Dark Automotive Window Tinting

[soldier]

Can anyone advise whether dark window tinting for motor vehicles in CR is allowed, and, will the dark tinting muster the annual vehicle inspection?

[Andrew]

It has always been my understanding that this was strictly illegal but I see cars with tinted window every day …

Anybody else know the law on this?

Scott

[costaricafinca]

If it is ‘factory issued’ it is OK. If it is the ‘applied’ product it is [i]not[/i] acceptable. [i]Although[/i], we have the medium coloured ‘applied’ product on ours and it has gone through RITIVE many times with no problems, but definitely not on your front window!
Some just take it off, then immediately go and get it redone…:roll:

[soldier]

Thanks everyone, your responses are greatly appreciated.

[Andrew]

According to la Nacion today there is a c117,000 fine (about US$215) for anyone using “polarizado en el parabrisas delentero o tradero de los carros.”

So front and back tinted windows are NOT allowed but it did not say anything about side windows…

Scott

[tpb]

[quote=”Scott”]According to la Nacion today there is a c117,000 fine (about US$215) for anyone using “polarizado en el parabrisas delentero o tradero de los carros.”

So front and back tinted windows are NOT allowed but it did not say anything about side windows…

Scott[/quote]

I just purchased a new(well, new for me)car two days ago and the rear window was shaded, and I was very concerned because I had seen this same story. I stopped at the local transito station here in Palmares and an officer looked at my car and told me it was OK because it was original equipment. The window was shaded permanently and was not a film applique.

[waggoner41]

[quote=”Scott”]According to la Nacion today there is a c117,000 fine (about US$215) for anyone using “polarizado en el parabrisas delentero o tradero de los carros.”

So front and back tinted windows are NOT allowed but it did not say anything about side windows…

Scott[/quote]

The reason for not tinting windows front and back in the States has to do with law enforcement. For police officers it is necessary that the occupants of a vehicle are visible for their safety. I’m not sure if the thinking is the same in Costa Rica.

For drivers behind these vehicles there is also the issue of blocking the view of traffic ahead. Commercial trucks are a necessary evil but tinting windows front and back is unnecessary unless you are hiding something.

I always wonder what goes on inside such vehicles that necessitates such privacy

[DavidCMurray]

You’re absolutely right, Waggoner. The cops are understandably afraid to approach a car they cannot see into. It’s an obvious opportunity for somebody to shoot them.

The sage advise, regardless of where you are, is that if you’re stopped, you should roll down the driver’s side window, turn on the interior light if it’s nighttime, and perhaps open the glove box. Then put both hands on the steering wheel and be sure that passengers’ hands are visible, too. There’s no point in making an armed guy nervous.

[soldier]

Aside from the police aspect, and, the UV radiation. There is also the aspect of security, our Fed vehicles are tinted all the way around, pitch black; for that reason. Also, many police task forces vehicles are also tinted all the way around, for that reason. Fed and police personnel are always targets, here in the U.S.and in latin countries.

[waggoner41]

[quote=”soldier”]Aside from the police aspect, and, the UV radiation. There is also the aspect of security, our Fed vehicles are tinted all the way around, pitch black; for that reason. Also, many police task forces vehicles are also tinted all the way around, for that reason. Fed and police personnel are always targets, here in the U.S.and in latin countries.[/quote]
Ahh yes, The Feds. Now there’s a group with something to hide and we can all use the protection from Ultra Vanity.:lol:

Just kidding. I have seen caravans of the federal vehicles transporting VIP’s but UV protection is available that is a clear coating. Obscurity of the interior of a vehicle even on side windows is not required.

One of my vehicles does have a much lighter tint on the upper portion of the windshield to ward off the glare of a lowering sun.

[caliskatari]

From what I read, in addition to the front and back windows needing to be clear glass, the tinting on the side windows must have 70% visibility.. now Im not sure how that is determined, but thats what the law says.

[Author]

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