Tinted Headlights? Anyone done it?
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Originally Posted by Crackerballer,Dec 10 2009, 11:13 PM
No, it is not an argument that would hold up in court. But if you passed inspection I would easily claim innocence because that is the purpose of inspection. All you would need to do would be document your install date and make sure the car is inspected after that (but I am not a lawyer or offering legal advice 
). Hell you could even probably just take one of the lights to an inspection station and ask how (or if they do at all) measure output. Maybe he could also do some research on his relevant laws where he lives/drives.
But my main point is that we are talking about headlights (as in the topic title), so how would some grandma rear end you because of tinted headlights? Sounds like to me if you get rear ended with tinted headlights you know what you get? A NEW REAR BUMPER (and possibly more).
Go back and look and see if I said anything about taillights. I said I personally bought tail lights to tint, but have yet to do it (and may not). Not to mention I already linked a suitable upgrade if the OP does want to tint his HEADlights. I think that the kit I linked increasing the lamp to a 55 watt would increase fellow driver's visibility even with a thicker/darker tint. And you quoted the pic of the headlight to start this.
Also please don't start with the "spend your money somewhere it actually makes sense," because it is his car, his money. Some will argue spending any extra money to change parts doesn't make sense.
). Hell you could even probably just take one of the lights to an inspection station and ask how (or if they do at all) measure output. Maybe he could also do some research on his relevant laws where he lives/drives.But my main point is that we are talking about headlights (as in the topic title), so how would some grandma rear end you because of tinted headlights? Sounds like to me if you get rear ended with tinted headlights you know what you get? A NEW REAR BUMPER (and possibly more).
Go back and look and see if I said anything about taillights. I said I personally bought tail lights to tint, but have yet to do it (and may not). Not to mention I already linked a suitable upgrade if the OP does want to tint his HEADlights. I think that the kit I linked increasing the lamp to a 55 watt would increase fellow driver's visibility even with a thicker/darker tint. And you quoted the pic of the headlight to start this.
Also please don't start with the "spend your money somewhere it actually makes sense," because it is his car, his money. Some will argue spending any extra money to change parts doesn't make sense.
And to suggest knowingly do something that is illegal and then try to pass it as ignorance? Sorry, I'll pass on that one.
And yes, I misread the headlamp/taillamp thing, my bad.
Do as you wish. I'm done hating on tinted lamps.
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From: Durham NC
But where are the laws that say tinting the lights are illegal? He is in Texas. If you find a government link that has a law on the books about light tinting then I take my statements back. My guess is however, you wont.
So like I said, I not only am not suggesting he do anything illegal, knowingly or uninformed, I am also suggesting he upgrade headlights if he tints them, which will be an "upgrade" in light output.
I'm with you on the tail lamps, making them too dark and you are asking fir someone to eat up your rear end. Then you've got a wrecked car, someone else's car messed up your responsible for, and a ticket from a cop, as well as potential other legal ramifications for injury the other driver or even your passenger sustained. But he was asking about headlights, which is a bit different, so you misreading head/tail here makes a difference.
So like I said, I not only am not suggesting he do anything illegal, knowingly or uninformed, I am also suggesting he upgrade headlights if he tints them, which will be an "upgrade" in light output.
I'm with you on the tail lamps, making them too dark and you are asking fir someone to eat up your rear end. Then you've got a wrecked car, someone else's car messed up your responsible for, and a ticket from a cop, as well as potential other legal ramifications for injury the other driver or even your passenger sustained. But he was asking about headlights, which is a bit different, so you misreading head/tail here makes a difference.
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Just be prepared to either get sued or get in other legal trouble well beyond what would be the norm if you get in an accident. The tinted headlights area liability and will open you up to law suits, and there is no guarantee insurance will cover you if you get sued for doing this since it is an overt act you did that hindered the performance of your headlights.
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From: Houston, TX
IMO if you're going to stick something on the head/tail lights at least use something that offers some sort of benefit like Veil (http://www.laserveil.com).
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From: Durham NC
Originally Posted by bronxbomber252,Dec 11 2009, 10:47 AM
Just be prepared to either get sued or get in other legal trouble well beyond what would be the norm if you get in an accident. The tinted headlights area liability and will open you up to law suits, and there is no guarantee insurance will cover you if you get sued for doing this since it is an overt act you did that hindered the performance of your headlights.
I just don't see how if there is a set standard (which there has to be, otherwise, what do manufacturers go by?) and you stay within that standard you could get sued. I mean they can sue you, but the question is does it hold up in court.
And what area of the law defines an "overt act you did to hinder the performance of your headlights?" I understand everyone wants to be safe, if not legal, but the 35w HID of the S has to be WAY better in terms of output and visibility than I would argue 60-80% of cars on the road. It's almost as if you are making the roads safer just by driving the S with it's superior lighting system.
We are also leaving out the million of vehicles that have neglected headlights that have years and years of haze to a point that they are just a soft yellow glow.
I'm tired of fussing in this thread as well. Please start a new thread if you do the tint so I can see it.
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From: Minnesota
In MN it is ilegal to cover any of your lights with anything but a clear cover. He is the law as it is written;
Subd. 10.Cover for lamp or reflector. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), it is prohibited for any person to:
(1) equip a motor vehicle with any equipment or material that covers a headlamp, taillamp, or reflector; or
(2) operate a motor vehicle fitted with or otherwise having equipment or material that covers a headlamp, taillamp, or reflector.
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to:
(1) any manufacturer's original equipment or material;
(2) any equipment or material that is clear and colorless
Subd. 10.Cover for lamp or reflector. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), it is prohibited for any person to:
(1) equip a motor vehicle with any equipment or material that covers a headlamp, taillamp, or reflector; or
(2) operate a motor vehicle fitted with or otherwise having equipment or material that covers a headlamp, taillamp, or reflector.
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to:
(1) any manufacturer's original equipment or material;
(2) any equipment or material that is clear and colorless
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