Should drivers have to follow different vehicle equipment laws in every state they pass through?
Posted by Intelligent-Camp4631@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 153 comments
I live in Utah and my car is registered there. My window tint is legal under Utah law.
When driving through other states with stricter tint laws (like Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, etc.), I’ve heard you can still be pulled over or ticketed even if you’re just passing through.
Is it reasonable that drivers have to follow different vehicle equipment laws just for crossing state lines? Or is that just part of the U.S. system?
Should vehicle laws be more uniform across states, or is the current setup fine?
Airbornequalified@reddit
You have to obey the laws of the location you are in. Doesn’t matter if it’s tint, exhaust, right turns on red, passengers drinking in the car, etc etc
That’s completely reasonable
Cerulean_IsFancyBlue@reddit
It’s reasonable. However, I think there’s a distinction between behaviors and vehicle specifications. It’s much more reasonable to expect people to change their behavior, and less reasonable to expect them to modify their vehicle on the contingency that they might travel to a certain state.
If you look at the principles behind the “full faith and credit” clause, there’s a recognition that the country has a whole benefits when states don’t create unnecessary contradiction. There’s a reasonable argument that a given state licensing a vehicle as legal and roadworthy, should be accepted in the same way that a drivers license from one state is accepted in the others.
It might be hard to argue that this issue is important enough to national unity and interstate commerce and such, that it warrants intruding on state sovereignty. So far that hasn’t been the direction that we’ve gone in the United States. But it’s not crazy.
I think it’s much more likely that this gets resolved in the long run by the continued voluntary convergence of motor vehicle and highway codes.
Red_Beard_Rising@reddit
One could argue that no vehicle manufacturer produces window tints dark enough to be illegal anywhere. You have to make the conscious choice to tint them darker after you buy it. The dark tint is the modification.
Cerulean_IsFancyBlue@reddit
I don’t think the argument hinges on whether it’s a manufacturer or a user that’s creating the specification of the car. It’s the inconsistency in laws across different states.
The current situation is reasonable, as an outcome of our state level government and how we got here.
Convergence of laws with respect to vehicles, which are inherently mobile, is also a reasonable thing to discuss.
Applying full faith and credit to vehicle licensing and road worthiness, given rhat vehicles are inherently mobile and often used outside of their home State, is also a reasonable thing to discuss.
Red_Beard_Rising@reddit
My motorcycle is registered in Illinois. I still have to follow the equipment laws of the state I am riding in. If I go to a helmet law state, I have to wear one. A lot of motorcycle equipment laws vary by state.
The height of the handlebars is regulated by many states and there is no standard. I could be measured in inches or it could be in relation to the rider's shoulders. Some states require a backrest for passengers, others don't. You will get ticketed regardless of where your motorcycle is registered.
Eye protection is usually required, but not always. If the motorcycle has a wind screen, some states consider this eye protection and others don't. Those that consider it eye protection mandate a minimum height for the wind screen to be considered eye protection. Those heights vary from state to state. You will be ticketed regardless of the state your motorcycle is registered in.
Cerulean_IsFancyBlue@reddit
I understand that these exist. I am saying that there are ways that we could look at standardizing things. The most common one is through the gradual convergence of the highway code that has been organically happening over decades. Another would be to extend the full faith and credit concept to vehicle configuration, just as we do with drivers license licenses.
I don’t understand why people can keep insisting on supplying me examples of the fact that states have different laws. I understand that this situation exists. I also understand that at times it’s very inconvenient and arbitrary and perhaps could be improved.
Red_Beard_Rising@reddit
People who tint their windows real dark know there are laws about how dark they can be. I'm going to guess that OP's windows are tinted at the darkest legal limit in his/her jurisdiction. Since s/he did that homework, s/he should also know that neighboring states' laws might differ.
Cerulean_IsFancyBlue@reddit
I give up. “Here is how it works” is an exhausting response to “let’s make it better”.
Ellemnop8@reddit
One of the issues is that not everyone will agree that standardization *is* better.
Cerulean_IsFancyBlue@reddit
So standardization is one possibility and as I said, it’s mostly been voluntary. Absolutely nobody’s going to agree to any of these things but, individual states are the ones who are agreeing to conform. This has been happening for decades on all sorts of issues as more and more states adopt a common underlying code as the basis for their motor vehicle code.
The other possibility is that states simply accept that a vehicle titled in one state has to meet the requirements of that state. If it’s legal to have 85% tint in Colorado, then that vehicle should not be ticketed for 85% tint in California. California accepts that Colorado-titled vehicle vehicles have right of transit through California without mandating modifications, and vice versa.
And of course, the third possibility is that we just leave things as they are, so states have the freedom to do what they want, police have a simpler set of rules to enforce, and citizens bear the burden of knowing the rules of the places they’re going to. It exists and it works, mainly because the sort of people that favor a lot of extra tint on their windows are not usually part of the political power structure.
And just in case anybody thinks I’m using a dog whistle there, I mean, young people. My own kid has stupid tinting on his windows that he promises me he’s gonna try to get removed, it was there when he bought the car, but secretly, I think he loves it.
dew2459@reddit
Cops are not lawyers or judges. They enforce the local laws, and on local streets they don’t (and would not have to) believe claims that some random thing is legal in some other random state.
