Brothers and Sisters,

For over a year, I've been pushing for introduction of legislation that would revise law surrounding tinted windows. I believe darkly-tinted windows are dangerous to the lives of our comrades.

Thanks to Assemblyman Ron Dancer who introduced a bill that clarifies the terms of tinted windows and requires specific identification labels for those who install the tinted windshields.  This is a step in the right direction to give our brothers and sisters added protection when we approach cars during motor vehicle stops.

Below is the press release Assemblyman Dancer has published to the media.

Fraternally yours,

Robert W. Fox
President 

DANCER BILL ENHANCES POLICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY WITH

REVISIONS TO VEHICLE TINTED WINDOW LAW

     TRENTON, N.J. - Assemblyman Ron Dancer has introduced legislation (A3768) to revise and clarify the law on the use of motor vehicle tinted windows in an effort to protect law enforcement officers and the public.

     "Darkly tinted windows pose an unnecessary safety risk for police officers and a vehicle's occupants," said Dancer (R-Ocean). "An officer never knows what will happen when pulling over a driver for a motor vehicle violation. Such stops can be particularly dangerous when an officer can't clearly see inside the vehicle. The driver or passenger can have a weapon or the officer might see a shadow he mistakes for a weapon. Either scenario can have tragic consequences."

     Under the bill, tinted windshields and front side windows are only permitted if the material is applied by the vehicle manufacturer prior to its sale; it allows a light transmittance of less than 70 percent, or if the driver has an authorized photosensitivity medical condition. Law enforcement vehicles are exempt. Violators can be fined up to $100.

     Currently, a person who has tinting material installed must include a label on each windshield and window. Dancer's bill requires the label to include the installer's name and location. It also requires the Department of Law and Public Safety to develop and implement a public information program, in consultation with the State Police, to educate drivers of the restrictions for installing window tinting materials and penalties for violations.

Brothers and Sisters,

 

Fraternally yours,

 

Robert W. Fox

President