Welcome to the Australian Ford Forums forum.

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and inserts advertising. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features without post based advertising banners. Registration is simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.

Please Note: All new registrations go through a manual approval queue to keep spammers out. This is checked twice each day so there will be a delay before your registration is activated.

Go Back   Australian Ford Forums > General Topics > The Pub

The Pub For General Automotive Related Talk

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10-01-2014, 11:57 AM   #1
briskoonie08
Regular Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 120
Default Window Tint testing

Hi guys,

I know cops are cracking down on darker then 35% window tint more these days but I hadn't heard of anyone getting busted till I got done last night at a servo of all places.

Was filling up and a highway patrolman pulled in to fill up and asked me to wait for a second and grabbed the tester from his vehicle. $110 fine and 1 demerit point.

Now the question I'm hoping someone can shed some light on is:

Is there a certain time of day/condition under which the cops have to test under?

I'm asking this because when the test took place it was dusk and the servo wasn't well lit. The machine he used didn't actually shine it's own light to test it merely read from whatever light was passing through the window at the time and read less then 35% and given full sun it would've read more then what it did...

__________________
A Blond came home one night and proudly said to her husband, "You know, somebody actually complimented me on my driving today. They left a little note on the windscreen, it said 'Parking Fine'."
briskoonie08 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 10-01-2014, 12:37 PM   #2
BDA074
Regular Member
 
BDA074's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Central Coast
Posts: 181
Default Re: Window Tint testing

Doubt would matter. Would measure percentage difference outside to inside. All relative...
__________________
FPV Falcon GS Boss 302 - No.233 of 250
BDA074 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 10-01-2014, 01:52 PM   #3
foxtrot3
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
foxtrot3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,496
Tech Writer: Recognition for the technical writers of AFF - Issue reason: Technical articles. 
Default Re: Window Tint testing

Hi. The next question is "what is the % rating of your tint?" , go back to the place who did the tint and get them to check it and write you a letter saying what it is then tell the cops that your going to fight it. Dont just go on what the end of the box says though as when it is stuck on factory tint glass it can add about 5%. That is 35% vlt becomes 30% vlt. Cheers MD
__________________


HI

I'M MICHAEL

2003 ACID RUSH BA FUTURA WAGON

light up window switches | auto on cruise control | doubleclick window lift from remote
foxtrot3 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 10-01-2014, 02:15 PM   #4
sneaky
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
sneaky's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Newcastle
Posts: 1,061
Default Re: Window Tint testing

what did you think the rating on your tint was?
if you knew it was too dark, then what is the complaint.
if it was 'factory' tint (there is/was a company kicking around with that as the company name) and you were under the impression that it was legal, then i'd be a bit annoyed.
__________________
-Tim
sneaky is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 11-01-2014, 01:24 AM   #5
kempy311
BEN
 
kempy311's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Perth WA
Posts: 4,875
Default Re: Window Tint testing

I suppose at least he didn't sticker you.
__________________
My Thread. The new whip: 2014 FGX XR8 Auto in victory gold. Mods : BMC air filter, 1500cc injectors, Walbro 485, 58mm kpm snout, kpm intercooler, 35% front and 20% rear tint, pedders supercar coilovers, whiteline sway bars, Phillips HIDs, lenso d1r wheels.
331rwkw.
12.7 sec stock as a rock with a passenger.
Now with 620rwhp ready to run the 10

built zf, built tailshaft, corn juice all to come.

The old rig: 2008 FG XR8 Auto in dash green with a tonne of mods to make 311rwkw.
kempy311 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 11-01-2014, 02:17 AM   #6
uniacidz
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
uniacidz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,460
Default

So what tint percentage you have?






Sent via HTC Velocity + [HolicsROM v1.3] [SWEEP2WAKE]
__________________
Before -
ED Falcon Futura (sold)
EL XR6 (R.I.P.)
VX SS (R.I.P)
VE Berlina
uniacidz is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 11-01-2014, 04:15 AM   #7
Madaya
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Madaya's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Bunbury WA
Posts: 1,409
Default Re: Window Tint testing

I was surprised to swap a few car bits with a lad who said he wasn't allowed to drive his Ford at night. Tint is to dark. Rules
__________________
2010 FG XR6 I6 CC Ute, Nitro colour. lsd, sports suspension, Ford 18's fitted with Michelin Primacy 3 ST 245x45x18, MW Quick Shifter, Pacemaker 4500 Extractors, Carbuilders Soundproofing, KPM Street Fighter CAI
Madaya is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 11-01-2014, 07:49 AM   #8
2011G6E
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
2011G6E's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: On The Footplate.
Posts: 5,086
Default Re: Window Tint testing