So even if “full faith and credit” got applied to vehicle safety requirements, that would mostly be something you get to argue later on in front of a judge; even if you eventually beat the ticket you would still get stuck paying the court, lawyer, towing, or whatever other costs.
As suggested elsewhere in the thread, I doubt most states would accept a “convergence of laws” - for example, accept CA emissions rules. Congress could help if there are some specific tough cases or abuses (personally I’d love if if they set European-level minimum auto insurance requirements for crossing state lines, some states allow as little as $10k coverage for “legally insured”).
I don’t think much will change though, since the easiest solution is the one today; don’t drive a car with questionable modifications out of state. Most state laws are close enough already that it isn’t usually a problem, except for people who think pushing safety limits is cool (like heavy tint or driving a motorcycle without a helmet).
FlourCity@reddit
If they didn't modify the car with tint, it's be legal in all 50 states. If you want to drive there, don't modify it in such a way that makes it illegal to drive it there. Simple.
shelwood46@reddit
I live in PA and drive to NJ often. I know that NJ has really strict rules about having anything on the dash, front windshield & hanging from the rear view mirror so I simply do not have those.
Cerulean_IsFancyBlue@reddit
It’s simple. It could be simpler. What’s your resistance? Are you acting out a dislike of tinted windows?
BigRichard1990@reddit
”Full faith and credit” allows you to drive in other states with a drivers license issued in another state. But states have a right to regulate for local conditions, As long as it doesn’t interfere unreasonably with interstate commerce and travel. Vehicle regulations are an important frontier of federalism. A huge example is that California has always had more stringent emissions regulations than other states. Mostly because the Los Angeles basin had so many cars and a local atmospheric condition that caused visible “smog” so you could often not see the Hollywood sign from downtown. That has been gone for decades now. Manufacturers actually had to make two versions of cars for California and “federal” versions.
bandit1206@reddit
Yes, California was given a carve out to create stricter emissions regulation. But I am still allowed to drive my non California compliant car from Missouri into California without having to stop and add additional equipment at the border. Obviously different story if I move to California and want to register my car there.
Many states around me only require a rear license plate by state law. My state, which requires two, can’t ticket them for not having a front plate. Part of our federal system is the freedom to travel between states without having to change cars or modify your existing one every time you cross a state line.
Cerulean_IsFancyBlue@reddit
I’m not arguing that the existence of the full faith and credit clause means that this should be mandatory. I’m saying that it shows a possible direction if we wanted to adjust the current situation.
It’s worth noting that California standards for emissions only affected cars sold and titled in California. It did not prohibit me from driving into California from Washington with my WA-titled car, tourist thing around for a few weeks, and heading home. I would not get a ticket for it, unlike somebody with window tint.
DLS3141@reddit
I grew up in CA when they had California cars and 49 state cars. What some my car geek friends would do is replace their exhaust system with a high performance exhaust, but keep the stock exhaust. Then when they had to get their smog check, they’d re-install the stock exhaust so they’d pass.
Cerulean_IsFancyBlue@reddit
I’m arguing that states should accept other states’ definition of legal road vehicle. And you hit me with fascism dogwhile? Fuck right off.
BigRichard1990@reddit
Well, some states have greedy tax regimes and people will try to cheat. That has always been the case. No need to give up the benefits of federalism just to make this particular set of trains run on time. My own state charges a \~3% tax sales and use tax when a vehicle is registered for the first time, even used vehicles. Also, an annual tax on the value of personal vehicles. So a lot of folks evade this (not just avoid). They have a snitch line to report people who don’t register in 3 months. Coming soon, audits using Flock cameras and other means to get people who avoid this.
6501@reddit
No, that's because of an interstate compact signed between the states.
BigRichard1990@reddit
Ok, you’re right. This pre-dates my birth In my state, Compacts between states have to be approved by Congress. This seems like a task that could be federalized now, but probably won’t be because both sides would try and use it to gain advantages.
BigRichard1990@reddit
Tinted windows in California are a red flag to cops that you don’t want to let them see into your vehicle to see if you are some kind of drive-by shooter or pot-smoker. So they will pull you over to give you a warning at least and get a look inside. Their law gives them probable cause. See how it works?
Whether we have the right to travel anonymously in public is an emerging area of law. Flock cameras, devices that record your EZ-pass even when you aren’t being charged, your phone location, are all keeping track of information that is public, but not previously kept in a database, just possibly one person saw you.
Cerulean_IsFancyBlue@reddit
Tinted windows are a safety issue. I’m not a big fan of tinted windows. I am a big fan of free travel between states without little gotchas.
BigRichard1990@reddit
I’m now a fan of keeping it difficult for the federal government to decide everything in one fell swoop.
Cerulean_IsFancyBlue@reddit
Ok. Isn’t that nearly the opposite of saying that every state should accept other states laws?
BigRichard1990@reddit
No. It would mean that states no longer have any authority, it was federalized. And once given up, can’t be re-looked ever again by politicians who are closer to the constituents. See the 10th Amendment for details. Or lack thereof. Motor vehicle minutia are not an enumerated power.
