WINDOW TINTING AND OBJECTS THAT OBSTRUCT

A DRIVER’S VISION: ALLOW

House Bill 5634 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Julie Alexander

Committee:  Transportation and Infrastructure

Complete to 2-26-18

SUMMARY:

House Bill 5634 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257. 709) to remove prohibitions on window tinting and objects that obstruct a driver’s vision.

Currently under the Code, a person is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle with a sign, poster, nontransparent material, window application reflective film, or nonreflective film on or in the front windshield, the driver’s or front passenger’s side windows, or the sidewings next to and in front of the driver or front passenger—except that tinted film is allowed if it doesn’t extend more than four inches from the top of the windshield or extend lower than the shade band, whichever is less.

The bill would eliminate this prohibition for the driver’s and front passenger’s side windows and the forward sidewings. It would retain the prohibition (and the exception) for windshields.

The Code also currently prohibits a person from using, on a rear window or a side window behind the driver, material that creates a total solar reflectance of 35% or more in the visible light range, including a silver or gold reflective film—except that the use of a nonreflective, smoked or tinted glass, perforated window screen, or other decorative window application is allowed on those windows. The bill would eliminate this prohibition.

The Code also currently prohibits a person from operating a motor vehicle with an object that obstructs the driver’s vision. The bill would eliminate this prohibition.

 [The Code currently includes exceptions to the prohibitions described above, which the bill would retain, such as for necessary certificates or stickers that do not obstruct a driver’s clear view of the road and for window treatments medically necessary to protect a driver who is sensitive to light. Vehicles registered elsewhere are also excepted.]

The bill would take effect 90 days after it is enacted.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no direct impact on the state or local governments.

                                                                                         Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                 Fiscal Analyst:   Michael Cnossen

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.