Akron council narrowly rejects resolution asking administration to study making window tinting a secondary offense

Councilman Garrett offered a resolution urging the administration to study whether window-tint violations could be made a secondary offense to reduce low-level stops and potential racial profiling. After more than an hour of debate, the council voted 6–7 against the resolution, so it did not pass.

Garrett framed the measure as a modest request for conversation and study: "This is just an opportunity to have a conversation. That's all we're asking for," he said, urging colleagues to authorize the administration to look into whether enforcement practices could be adjusted. Supporters described community concerns about stops that begin with tint checks and then escalate into other enforcement actions.

Opponents and some members urged caution and recommended pursuing ordinance changes rather than a resolution. Councilman Kammer said the resolution was not the right procedural vehicle and called for formal legislation if members want to change code: "If you want to change policy, bring in some legislation to make the window tint a 2nd offense," he said. Other members warned that state law currently classifies tint as a primary offense, and that any local change could be complicated by state preemption and enforcement practice.

Several members asked for data before deciding. Councilwoman Mobian (Amobian) said she lacked sufficient information and requested statistics on stops and citations; Mr. Morgan (city staff) responded that staff would gather numbers on pursuits, citations and related traffic stops. The final roll-call showed six votes in favor and seven opposed, so the resolution failed.

The council did not adopt policy language changing enforcement; members who want changes were directed to pursue legislation or request the administration’s analysis and data as a next step.