WorkerAmbitious2072@reddit
This clause should also allow one to carry any handgun they want with any magazine they want, without a permit, basically anywhere they want, if they see from one of the now majority of states that operate like that
Agree?
Cerulean_IsFancyBlue@reddit
The clause doesn’t talk about the majority of states. It talks about one state accepting others laws with regards to certain things.
The issue of concealed carry permits could be one of those things. We could go down a path where the courts mandate that those be accepted from other states rather than being negotiated between the states.
The idea that this would let you carry a gun “anywhere“ doesn’t make any sense. Places are not portable.
shelwood46@reddit
One of our volunteer firefighters in NJ got into college in NC. We use removable blue lights for responding, and he was told multiple times to not take his blue light with him to NC because it is illegal there. But he was 19 and did it anyway, and got pulled over for speeding and got written up for it as a secondary offense. He wanted a letter from our fire company that he was authorized to have it (he had a NJ permit to have it but thought this would magically make the ticket go away), which we wrote while rolling our eyes. He got a fine and never brought his blue light to college again.
WildRefrigerator9479@reddit
Would it also be reasonable to get a ticket for lacking a front license plate if your car is registered in a state that doesn’t require it?
TrapperJon@reddit
That's different. Expect to be pulled over at times, but they should let you go once they see your registration and such are good. Although some cops are dumb and will give you a ticket anyway. The prosecutor will likely drop it though once you show a good registration and insurance etc.
Practical-Ordinary-6@reddit
There was someone commenting on Reddit a couple weeks ago saying that happened to them. The got a ticket for no front license plate even though no front license plate is provided in their state. I don't know what the final outcome was.
q0vneob@reddit
I got pulled over in PA and the cop gave me a really hard time about my Delaware registration, questioning me on why I don't have a windshield sticker (they don't do that here) and just wouldn't let it go, like "How do I know you aren't lying to me and shit like that. You'd think they'd get trained on neighboring state laws or at least have some understanding that its not always the same.
He was absolutely fishing for something and ended up ticketing me for like 3mph. $120 fine just cause that dumbass couldn't admit he was wrong.
TrapperJon@reddit
Yup. Lived in PA and visiting NY I would get pulled over at some point. Usually by a cop that wouldn't believe me that PA didn't have front plates. A couple of times it worked to drive to the station and complain about it. The duty sergeant would toss the ticket if they could (this was years ago when everything was on paper still) and if not the DA would.
Airbornequalified@reddit
That’s a different scenario, as that’s about registering
2_minutes_hate@reddit
Plenty of exception to this. There's no such thing as a front license plate in my state, for example.
KW5625@reddit
California is not that reasonable
Interesting_Neck609@reddit
Where is it legal to have a passenger drinking?
BaconManDan@reddit
At least when I lived there, Mississippi.
devilbunny@reddit
Still technically true - there is no statewide open-container law - but many, many municipalities and counties have them, so check local laws first.
N47881@reddit
Tennessee
Ok-Reference9022@reddit
I believe in Montana it is legal for passengers to have aclohol.
Ok-Reference9022@reddit
Maybe 30 or 40 years ago.
_delta-v_@reddit
Only about 20 years ago in MT. The open container law went into affect when I was in high school.
BlackQuartzSphinx_@reddit
It is not.
chodeobaggins@reddit
Open containers? No
danhm@reddit
I think it is less that passengers drinking is specifically made legal and more that the laws about alcohol in cars is structured in a way that does not make it illegal.
BaconManDan@reddit
Correct, that's a lot of laws.
purplishfluffyclouds@reddit
You could Google this.
Queer_Advocate@reddit
Don't tell our secret.
Polite_Bark@reddit
In my state it's illegal to have open intoxicants in the car. So, yes, passengers drinking is illegal. Exceptions are limos with professional drivers and "party buses" also being driven by professionals.
L-L_Jimi@reddit
Missouri
Airbornequalified@reddit
DE
As of early 2026, Delaware is one of the few states without a strict, statewide open container law. It is legal for passengers (21+) to drink alcohol in a moving vehicle, though it remains illegal for the driver to drink. However, local municipalities (e.g., Newark, Wilmington) may have ordinances prohibiting open containers.
• Passenger Drinking: Legal for passengers over 21. • Driver Drinking: Illegal. • Local Ordinances: Municipalities may prohibit open containers. • Pro Tip: Even if legal by state law, having open alcohol can create a presumption of driver impairment for law enforcement. [2, 3, 4, 5]
Further Exploration
• Review the current, specific regulations regarding alcoholic beverages and vehicles on the Delaware Code Online site. • Read about proposed legislation aiming to change these laws in a WDEL News article. [2, 6, 7]
If you are planning to have alcohol in the car, I can:
• Tell you which Delaware cities have stricter local ordinances. • Explain the legal risks for the driver. • Provide info on underage drinking laws in Delaware. [4, 8]
Let me know if you need more details!