Then again, we got questioned on the tint on the rear side windows on the doors of our 2011 Triton twin cab GLX-R. The rear doors have "privacy glass" from the factory...it's mentioned in the brochure as a "special feature". The tint on those two windows and the rear window (which doesn't count as the canopy is behind it) is really dark. I don't know exactly how dak as the copper at the random breath test unit who asked didn't have one of those testers, but at night it looks almost black, and in daylight you notice how dark the back windows are compared to the factory tint on the front drivers and passenger doors. The closest I could come is that "limo tint" you can buy which is down around 10 to 15%.

As far as I was aware, you can have windows as dark as you like as long as they start behind the driver and passenger in the front...only the driver and front passenger side windows need to be no darker than 35%.
2011G6E is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 11-01-2014, 09:39 AM   #9
GasoLane
Former BTIKD
Donating Member2
 
GasoLane's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Sunny Downtown Wagga Wagga. NSW.
Posts: 53,197
Default Re: Window Tint testing

Quote:
Originally Posted by briskoonie08 View Post
Was filling up and a highway patrolman pulled in to fill up and asked me to wait for a second and grabbed the tester from his vehicle. $110 fine and 1 demerit point.
Just for a chuckle, next time (if there is one) ask Mr Plod if he could show how it works on his tinting.... betcha he'll refuse. A lot of tinting on Highway cars are marginally legal.
__________________
Dying at your job is natures way of saying that you're in the wrong line of work.
GasoLane is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 11-01-2014, 11:13 AM   #10
jawmalawm23
Regular Member
 
jawmalawm23's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 90
Default Re: Window Tint testing

Here in Nz I got pulled up for not giving way so got a fine for that and I had 5% so the cop grabbed a card out and I assume because it was a bright sunny day and he could read it through the tint I didn't get a fine. It must have been his first time testing because its pretty easy to tell 5% from 35%
jawmalawm23 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 11-01-2014, 12:38 PM   #11
ozpacman
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Trinity Beach FNQ
Posts: 807
Default Re: Window Tint testing

Not wanting to hijack the thread, however many years ago I went out with a girl who owned an XE Falcon that had quite dark tint. That car was downright dangerous to drive at night as the dash lights reflected on the tinted glass and you could hardly see the lights of other vehicles to your right especially. I wound the driver side front window down every time I drove it at night. I can see why really dark tint is frowned upon.

Russ
ozpacman is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 11-01-2014, 02:36 PM   #12
AU3XSR
First time Falconless
 
AU3XSR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Brisvegas
Posts: 374
Default Re: Window Tint testing

Hi All

From what I know of the OP's story, the window tint was applied to an FG ute and was supposed to be T20 for all of the window's. The reading that the police have claimed is 11%.

The issue is not really whether the tint was legal or not (T20 is definitely not legal in QLD and we accept that it deserves a ticket). I think the crux of the question is, given the conditions, whether the testing regime that was carried out - i.e. hand held test unit used after dusk (low ambient light conditions) is considered accurate. I'm guessing that even with the mild factory tint plus the T20 film the reading shouldn't be as low as 11%.

Not sure what sort of test unit was actually used. I thought that these things had their own light source so that the readings would be consistent from car to car irrespective of the time of day/conditions. I think a reading of 11% has thrown up some doubt as to the accuracy of the testing.
AU3XSR is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 11-01-2014, 03:17 PM   #13
ratter
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
ratter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Pit Lane
Posts: 11,867
Valued Contributor: For members whose non technical contributions are worthy of recognition. - Issue reason: Shares his in-depth tuning knowledge with the forum, very helpful. Contributor: For members who make a contribution worthy of recognition. - Issue reason: For his indepth tutorial on adding borders to photographs 
Default Re: Window Tint testing

if you have factory tinted glass, you can not use window tint as dark as what can be used on clear glass, the reading is an overall reading
__________________
Pit Lane Performance
20 Rosella St Frankston 03 9783 8122

Authorised Streetfighter, Pcmtec , SCT & HP Tuners Tuning Agent,
ratter is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
3 users like this post:
Old 11-01-2014, 04:02 PM   #14
2011G6E
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
2011G6E's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: On The Footplate.
Posts: 5,086
Default Re: Window Tint testing

Quote:
Originally Posted by GasOLane View Post
Just for a chuckle, next time (if there is one) ask Mr Plod if he could show how it works on his tinting.... betcha he'll refuse. A lot of tinting on Highway cars are marginally legal.
Yes, in Rocky there's an unmarked car which has popped up now and then...a Commodore wagon...and the windows on it look like they're spray painted black...you can hardly see inside on a sunny day.

