North Carolina Eliminates Window Tint Inspections, But Tint Law Still Remains

A new North Carolina went into effect on Dec. 1, removing tint checks from vehicle inspections. Drivers must now roll down windows when officers approach during traffic stops.

The law started Dec. 1 and scraps the $10 fee drivers paid for after-factory tinting inspections using a state-approved light meter.

Vehicles still can't have tint darker than 32% VLT. That hasn't changed. Officers can still write tickets for too-dark tint if they confirm it with an approved light meter. Reflective tint remains banned, as do red, yellow, or amber colors.

When an officer walks up during a traffic stop, drivers must roll down whichever window the officer approaches. One state policeman said this rule tackles safety worries for everyone involved.

"It ensures that any law-enforcement officer who is walking up to a vehicle sees the window rolled down on whatever side they're approaching to create safety for the officer and the occupant, so we can conduct business as we need to," the policeman said, according to WBTV.

The inspection change means drivers with after-factory tinting avoid the extra cost during their annual vehicle check. Inspection stations won't test tint darkness anymore.

Medical exemptions still allow darker tint than what's legal. Drivers need a valid permit and must display a medical exemption sticker in the lower left-hand corner of the back window.

Officers can measure tint darkness during traffic stops if they think someone broke the rules. The 32% VLT limit stays the same even though mandatory inspections are gone.

This law went into effect across the state this week. Drivers with existing tint must follow the new traffic stop requirement whenever law enforcement pulls them over.