The Hawaii State Legislature is considering a bill that could unnecessarily tighten regulations on vehicle window tinting, potentially creating more hassle for residents.
While the proposed legislation claims to address rising temperatures linked to climate change, it seems more focused on imposing stricter rules and higher penalties rather than offering practical solutions.
The bill’s provisions are seen by many as overly punitive and impractical, particularly with the requirement for all passengers to roll down their windows during traffic stops. This rule, along with the restrictions on window tinting, seems more like a burden on drivers than a well-thought-out measure to address climate concerns.
The bill addresses several key areas:
* Prohibits certain tints: It explicitly prohibits the installation of sun-screening devices with mirrored, metallic, red, yellow, amber, or blue tints.
* Mandatory Window Roll-Down: Requires drivers and passengers to fully roll down their tinted windows when stopped by a law enforcement officer at a traffic stop.
* Reduced Light Transmittance Levels: lower the minimum light transmittance level for sun screening devices on side windows to the rear of the driver and rear windows on on sedans, vans, minivans, trucks, and buses to 20%, plus or minus 6%. This is a decrease from the current 35% limit.
* Exemptions: Exempts side windows to the rear of the driver and rear windows on sedans from sun-screening device requirements, provided the vehicles have rearview mirrors on both sides.
* Increased Fines: Raises both the minimum and maximum fines for violating sun-screening device regulations. Owners of vehicles in violation would face fines between $300 and $550 for each separate offense if the person is the owner of the motor vehicle, while installers of non-compliant tints could be fined between $700 and $1,200 for each separate offense. Installers would also be responsible for rectifying the issue and would be required to either reinstall compliant devices free of charge or reimburse the vehicle owner for the cost of compliant installation elsewhere. Installers will also be required to provide a certificate of compliance to the vehicle owner. The certificate shall be stored in the motor vehicle at all times.
The public has expressed mixed opinions regarding the new bill, particularly when it comes to the rear window tint regulations. Some argue that the bill’s exemption for certain vehicles is unfair. It seems inconsistent to some, as certain cars are allowed to have rear tinted windows while others are not.
Another concern raised is the requirement for passengers to roll down their windows during a traffic stop. Many question the practicality of this rule, especially if they are driving with toddlers or babies in the backseat. Exposing young children to the elements, particularly in rainy or cold weather, is seen as unsafe and unnecessary.
Additionally, there is confusion about whether a passenger sitting in the front seat would still need to roll down their window if there is only one officer on the driver’s side. Some feel this could lead to unnecessary violations, especially when the officer’s approach is limited to just the driver’s side.
Finally, the increase in fines has left some wondering if the hike is really necessary. Many believe that instead of raising fines, efforts should be focused on educating drivers about the law. Raising fines may cause more financial strain on the public without addressing the root causes of the issue.
The bill has passed all committees, including the Transportation (TRN) and Consumer Protection & Commerce committees. It was approved by the Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs (JHA) committee on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 2:00 PM in House Conference Room 325 via videoconference. Public testimony was open, with two opposing testimonies from the Hawaii and Honolulu Police Departments, and two in support from the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) and an Oahu tinting company.
Representing Hawaii Island, Greggor Ilagan, a member of the Consumer Protection & Commerce (CPC) Committee, was the first to show support for the bill. David A. Tarnas and Chris Todd, both of the Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs (JHA) Committee, also voted in support of it.