I accidentally picked up a roll of tint in Autobarn once to do an old Rodeo ute we owned at the time, and it was too dark. It was only 5%, but 35% is quite dark enough for any reasonable purpose. I held it up in daylight and thought...hmm...could be too dark, oh well, I'll put it on and try it.
That night I drove it to work.
The next day I couldn't wait to remove it and went and bought the proper 35% stuff.
You simply could not see out to the sides and rear at night with any safety. No idea why anyone would want that on the front windows...the rear side windows and rear window I can understand, but jeez...there's such a thing as sacrificing safety for looks...
2011G6E is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-01-2014, 12:17 AM   #15
superfly
Go the Hogster!
 
superfly's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 2,518
Default Re: Window Tint testing

To the OP, whereabouts are you located?
__________________
Nitro XR50 - the last brand new one in OZ
first registered Oct 2011.
superfly is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-01-2014, 12:42 AM   #16
Top_Ghia
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,703
Technical Contributor: For members who share their technical expertise. - Issue reason: has been consistently providing good technical advice etc. to AFF members, by having the vast technical knowledge he has with the various Ford products. A valuable AFF member 
Default

Here in Victoria you can no longer tint the rear side and rear windows as dark as you like. The rules have changed. The limit for the entire vehicle is 30 or 35%. I forget which.
Also police are exempt from vehicle standard laws for special use vehicles. What's a special use vehicle? Probably anything they say it is. Many police cars get tinted 5% in the rear and cargo areas.

According to the tinter at work it is technically illegal to apply any tint to factory privacy glass, even clear uv tint. Why, you ask? Because you have applied tint to a window that is already too dark and will fail any test of light transmission.
Top_Ghia is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-01-2014, 06:15 AM   #17
2011G6E
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
2011G6E's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: On The Footplate.
Posts: 5,086
Default Re: Window Tint testing

There's plenty of things that come out factory standard but which cops will tell you "the factory got it wrong"
The "lane change indicator feature" on our G6E (probably on all Falcons) where you flick the switch and you get three flashes of the indicator to change lanes. I got pulled over and warned in Rocky (no other cars on the road at the time) that I didn't indicate for long enough. I pointed out the flasher feature, and he said "The factory is wrong".
Same as I said with the rear windows on our Triton.
Then there was the stink a few years back in four wheel drive circles about the Nissan Patrol with the spare tyre mounted on the rear as factory standard...apparently from one side you can't see all of the number plate, even though it's all factory standard fitting and there's nothing the owner can do about it. Police said it was illegal as a camera might not pick up the number plate. Once again, "the factory got it wrong".

No...you're just a numptie who won't admit that the rest of the worlds car makers don't design cars according to what you think. They make them to meet our ADR's.
2011G6E is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-01-2014, 09:20 AM   #18
Squish
Regular Member
 
Squish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 187
Default

Lately I've been looking at darkening the tint on my FG a bit (mainly to help with the heat). This is making me rethink the idea though.
Squish is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-01-2014, 09:28 AM   #19
cupic
Nikon
 
cupic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Wollongong
Posts: 1,875
Default Re: Window Tint testing

I have had surgery for skin lesions...this has me thinking that the tint behind driver is factory dark and if I get a Dr Cert stating that matching the privacy to the dark tint could be medical benefit my health

Would this wash to the Cops? :O
cupic is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-01-2014, 09:46 AM   #20
richo77
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
richo77's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Perth
Posts: 936
Default Re: Window Tint testing

Quote:
Originally Posted by cupic View Post
I have had surgery for skin lesions...this has me thinking that the tint behind driver is factory dark and if I get a Dr Cert stating that matching the privacy to the dark tint could be medical benefit my health

Would this wash to the Cops? :O
For UV protection you can get clear films. The darker the tint isnt necessarily better UV protection, its just light transmission that reduces the darker you go.
richo77 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-01-2014, 12:18 PM   #21
MercurySilver
Isn't it obvious?
Donating Member1
 
