Window tint - anyone in the know?
 

Posted this in the discussion forum. Now, I realize this may be the better place:

Okay, for those that don't recognize me, I just bought a used 05 '8 that came with aftermarket tint. The seller gave me the receipt and the lifetime warranty certificate on the tint. Of course, there is a disclaimer in the warranty about the "legality" of the tint as far as having it replaced under warranty.

Anyway, the inspection doesn't run out until next month but I took it in today to get the oil changed, etc. and decided to go ahead and get the NC state inspection done as well. They rejected the inspection because they say the windows are too dark. I specifically asked the seller if she ever had an issue getting an inspection because of the tint and she said no but also added she got the darkest possible, legal tint for this state. The tint was installed in June of 2006 and has passed NC state inspection at least 2, if not 3 times since then. NC has had a tint limit for years now and I believe that limit has always been 35%. According to the receipt, the tint used was "CH-35". I assume the 35 relates to 35%? However, the guy at the shop told me that the windows probably already had some factory tint so putting 35% over that makes it too dark to pass.

I'm wondering if someone else may let me pass on it? Or if showing the receipt that shows the specs of the tint would carry any weight? Or the simple fact that it has passed at least 2 other NC inspections with the same tint would carry any weight?

I'm sick about this. The tint really sets the car off and it was a bonus that it was already on the car. I hate to pay someone to rip it out and replace it with lighter tint.

Anyone got any facts or words of encouragement that might help me out here?

Absolutely not and absolutely not.

Absolutely.