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] https://legis.delaware.gov/json/BillDetail/GenerateHtmlDocument?legislationId=130177&legislationTypeId=1&docTypeId=2&legislationName=HB119 [2] https://www.wdel.com/news/delaware-house-passes-bill-banning-all-open-alcohol-containers-while-driving/article_78fc8140-155a-11ee-b087-3bcb9bcde273.html [3] https://dui.drivinglaws.org/resources/can-a-passenger-drink-alcohol.htm [4] https://delawaredefensivedriving.org/delaware-open-container-law/ [5] https://www.mooneyesq.com/blog/2025/01/can-you-be-charged-just-for-transporting-alcohol-in-your-car/ [6] https://alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/apis-policy-topics/open-containers-of-alcohol-in-motor-vehicles/34/variables [7] https://delcode.delaware.gov/title21/c041/sc09/ [8] https://alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/underage-drinking/state-profiles/delaware/59
pcboudreau@reddit
Asking for a friend
Ok_Two_2604@reddit
One I’ve seen trip people up is using a disabled placard in cities where the parking is run by private companies even when it looks like public paid parking so you still have to pay. Chicago? I think that was one.
TheRealtcSpears@reddit
No.
Physical vehicle requirements are bound to the address(state) of registration.
Example......In Pennsylvania vehicles are allowed a degree of front door window tinting, in New Jersey front window tinting of any kind is illegal.
You cannot get stopped and ticked in a PA registered vehicle in the state of NJ for front door window tinting
TrapperJon@reddit
Not even remotely true.
If your tint, exhaust, etc is not legal in the state you are currently driving in you can get a ticket. The only exceptions would be a medical exemption for window tint.
mcaffrey@reddit
You absolutely have to follow a states laws, unless a federal law supersedes it. For instance, you can buy weed in Colorado, but possession is a felony across the border in Wyoming. Saying “it was legal where I bought it” will just provide the officers a chuckle as they put on the cuffs.
Don’t get a dark tint on your car if you plan on roadtripping to states with stricter tint laws.
devnullopinions@reddit
Good way to upgrade to federal charges as you’ve now trafficked a controlled substance (however dumb that definition may be) across state lines.
Not_an_okama@reddit
Not only would they chuckle, theyd probably add a drug smuggling charge since taking drugs across state lines is a bigger deal than possession.
funklab@reddit
I hear what you’re saying, but using weed as an example is an ironic choice. Considering that cannabis is still federally illegal and the feds could absolutely arrest you for it if they felt like it.
razzberrytori@reddit
Yes using weed is a ridiculous comparison. Something closer would be when transferring a drivers license to a new state to have to take that state’s exam. I was shocked when I learned the range of requirements across states.
devnullopinions@reddit
Adding material to your windows that’s past the legal limit reduces your visibility. That seems like a reasonable thing to want to legislate as it deals with safety concerns.
Nars-Glinley@reddit
My state is a one license plate state. I’d be pissed if I got a ticket in a two plate state.
JasperStrat@reddit
Unless you are a prick to the cops or are doing something else and they are just going for every possible ticket (probably due to someone in the car being a prick to the officer, or going full SovCit) worst you get is a warning or a ticket you could call the prosecutor and get dismissed, or depending on the jurisdiction just explain to a judge/magistrate directly and get the fine turned into almost or exactly nothing.
You-Asked-Me@reddit
You should be able to have this thrown out.
GermanPayroll@reddit
They’d never be pulled over in the first place.
GermanPayroll@reddit
Because it’s not illegal. Your vehicle is register albeit to another state. If your vehicle was registered to the state that required two tags and you only had one then it would be a problem. But there’s no law that says “all motor vehicles must have two license plates.”
renegrape@reddit
Ive been in a two plate state for eighteen years, and my truck is still registered in a one plate state (long story...).
I've been pulled over for it once. In eighteen years. Didn't get cited for it.
razzberrytori@reddit
I’ve always had cars registered in I think the only one plate states in the NE- PA and DE. Never had any issues or even heard of any issues with this. I lived in two plate states in college and never had any issues.
Ceorl_Lounge@reddit
Tints I've heard about people getting pulled over, your case is something I've literally never heard of happening. If the car is officially and fully registered in a state then that registration is good across the country.
Deolater@reddit
When I was a kid, my dad got a written warning for not front plate in Illinois when we were visiting from Georgia.
I assume it was just an excuse to hassle the out-of-state family.
NonAthlete6232@reddit
They essentially hoped you would just pay the fine instead of coming back to the court date where it would be thrown out.
It’s also weird since Kentucky is a 1 plate state and borders Illinois. So it’s not like they don’t see them fairly often.
Ceorl_Lounge@reddit
Good grief. You're probably right about harassing out of state folks though.
hospitablezone@reddit
A cop shouted FRONT PLATE at me as I drove past but I never had any actual problems for the year I drove my dad’s one plate registered car in a two plate state.
FlakRiot@reddit
I drove through 2 plate states just fine without issues with 1 licence plate.
Inconsequentialish@reddit
Same. Been to LOTS of 2-plate states in my 1-plate vehicles. In this case, cops are generally perfectly aware that there are many 1-plate states.
crazycatlady331@reddit
I live in a one license plate state (PA) but am from a two license plate state (NY). Never been an issue when going to NY.
ClassicAdhesiveness1@reddit
In practice I’ve deduced cops don’t bother with non-driving in fractions if the car has an out of state license plate.