MercurySilver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: in a world of idiots
Posts: 5,383
Default Re: Window Tint testing

ive gotta turn that 3 flash indicator thing off
seriously no good
__________________
08 Strike G6E T.
10 Ergo G6E
Sept 75 XB Falcon in mushroom beige, 3 on the tree 200cid for sale, offers in the teens
MercurySilver is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-01-2014, 05:31 PM   #22
Franco Cozzo
Thailand Specials
 
Franco Cozzo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Centrefold Lounge
Posts: 49,694
Default Re: Window Tint testing

Quote:
Originally Posted by Top_Ghia View Post
Here in Victoria you can no longer tint the rear side and rear windows as dark as you like. The rules have changed. The limit for the entire vehicle is 30 or 35%. I forget which.
Also police are exempt from vehicle standard laws for special use vehicles. What's a special use vehicle? Probably anything they say it is. Many police cars get tinted 5% in the rear and cargo areas.

According to the tinter at work it is technically illegal to apply any tint to factory privacy glass, even clear uv tint. Why, you ask? Because you have applied tint to a window that is already too dark and will fail any test of light transmission.
How would that work for me because on my Ambulance the rear side windows and rear windscreen are 5% tint I think on the rear box, you can't see in but the people inside can see out.

Its registered as an ambulance still and it can have two passengers in the rear legally.

Last edited by Franco Cozzo; 12-01-2014 at 05:36 PM.
Franco Cozzo is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 12-01-2014, 11:41 PM   #23
Top_Ghia
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,703
Technical Contributor: For members who share their technical expertise. - Issue reason: has been consistently providing good technical advice etc. to AFF members, by having the vast technical knowledge he has with the various Ford products. A valuable AFF member 
Default

It probably wouldn't work for you if challenged. What do you mean it's registered as an ambulance? Maybe it's factory privacy glass which is legal.
Check the Vic roads web site. I'm sure it's all on there.
Top_Ghia is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 13-01-2014, 12:37 AM   #24
Squish
Regular Member
 
Squish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 187
Default

Actually now that I've thought about it, does anyone else wonder if they're cracking down a bit harder on dark tint to pave the way for the introduction of facial recognition software on speed and red light cameras? I've read about this supposedly being introduced in several states and I believe the new NSW mobile speed cameras already have the ability and are waiting for it to go live. While I'm sure. 5% tint wouldn't stop the top of the line tech from getting a score they'd save millions just by making sure the visibility into a car is within the specifications of the government's technology and budget. Here in NSW they've changed the process for getting a licence photo taken and are storing facial recognition data.

Just to be clear I'm not a conspiracy theorist and I can definitely see the value of the technology in fighting crime. It's just that I haven't known many people at all who've been booked for tinting until the last year or so.

Just my rant.
Squish is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 13-01-2014, 07:16 AM   #25
Top_Ghia
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,703
Technical Contributor: For members who share their technical expertise. - Issue reason: has been consistently providing good technical advice etc. to AFF members, by having the vast technical knowledge he has with the various Ford products. A valuable AFF member 
Default

I've seen plenty who have been defected over the years for dark tint. It's not new and is a safety issue.
Top_Ghia is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 13-01-2014, 09:37 AM   #26
b2tf
not here much anymore
 
b2tf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sthn NSW
Posts: 22,918
Default Re: Window Tint testing

Quote:
Originally Posted by Squish View Post
Actually now that I've thought about it, does anyone else wonder if they're cracking down a bit harder on dark tint to pave the way for the introduction of facial recognition software on speed and red light cameras? I've read about this supposedly being introduced in several states and I believe the new NSW mobile speed cameras already have the ability and are waiting for it to go live. While I'm sure. 5% tint wouldn't stop the top of the line tech from getting a score they'd save millions just by making sure the visibility into a car is within the specifications of the government's technology and budget. Here in NSW they've changed the process for getting a licence photo taken and are storing facial recognition data.

Just to be clear I'm not a conspiracy theorist and I can definitely see the value of the technology in fighting crime. It's just that I haven't known many people at all who've been booked for tinting until the last year or so.

Just my rant.
I think it has a bit to do with safety i.e. if you get pulled over and they can't see whats in the back etc.
__________________
2024 F150 XLT
b2tf is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +11. The time now is 10:48 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Other than what is legally copyrighted by the respective owners, this site is copyright www.fordforums.com.au
Positive SSL