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Committee hears bill to reduce allowable front side window tint; sheriff and patrol testify in favor
Summary
Representative Steve Vetter and law enforcement asked the Transportation Committee to lower allowable front side window tint from 50% to 35%; witnesses said 35% provides glare reduction and occupant comfort without unduly blocking officer visibility. The committee closed the hearing and did not vote.
Representative Steve Vetter, R‑District 18, said a constituent and local sheriffs asked him to lower the allowable light transmittance for front side windows from 50% to 35 percent. “Do we really wanna punish out of state travelers for following their laws but not ours?” Vetter asked, arguing that aligning standards with neighboring states could reduce cross‑border infractions and improve driver comfort.
Stutsman County Sheriff Chad Kaiser testified in support and described benefits he associates with a 35 percent tint: glare reduction from snow and headlights, less cabin heat (protecting vehicle electronics and pets), and reduced sun exposure for drivers with light sensitivity. Sheriff Kaiser noted many other states permit similar or darker front‑side tinting and said patrol vehicles and many agency units already use exemption‑authorized tinting.
Members questioned whether darker tint could impede officer safety during traffic stops and asked how enforcement works without a tint meter; Sheriff Kaiser said 35 percent still permits officers to make out occupants and that many smaller agencies do not possess tint meters for formal measurement. Representative Johnston and other members discussed windshield strip allowances and the difference between side window tinting and full rear window tinting, which is already permitted.
No committee vote was taken; the hearing was closed and members indicated they would consider whether to act in a later session. Representative Greenheck noted law enforcement support for the 35% figure as presented.
If the committee advances any change, members will need to consider enforcement mechanics (tint meters, measurement standards) and medical exemptions already present in current statute.