DLS3141@reddit
It’s also how the state chooses to interpret its laws. Many states have laws that prohibit license plate frames that obscure the tag or the plate number. In some states you can have one of those transparent cover. In North Carolina, you will get cited for anything that covers even a small fraction of any lettering on the plate including the state name which extends nearly to the bottom or the state which goes nearly to the top. I don’t know what the fine is currently, but last I saw, it was something like $300.
Socalbruh@reddit
Yeah. We are kinda sorta 50 little countries with some laws. I could go smoke a joint outside if I wanted to but I wouldn’t expect to be able to do that if I were somewhere else.
Same with traveling abroad. You respect the laws of the location you’ve decided to be in.
dr_strange-love@reddit
The current setup is fine. Your example is an edge case, and legislating for edge cases is not worth the cost.
notonrexmanningday@reddit
Not to mention the fact that 99% of the time, the cop is going to let you go with a verbal warning in this situation.
JasperStrat@reddit
Exactly. If you are enough of a prick to just piss off cops when they make a legitimate traffic stop and test your tint in the process. You deserve the ticket as an asshole tax. If you on the other hand roll down the windows when requested (officer safety), show the registration and are polite and respectful you are getting a warning 99% of the time.
Also, if you don't want to get pulled over. Don't drive in locations where your tint is illegal. Other states don't and shouldn't have to make exceptions to their laws for people who want to "just drive through" their state.
igotshadowbaned@reddit
The legislation for edge cases is called court
OK_Stop_Already@reddit
Yes, each state is different and you have to adhere to those laws regardless if you're from there or not.
Should they all be different? That's a different question lol, but good luck getting all the states to agree on that.
CycadelicSparkles@reddit
Yeah, wherever you are, the laws apply to you. You aren't a bubble of Utah driving around in other states. You don't get to cross state lines, break the law, and get off scott free because you are from elsewhere; that wouldn't make any sense.
It's absolutely reasonable.
This is such a strange question. Do you want people coming from elsewhere and breaking Utah laws?
Old-Vermicelli7116@reddit
Yes. United States, not identical states. If the law was set to apply in all states, your tint would almost certainly be illegal in Utah too.
Great_Chipmunk4357@reddit
Yep
LinuxLinus@reddit
As a practical matter, if your vehicle is street legal in the state in which it is registered, you're not going to get in trouble for driving it in another state.
CoachOpen1977@reddit
No. Only the state that your vehicle is registered in.
Barutano74@reddit
Your car only has to meet the regulations of the state that it is registered in.
Relevant_Elevator190@reddit
Is your tint legal in Utah.
https://www.tinting-laws.com/utah/
My nephew, a UHP Trooper is always writing tint tickets.
Intelligent-Camp4631@reddit (OP)
Search Settings Login Utah State Legislature Home
Historical Code << Previous Section (41-6a-1634) Download Options PDF | RTF | XML Next Section (41-6a-1636) >> Index Utah Code Title 41 Motor Vehicles Chapter 6a Traffic Code Part 16 Vehicle Equipment Section 1635 Windshields and windows -- Tinting -- Obstructions reducing visibility -- Wipers -- Prohibitions. (Effective 5/7/2025)
Effective 5/7/2025 41-6a-1635. Windshields and windows -- Tinting -- Obstructions reducing visibility -- Wipers -- Prohibitions. (1) Except as provided in Subsections (2), (3), and (4) a person may not operate a motor vehicle with: (a) a windshield that allows less than 70% light transmittance; (b) a front side window that allows less than 35% light transmittance, with no more than a 5% variance observed by a peace officer metering the light transmittance; (c) any windshield or window that is composed of, covered by, or treated with any material or component that presents a metallic or mirrored appearance; (d) any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material on the windshield or side windows of the motor vehicle except: (i) a certificate or other paper required to be so displayed by law; or (ii) the vehicle's identification number displayed or etched in accordance with rules made by the department under Section 41-6a-1601; or (e) any debris, frost, or other substance that materially obstructs the operator's view. (2) (a) A person may not operate a motor vehicle with an object or device hanging or mounted in a manner that materially obstructs the operator's view. (b) A person shall ensure that an object or device hanging or mounted in compliance with Subsection (2)(a) is used in accordance with this chapter. (3) Nontransparent materials may be used: (a) along the top edge of the windshield if the materials do not extend downward more than four inches from the top edge of the windshield or beyond the AS-1 line whichever is lowest; (b) in the lower left-hand corner of the windshield provided they do not extend more than three inches to the right of the left edge or more than four inches above the bottom edge of the windshield; or (c) on the rear windows including rear side windows located behind the vehicle operator. (4) A windshield or other window is considered to comply with the requirements of Subsection (1) if the windshield or other window meets the federal statutes and regulations for motor vehicle window composition, covering, light transmittance, and treatment. (5) Except for material used on the windshield in compliance with Subsections (3)(a) and (b), a motor vehicle with tinting or nontransparent material on any window shall be equipped with rear-view mirrors mounted on the left side and on the right side of the motor vehicle to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear of the motor vehicle. (6) (a) (i) The windshield on a motor vehicle shall be equipped with a device for cleaning rain, snow, or other moisture from the windshield. (ii) The device shall be constructed to be operated by the operator of the motor vehicle. (b) A windshield wiper on a motor vehicle shall be maintained in good working order. (7) A person may not have for sale, sell, offer for sale, install, cover, or treat a windshield or window in violation of this section. (8) Notwithstanding this section, any person subject to the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, including motor vehicle manufacturers, distributors, dealers, importers, and repair businesses, shall comply with the federal standards on motor vehicle window tinting. (9) A violation of this section is an infraction. (10) A peace officer may not request that the Motor Vehicle Division or Driver License Division revoke or suspend an individual's vehicle registration or driver license for a violation or multiple violations of Subsection (1)(a) or (b).
