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Committee deadlocks on darker front‑window tinting after law‑enforcement warning
Summary
After an industry demonstration and testimony from the state police, the committee split on HB 1178’s proposal to allow 35% visible‑light transmittance for front‑side windows; an initial 8–8 tie and a subsequent failed ITL left the bill moving to the House floor with no committee recommendation.
The House Transportation Committee heard testimony and viewed samples on House Bill 1178, which would change the permitted darkness of front‑side vehicle windows to a 35% visible light transmittance (VLT) standard. Industry representatives demonstrated sample films and argued the change would provide heat and glare reduction without producing limo‑dark windows; they emphasized that modern cruiser spotlights enable officers to see through such tint. “This is the darkness that the vast majority of states have deemed safe,” industry representative Corey Moore told the committee as he showed side‑by‑side samples.
New Hampshire State Police Operations Major Brendan Davey testified that increased tint reduces officers’ ability to see into vehicles during traffic stops and hinders officer safety. “Every bit of tint that is distinguishable to the human visual system is a bit of tint that makes it more difficult for us to see what’s going on inside vehicles,” Davey said.
Committee members raised concerns about night‑time vehicle stops, officer safety and the balance of fairness for medical exceptions; some members supported the modest change, arguing a 35% VLT is commonly accepted and helps motorists with heat and UV protection. The committee took an initial 'ought to pass' motion that resulted in an 8–8 tie; a subsequent motion for 'inexpedient to legislate' also failed, leaving no committee recommendation and sending HB 1178 to the full House without a favorable or negative committee report.
The transcript shows a demonstration of sample films, law‑enforcement testimony, and a wide range of committee opinions weighing officer safety against equitable access to tinting for medical and comfort reasons.
