Darkly tinted auto windows pose danger to cyclists, motorists

Excessive tinting of front, side auto windows is illegal, yet I’m seeing many more vehicles on the road with tinting so dark I cannot see the driver inside. This is a clear hazard for other drivers and bicyclists. While cycling, if I cannot make eye contact with the driver to acknowledge they see me, I’m at risk, as are drivers of other vehicles. I understand that some city police, including Everett, employ a test kit to determine if a window meets legal specifications. Obviously a tough law to enforce, considering traffic volumes.

Washington state law allows owners of passenger vehicles to tint their windows, except the windshield, dark enough to let at least 24 percent of light in. SUVs must follow those rules, too, but can have darker back windows. Only tinting 6 inches of the upper edge of windshields is legally allowed. (See RCW 46.37.430).

I’ve proposed to my state legislators that front side window tinting be made illegal, with possible exceptions for medical reasons. If police cannot enforce the law, and window tinting companies are not complying with the law, then action is required.

I’m baffled as to why anyone living in the Northwest needs such dark tinted windows, when we see sun only a third of the year? Why don’t people want to be seen behind the wheel? Are they hiding? Do they not want others to see what they are doing?

Michael Dahlstrom

Everett