Most states have laws regarding tint on windows.Some places limitations on the type of tint used and where it can be placed.If you tint your windows darker than allowed, you may be pulled over and cited for a window tint violation.The easiest way to get out of a ticket is to remove your tint.If your tint is actually in compliance with state law, you can plead not guilty and fight the ticket.
Step 1: There is a traffic law attorney.
The judge will dismiss the ticket if you fix the problem for which you got it.To make sure this will happen in your case, you should talk to an attorney who specializes in traffic violations.You can search for your state's bar association.Most online referral services will match you with licensed attorneys in your area.You should be able to find out the information you need without paying legal fees if you have a free initial consultation with a traffic attorney.It will cost around $30 to $50 for the initial consultation.
Step 2: After the tint is removed, take a picture of your car.
If you want to remove the tint on your own and don't care about having it replaced, photos can be used in court to prove it.Try to get your license tag in at least one photo by getting your whole car in the frame.The photo shows the car that was pulled over.If you want to make close-ups, do them with the photos of the whole car.You can submit your photos to the court if you print them after you take them.Digital photos can't be accepted by most judges.Your prints don't have to be large, but should be big enough that you can easily see the details.
Step 3: Go to a tint shop.
If you still want tinted windows, you may want to have a tint specialist remove the old tint and replace it with a new tint that is legal in your state.Legitimate tint shops do not stock tint that is illegal in your state.If you talk to a tint specialist, they can help you find a solution to the problem that will still meet your needs.The inside of the window is where most tint shops have a card.The tint on the card is legal if you can read it through the window.Take a photo by holding the card up to the window.
Step 4: The tint shop has a receipt.
The receipt serves as proof that you fixed the problem if you get your tint removed or replaced.When you completed the transaction, it shows the judge.If a hearing is necessary, make a couple of copies of the receipt.
Step 5: If you have to, complete an affidavit.
Fix-it tickets are only dismissed by some states if you can fix the problem within a short period of time.The affidavit shows the judge that you fixed your tint.You may be able to use a form in your state.The affidavit should state that the person who removed the tint from your windows or inspected your car found that it was in compliance with the law.The affidavit needs to be completed by the tint specialist.If you remove your tint on your own, take it to the police station and get an officer to inspect it and fill out an affidavit for you.
Step 6: You should submit your documentation to the court.
You can have a window tint ticket dismissed if you submit proof that you fixed your tint by the deadline stated on the ticket.Instructions on how to submit this information can be found in your ticket.If you want to beat the ticket, get your tint fixed as soon as possible.You may have to pay a fine if you don't submit proof before the deadline.The deadline may be as short as 2 weeks.
Step 7: If you have to, attend your hearing.
You have to present your proof in traffic court.Many people are at the traffic court in the evening to respond to citations.When your name is called, move to the front of the courtroom and present your documentation.If you can prove that your window tint was either removed or replaced with tint that complies with the state's law, your ticket will be dismissed.You may have to pay a small fee to cover court costs.
Step 8: You can contact your local office.
Many states have carved out exemptions to their window-tinting laws for people who have a medical or vision-related condition that requires them to limit their exposure to the sun.Severe photosensitivity is an example of a condition that is typically covered.The deadline for processing your exemption is typically less than 30 days.You may want to talk to an attorney about postponing the ticket until the exemption application process is complete.The staff at your local Department of Motor Vehicles will be able to point you to the correct exemptions in your state.You can find this information on your own by going to the website for your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.You need to be on an official government site so you know the information you're getting is accurate.
Step 9: You can apply for an exemption.
You need to fill out an application form in each state to get an exemption from the window tint law.Information about you, your vehicle, and the reason you want an exemption are required by this form.You should be able to get this form at the local Department of Motor Vehicles.The form can be downloaded online in many states.
Step 10: The application should be taken to your health care provider.
In addition to the information provided by you, the exemption application requires a health care provider to certify that you need tint in excess of state legal limits because of a medical condition.Before completing the form, your health care provider may need to examine you.You may need to provide more information about the exam.If your doctor recently diagnosed you, they don't need to re-examine you.They wouldn't describe the previous diagnosis process.
Step 11: Your application should be submitted to the appropriate office.
Once completed, the application usually includes information on where to send it.All applications for exceptions are evaluated by a central medical review unit.They'll send you an exemption permit if everything is in order.Fees are usually not charged for medical exemptions.The amount of the processing fee will be listed on the application.You should make a copy of the application before you send it.In case you get pulled over again before your permit is issued, you may want to carry a copy in your car as well.Allow at least two weeks for your application to be received and reviewed.
Step 12: You should show your permit to the court.
You can show the judge your permit if you want the window tint ticket to be dismissed.You can apply for the exception to the court if you don't get your permit before the deadline.If your permit will be issued, the judge may delay the hearing on your citation.
Step 13: All the time, carry your permit in your vehicle.
You should keep your exception permit in your glove compartment once you get it.If you are pulled over again, you can show the permit to the officer.The permit only applies to a specific vehicle.You may have to get a separate permit for a new car.There is a sticker that needs to be applied to the center top of any window in New York.There is only one document that you can keep in the glove compartment.
Step 14: A traffic law attorney can help.
An attorney can help you if you believe your tint was within the law and the officer was wrong.An attorney with experience fighting window tint tickets knows how the law works.Free initial consultations are provided by most traffic law attorneys.You can choose the best one by talking to several attorneys.Ask the attorneys what their success rate is in fighting similar cases.You want to know what the fees are.Find out how involved an attorney will be in your case when you talk to them.A case for a minor infraction can be filed by a more experienced traffic law attorney.You should be able to meet with the person who will actually be working with you before you hire that attorney.
Step 15: If you follow the instructions on the citation, you can plead not guilty.
The instructions you must follow on your traffic ticket can be found on a website.You must enter your plea before the deadline, which is typically less than 30 days.You may have to pay all or part of the fine before your hearing.Your money will be returned if you are found not guilty.
Step 16: Have your tint looked at.
You need to show that your tint is within the bounds of the law.If you want to do this yourself, you can take your car to a state inspector or tint specialist.A brief affidavit should be written by the person who inspected your tint, stating that they found it met the requirements of the law.What authority they have to complete such an inspection should be explained in the affidavit.Licensed state inspectors or police officers are allowed to certify tint in some states.Ask a traffic law attorney if you need to check your state's window tint law.The person is looking at your tint.They can be used as evidence at your hearing, along with the affidavit.If you can get your license plate in at least one photo, you'll be able to prove it's the same car as the one that was fined.
Step 17: You should gather evidence to support your claims.
It's not enough to say that your tint doesn't violate the law when you go before a judge.Documentation related to your tint may help prove your innocence along with an inspection and photos.If you still have the receipt from when you had the tint installed, you can list the type of tint used.The tint did not violate the law.The person who installed the tint said it was in compliance with state law.
Step 18: Attend the hearing.
Depending on where you live, you may have a formal hearing before a judge or a more informal meeting with the prosecutor assigned to your case.Regardless of the format, treat everyone involved with respect.Arrive at the courthouse at least 30 minutes before the time your hearing is scheduled, so you have enough time to get through security and find the right courtroom.If you've hired an attorney, they may want to meet you somewhere so the two of you can travel to the courthouse together.
Step 19: Your case should be presented to the judge.
If you haven't hired an attorney, you will be responsible for outlining your defense to the judge and entering the evidence you have brought.Treat court personnel with respect by speaking in a loud and clear voice.Make copies of documents you want to present as evidence so you can pass them on to the judge and prosecutor.If you can prove that your tint complies with state law, the ticket will be thrown out.