Q: Paul Gomez of Rancho Cucamonga said that in the past, tinted windows on vehicles were regulated from the factory onward. “Today, an observation leads one to believe there are no regulations. Increasingly glass windows are darkened so that drivers or passengers are unidentifiable. I’m thinking about the safety of law enforcement personnel primarily, for example, making traffic stops without a clear view of the vehicle’s occupant’s behavior.” He asked us to discuss this issue.
A: There certainly are laws regulating the tinting of vehicle windows, regardless of what a vehicle manufacturer provides or how many illegally tinted vehicle windows are out there. And yes, police officer safety is a key reason, as our reader noted.
California Vehicle Code section 26708 says, in part, “A person shall not drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied upon the windshield or side or rear windows … A person shall not drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied in or upon the vehicle that obstructs or reduces the driver’s clear view through the windshield or side windows.”
This section also describes in detail what rules apply in this area regarding window tinting; affixing signs, window shades or stickers on or in vehicle windows; and where to mount a vehicle GPS device or dashcam – anything that could block the view out the windows. There’s an exception for side rear windows behind the driver and if the car has side mirrors. Car manufacturers will not tint front windows, said California Highway Patrol Officer Dan Olivas of the CHP Inland Division. Still, people can have windows tinted despite it being illegal and risk getting a citation.
Q: Kurt Meidinger of Beaumont said he appreciates the truck lanes on the 60 Freeway between Beaumont and Moreno Valley, but more and more they are being used as a passing lane by vehicles, many driving at high speeds. “Are two-axle vehicles allowed in these lanes? If not, can the CHP please put an end to it?” he saked.
A: Yes, other vehicles are allowed in the truck lanes, which opened in 2022. Trucks must use these lanes, but other vehicles can use them as well, said California Highway Patrol Officer Dan Olivas of the CHP Inland Division.
RCTC survey
Finally, citizens can help address the mobility needs of Riverside County’s most vulnerable residents by taking a survey offered by the Riverside County Transportation Commission. The deadline to take the survey is Feb. 28. The RCTC is seeking input on ways to improve public and specialized transportation in Riverside County. The survey is part of RCTC’s Public Transit-Human Services Coordinated Plan, which will help identify transportation solutions for senior citizens, those with disabilities, low-income residents, veterans, and tribal members living in Riverside County. Among the issues being addressed are what mobility needs and gaps exist; what partnerships, services or strategies could help address needs; and what services would encourage people to use Riverside County’s public transportation. Take the survey at https://publicinput.com/cplanriverside.
Do you commute to work in the Inland Empire? Spend a lot of time in your vehicle? Have questions about driving, freeways, toll roads or parking? If so, write or call On the Road and we’ll try to answer your questions. Please include your question or issue, name, city of residence, phone number and email address. Write ontheroad@scng.com or call us at our new phone number, 951-368-9995.