speye022

I just got back from getting my car inspected and received a rejection sticker because of my tint. I have the legal limit of 35% tint all around, but they told me because my windows have a factory tint of AS2, my windows are now too dark! What made me upset is that they showed me another vehicle with factory AS3 tint that looks much darker than mine (i swear it almost look like 25%) and that particular vehicle passes inspection! So what's the deal? They told me it's a matter of how much light goes thru the window and not how dark it is. Is that true? I have 60 days to do something about it. I really don't want to remove the tint, since I got it done in Sept. 04! Any suggestions?

infintishock

That is really strange. First of all, I've never even seen a shop use a meter on a tinted window to check the percent, so that is rare in itself. Second of all, I'm surprised they even care since it is so close to 35% that I doubt any cops would care. When I have tint jobs done for my customers, I realize that some windows have factory solar tint but 35% film goes on nonetheless, unless they request darker or lighter film.

I suggest going to another shop and having them inspect it - like I said, I've never heard of that happening here in MA so I definitely wouldn't remove the tint just because of that inspection.

speye022

I guess another $29 would not kill me, as long as I get to keep my tint. When I go to another shop, they will be able to tell that I did not pass inspection because of my tint, no? Wouldn't that raise a red flag?

paulfromchicago

hey, speye, here's a link to the tint law in your state. what they told you is correct.
http://www.tintcenter.com/laws/MA/
hope that helps.

infintishock

Obviously what they told you is correct, but like I've said it is unbelievable that they actually failed you for it. Moreover, I'm surprised they didn't just tell you straight away that there was a problem with the tint instead of inspecting you and then charging you for rejection. Most places I know would have said the tint was too dark (though I can't believe they even realized yours was < 35%) before they even started.

Anyway, if you bring it to another shop I'm not sure if they'll know what the problem was. If they do, I'd assume its because it is in the computer database in which case I doubt it would be that specific, and I would find it very unlikely that other shops would give a damn. I think you just went to a stickler.