most states dont allow blacked-out side front windows, blacked-out headlights, taillights, or turn signals. That's all safety stuff. Go ahead and black-out the wheels, bumpers, chrome, etc, etc.
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