Amended by Chapter 205, 2025 General Session << Previous Section (41-6a-1634) Download Options PDF | RTF | XML Next Section (41-6a-1636) >> Seal for Utah State Senate STATE SENATE 350 North State, Suite 320 PO Box 145115 Salt Lake City, Utah 84114 Telephone: (801) 538-1408 https://senate.utah.gov Contact a Senator Seal for Utah House of Representatives HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 350 North State, Suite 350 PO Box 145030 Salt Lake City, Utah 84114 Telephone: (801) 538-1408 https://house.utleg.gov Contact a Representative STAFF OFFICES Legislative Auditor General Legislative Fiscal Analyst Legislative Research and General Counsel Legislative Services Staff Awards Public Information Records Requests Procurement Contact the Webmaster Job Opportunities Site Map Terms of Use
BigRichard1990@reddit
I seem to recal this being so contentious in Florida that police had sample pieces of tinted glass to compare. They even took off their sunglasses to get it right.
Relevant_Elevator190@reddit
My guess is that yours is illegal. Yeah, they can't suspend your registration but the can damn sure give you a ticket and a judge can make you remove it.
Intelligent-Camp4631@reddit (OP)
https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title41/Chapter6a/41-6a-S1635.html
Relevant_Elevator190@reddit
And?
otterplus@reddit
Home state is the only one that should matter. It would be major overreach for one state to assume their vehicle equipment laws override the operator’s place of registration. Ignorance of the law isn’t an excuse, but expecting one state’s resident to be cognizant of another state’s equipment regulations is a bit much.
My motorcycle’s exhaust would be an immediate fix-it ticket in California, but I’m on the opposite shore. Unless the law was federal or a 48/50 state agreement there’s no way to properly enforce it anyway.
Altruistic-Aide-9002@reddit
Your argument is sensible, but not legal. For example, the Boulder Colorado police department reminds drivers that they will ticket parked cars for tint violations regardless of the state the car is registered in. They don't pull over cars if that's the only violation, however if the car is parked, it's fair game for a ticket.
otterplus@reddit
That feels more like a revenue stream than actual enforcement of vehicle safety law. Same as Boulder, window tint here is a secondary ticket, but parked vehicles aren’t even considered.
JMS1991@reddit
That's what all of this bullshit is, just a revenue stream.
Relevant_Elevator190@reddit
In Utah it is a secondary offence, but if pulled over for something else, they can ticket you. Too many vehicles here are totally blacked out.
WildlifePolicyChick@reddit
'Should' is not an option. The laws of each state are the laws of each state. You obey them when you are in that state.
I got pinged for tint when I crossed a state line while moving. The law is the law, sorry.
madcatzplayer5@reddit
Thankfully my vehicle has 0% tint, so I never have to worry about silly things like that.
JMS1991@reddit
I think you mean 100% (unless you have a wrap over your windows where you can't see anything). Window tint % is the amount of light that is emitted through, so 100% means clear glass that stops no light, while 0% would mean no light comes through.
I have 20% all around on my truck ( besides the windshield) and it's so nice for staying cool in the summer. I think it's a little darker than legal in South Carolina, but the police here don't give a shit, I know people with 5% limo tint that have never gotten as much as a warning.
Cool-Sleep6055@reddit
It’s an interesting question, which in the legal world means an expensive one. Theoretically theres a full faith and credit argument ( you wouldn’t have to pass CA smog if visiting from Utah, or add a mystical front plate if you were coming from a one state plate,for example), but that hasn’t been tested at the supreme court. Best not to risk it.
KW5625@reddit
We already have problems with states like Massachusetts, California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York enforcing their stricter vehicle laws on visiting drivers for things as petty as plate covers, frames, tint, or mufflers
Driving rules and signage should be consistent
Major safety standards should be consistent
Emission laws should remain based on state
Accessory laws should remain based on state
mykepagan@reddit
In my experience, it depends. Example:
In Maryland they are extremely strict about requiring front license plates. My Maryland friend will get pulled over for no front plate lickity-split. I have no front plate on my non-Maryland car, drive in Maryland a lot, and never get pulled over (for front plates)
The_Flagrant_Vagrant@reddit
Generally if you are from out of state they will give you a pass. For example, half of the states do not require a front licence plate. If you are from out of state, they will not issue you a ticket if you do not have one, even if it is required. Can they? Yes.
devilbunny@reddit
I doubt that the average cop has memorized exactly which faraway states do and don't require front plates. So that sounds like a likely outcome.
tcspears@reddit
Yes, each state has different laws for vehicles, traffic, and driving. You have to obey them.
Just like each state has different laws around alcohol or marijuana. You can’t buy weed in a state where it’s legal, and then bring it to a state where it’s illegal.
