I recieved a fix it ticket for my tinted windows, this was factory installed, and I explained that to the officer, however he still wrote me up for it. That day I was in Venice Beach, and there were dozens of police writing people up for many infractions. I had just recently bought the car(BMW 3 series) and it is under factory warranty, when I bought it from the BMW dealer they said that the tint was completely legal, and they wouldnt sell anything that was illegal. Is this something that I should just get removed pay my 10 dollar fine, or can I actually fight it if its factory installed, and keep the tinted windows? Thanks for the input.
2007-07-28 04:10:10 · 12 answers · asked by kris76 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I'd document the dealer information and keep a copy in your glove box. I'd also send in your documentation challenging the ticket. You can subpeana the police officier to appear in court with you. If the court is smart, they will dismiss your case before the court date. I think people need to stand up for their principles.
Unfortunately, when fighting major crime, the police have decided that citing minor offenses is a good way to trap more serious offenders. Please stand up for yourself.
By the way, if the case goes against you, you might have a case against the dealership.
2007-07-28 04:19:34 · answer #1 · answered by Skeptic 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm actually from the same area where this incident occurred. I know several people that has gotten a "fix-it" ticket. You cannot fight a fix-it ticket. Why? When you go to court, another officer will come out and "inspect" your vehicle. It's not a judge. So, let's just say the reason for the ticket is because your exhaust is too loud, the officer that "inspects" your vehicle is not going to tell you, "oh, your exhaust isn't too loud" when you step on your gas pedal. Since they're claiming your tint was "too dark", he won't disagree with the ticket when he "inspects" your vehicle. Why would he? He has no reason to. It's easy money for the city. It's all a matter of their opinion and it's going to be you against one cop after another.
I'm not sure if you are aware of this, but "fix-it" tickets do not go on your record, thus you cannot fight it. The only things that can be disputed are things that go on your record like infractions for things such as not stopping at a stop sign (like me the other day *sniff*sniff*). You probably got the ticket cause the cop was in a bad mood or it was nearing the end of the month. No dealership will give you illegal tint.
The only thing you can do is pay the fee, "fix" the tint by taking the entire thing off cause no matter how light the tint is, the inspection officer will still tell you it's too dark (I've seen this happen myself!), show it to the officer for his approval. You can re-tint it after the inspection is completed if you like, but it's up to you. You may not want to go through this hassel again. Others I know did their tint again and hasn't received a ticket since. I hope this helps =]
2007-07-28 06:03:20 · answer #2 · answered by sunshine 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In Cali it is illegal to have tinted driver side windows, however, if dealer sold it to you it must be by state law legal(may be it is not tint reflector[it looks bluish gray]) So if you go and fight you will probably win. But if you can afford a new BMW you probably will make way more then measly $10 in time it takes to win it.
Oh, if this problem with cops persists go to an optometrist and get a paper that says you are extremely light sensitive and you must have a tint(that's what I did). Good luck!
2007-07-29 15:28:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Id fight it.. Especially if the officer didn't use a light gun to verify that how much light is getting through...(your defense is.. does the officer have amazing mind powers that can tell how much light is getting through).. Or call the dealership or BMW and get a letter stating it was factory installed and legal (they charge enough for everything.. thats the least they can do). lastly be nice to the judge and speak your peace at hearing...I have had lots of "correctable" offenses dismissed at arrainment before the officer even had the chance to come in to testify.
also were you driving or parked at the time.. The law is prob operating a vehicle with tinted windows that let X amount of light or less through... parked would likely not qualify (look up the vehicle code he charges you with on the ticket on google or something to pull up the actual california law.. good luck.. and stick up for your rights..
2007-07-28 04:48:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the tint is in fact illegal (too dark or covering too much of the windshield) then BMW should foot the bill and fix it. Perhaps the officer is wrong and it is not illegal. I would contest it. Know the law before contesting it though. Check the link.
Windshield Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
Front Side Windows Must allow more than 70% of light in.
Back Side Windows Any darkness can be used.
Rear Window Any darkness can be used.
2007-07-28 04:27:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
As I understand it, the different states have different rules regarding tinting. In my state we aren't allowed to have tinting dark enough to hide the people inside, even in the back windows. So if you violated the law of California on this, even without knowing it, then yeah, you're guilty! Pay your fine.
Then I would take the paperwork to the dealer and show them that in fact what they installed is NOT legal in California, and get it removed at their expense.
I don't see the point in "fighting" it if it is in fact a violation of the law. If you keep the windows you'll just keep getting ticketed. The law doesn't care that the BMW dealer screwed up.
2007-07-28 04:26:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anne M 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Before fighting the ticket, check the California codes. Many states prohibit tinted windows if they cannot be seen through easily. If your tint is "illegal", the dealer should factory remove it at no cost. You will have to pay the fine anyway, as ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
2007-07-28 04:16:18 · answer #7 · answered by fangtaiyang 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Go down to the police station with your car and talk to the officer at the front desk. I know in my state they have a special meter ; you roll down the window and the stick the device over the glass and it gives a reading as to the darkness of the tint. If it passes the meter test ask if they will give you a paper saying it passed and include that with the BMW dealer info about the windows and then address the issue. If it doesn't pass, ask the dealer to address the problem and correct it.
2007-07-28 05:03:19 · answer #8 · answered by RT 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If the tint is too dark, it doesn't matter who put it on there. Go back to the dealership and demand they fix it. However, you are still responsible for the citation.
2007-07-28 04:30:54 · answer #9 · answered by Kenneth C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I concur with the former comment, however explain to your dealer this anomaly and ask for a refund for the price of your ticket.
Ill advice has to be paid for and believe me they can afford it.
Good Luck
2007-07-28 04:19:56 · answer #10 · answered by Rick J 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