Reasonable-Penalty43@reddit
My understanding is that the laws that govern your car are the state laws of the state the license plate is issued in.
For example: in Tennessee and Indiana, you only have a back license plate.
But Virginia and Maryland you are required to have front and back license plates.
If a car plated in Indiana drove through Maryland, the Indiana car would not be pulled over and given a ticket for not having a front license plate. But if a car with a Maryland license plate only attached the rear plate, they would get pulled over because they are not following the state laws that govern that vehicle.
Patient-Ad-7939@reddit
Your car must follow the laws of the state you’re in, even if just visiting. That said, license plates are bad example some two plates applied to vehicles registered in the state, while other car laws are about safety so you absolutely can get tinted for a dark tint if the state your visiting doesn’t allow it.
Cerulean_IsFancyBlue@reddit
The laws governing your car are not treated all the same.
Individual states will ban or allow studded tires in winter and may have different dates for when winter begin begins and ends.
DivaJanelle@reddit
Some states require from and rear plates. Others don’t.
Vehicle specs as regulated and driver behavior are two different things.
NotAnyOneYouKnow2019@reddit
No, the “compact “ only addresses violation reporting, not validity of out of state licenses.
Dazzling-Astronaut88@reddit
Where I live in Colorado, we get a ton of OUB tourism. In some states, you can drive SxSs on the roads if they have license plates. In Colorado, you cannot as they are deemed unsafe for highway driving. A lot of tourists assume that since they have license plates on their SxSs, they are good to go, but you have to legally trailer them to trailheads for Forrest service and BLM roads where they are specifically permitted. A handful of towns have seasonal exceptions for them as it’s a lot of tourism dollars, but the vast majority due not. Talk about entitled user group, the SxS user group is insufferable.
NaturalOne1977@reddit
For window tint, be VERY careful to know if there is a specific state law in your state of registration that actually states the level of tint is legal and not just the absence of a qualifier for window tint. Many states don't specifically address a level of tint or have regulations that address the driver's ability to see and don't explicitly address the level of tint.
This is very important because, only if your state of registration specifically and explicitly qualifies your level of tint, are you protected from another state's laws. Only if your tint is specifically legal in your state of registration are you protected in a state that has laws against the tint.
Not being "illegal" isn't the same as being "legal."
the-quibbler@reddit
If you think that's bad, try taking a 48-state road trip with your concealed pistol.
Tenth Amendment is the governing law in this regard.
TEG24601@reddit
No. If it is legal in the state you are registered, then your vehicle should be legal. If a state has a problem they should take it to the other state.
WonderfulVariation93@reddit
I don’t think most LEO will bother pulling someone over for these things and no other infractions especially if you are close to the border HOWEVER, if you live in the state with the restrictions and your car is registered in another state…they SHOULD ticket you because YOU are the one playing the state
TapeDaddy@reddit
If you’re obeying signage, using lanes properly, and not being a danger to other motorists, you shouldn’t have to interact with police.
Tints, one license plate, underglow lighting etc. it’s all just an excuse to harass the public and generate revenue.
TheRealtcSpears@reddit
Laws regarding the physical nature of a motor vehicle....window tint, exhaust sound, or exhaust testing(smog test)..ect. are bound by the registering address of the motor vehicles. They are not held to the standard of visiting areas.
FatDumb-Happy@reddit
Equipment violations vs moving violations. That's teally what we're talking about here. Equipment violations typically aren't enforceable out of state, but moving violations are. Then you've got these liberal states that can't ever seem to get enough revenue out of people, like CA, that will claim their laws apply to everyone regardless. So, if your from a one plate state, your SOL, they'll ticket you anyway. Either go to court, or straight to the police station and file a complaint. It'll get dropped.
tawishma@reddit
If I’m allowed to own a gun or marry a child in one state does that automatically make the action legal in another? These laws have to be worked out and negotiated between states or else you’re just breaking the law of the state you’re entering into. If Utah has loose window tint laws how would another state prevent people like you driving through and (although I don’t agree with this logic) endangering their officers by blocking their view of your interior car?
r2d3x9@reddit
The other states all recognize your legal marriage to your first cousin / sister
tawishma@reddit
Correct because marriage licenses are recognized by all states so are drivers licenses, once you get one the other states recognize it as legit even if they require other details your home state don’t. I’m just saying you can’t argue “well in my home state I’d be allowed to marry her so you have to marry me here” which is the same as “well this level of tint is allowed in my home state so it should be ok here” the states just don’t organize to recognize each others vehicle specification laws while they do recognize driving and marriage licenses
You-Asked-Me@reddit
I think you need to ask a lawyer. The constitution has something called "Full Fait and Credit Clause" which requires states, among other things to recognize the Drivers Licenses and vehicle registrations of other states.
Window tint may be a grey area. While it may be allowable in some states, it may not be explicitly stated in the registration or inspection requirements, so I suppose that could be an issue. I really do not know exactly, but an actual lawyer should be able to identify which things have to be respected and which do not.
SisyphusRocks7@reddit
Are you doing business when you travel interstate? Because surprisingly the application of state vehicle equipment laws for business purposes can turn on a legal doctrine in the US called the Dormant Commerce Clause. It’s sort of an implied mirror to the Commerce Clause in the U.S. Constitution.
The basic premise is that states cannot impose laws that disadvantage out of state competitors for interstate commerce. The actual application of that concept is much more limited, because the Supreme Court’s precedents allow limits on in-state conduct and licensing if the purpose or application aren’t intended to protect in-state businesses from out of state competition.
The Dormant Commerce Clause comes up occasionally for state limits on railroads and trucking, and is rarely invoked outside those industries, but it has been applied to e-commerce and alcohol sales.
Auntie_Venom@reddit
I have illegal dark tint on two of my cars for even the state I live in. However, of all the times I’ve been pulled over, no cops, troopers or deputies have ever said anything about it. I think it’s one of those things that they can use to pull you over if they suspect something bigger.
I actually had a trooper pull me over to ask me about all the mods on my Mustang, again he didn’t say anything about my tint. It was a pretty confusing interaction at first, I had no idea why he was pulling me over!
That said, I presume that if you have details on your car that aren’t legal in a particular state, I think having a different state’s plate gives you some leeway in that regard, they know your passing through.
Now, having weed purchased in a legal state, in a state where it isn’t legal will still 100% have ramifications.
Commercial-Land-6806@reddit
To my understanding even if it is illegal in the state you are driving through it is all based on the state the vehicle is registered in.
So you might get a ticket from a cop that doesn't know better/doesn't care but it should be dismissed in court.
Better-Delay@reddit
Certain states will still ticket you, knowing that the likelihood of you bothering to show up to fight the ticket rather than just pay it to make it go away is low.
Then some (i think it was nj) take it to an extreme, and to get rid of a major tuner meet started impounding cars left and right. (Very few were nj street legal, issues with noise and racing ect)
MarcatBeach@reddit
Yes is the short answer. Having it registered in another state is not a James Bond 007 license to kill.
TillikumWasFramed@reddit
Yes. That's how it works.
sk1fast@reddit
As it relates to tint, it can create a convenient reason to pull you over if they were looking to do so, but I’d think the vast majority of the time that wouldn’t happen.
However, driving conditions are different across the different states, so people should abide by them. Don’t even get me started about how many people from other (cough southern cough) states show up in the Colorado mountains in winter with inadequate equipment and screw the highway up for the rest of us
Plenty_Vanilla_6947@reddit
Pretty sure that if you drive through a sketchy neighborhood in NJ with dark tinted windows, the police are absolutely free to pull you over. Ignorance of the law is not considered an excuse.
tomatocrazzie@reddit
It isn't any different than seat belt regulations, speed limits, etc. If you don't need to wear a seat belt, have an 80 mph maximum speed limit, or cam make a right on red in your state and you go to another state with different requirements and drive like that you could get a ticket.
1988rx7T2@reddit
I mean there are lots of federal standards, such as for emissions and safety
Lusiric9983@reddit
No, it's honestly really stupid. We should have one standard, not 50.
SuperPomegranate7933@reddit
Most everything should be more unified across state lines. The 50 tiny countries in a trenchcoat model hasn't been practical for a very long time.
altblank@reddit
but that's the beauty of it. each state is governed differently, and should be.
where a state doesn't specify a law, federal guidelines automatically apply.
Whatswrongbaby9@reddit
Let’s solve this abortion thing then. Also 14 year olds getting married
Jewish-Mom-123@reddit
Well, but then Alabamans wouldn’t be able to marry their sisters any more! What would they do to find wives?!
nopointers@reddit
Hell no! You’re thinking about it backwards. It’s not about you. It’s about everyone else’s safety. If your tinted beater is legal in some other state, keep it in that state. I’m not interested in a dangerous race to the bottom. Don’t bring in your state’s laxity to risk my safety.
altblank@reddit
technically, yes. however, most states look the other way with out-of-state vehicles that are really just passing through and not staying longer than the minimum period spec'ed before registration should be done.
however, tint laws seem to be enforced pretty arbitrarily.
speeding tickets are a universal thing though.
MrsQute@reddit
Those laws typically only apply to vehicles registered in those states, not to every vehicle that crosses a border. They don't have any authority over your registration unlike your home state.
I've never come across someone for being ticketed for having a tint that was legal at home and out of compliance along the way.
Quick_Sherbet5874@reddit
you won’t even get stopped. unless they need probable cause because the suspect you of something serious.
procrasstinating@reddit
More uniform would be better, but Utah isn’t going to want to have to start requiring safety inspections so the meet California standards. And California won’t abandon higher standards just so people from Utah can road trip to Disney on spring break.
lizardmon@reddit
Yes, you are in a different state and are expected to follow their laws. You are free to not go to the state or bring your non complying vehicle. There are all sorts of laws from business practices to how rape and murder are defined that are all different in different states. The residents of those states have the right to make their own laws. While it would be nice if laws were made uniform across states, as long as we have states the way we do, you are going to have different laws.
DOMSdeluise@reddit
yes I think people should follow the laws of the state they are in
graywolfman@reddit
Unfortunately, it may just depend on the person that pulls you over, but they should practice some leeway since you're just passing through.
Making someone remove tint that doesn't comply with local laws when they don't live there would seem asinine to me, but some people can be jerks