Based on complaints from citizens the Parsons Police Department wants to remind citizens about the State's window tint law.

"In the course of our daily duties, as the Patrol Division's personnel work to enforce the laws of Kansas, we get many questions about laws involving vehicles and drivers in our state. Recently, the Parsons Police Department (PPD) has gotten questions and would like to remind motorists and vehicle owners about the law regarding window tint on vehicles in Kansas," says Sergeant Jason Ludwig.

Kansas statute 8-1749a addresses window tint in vehicles. Specifically, the total light transmission shall not be less than 35% when a sun screening device is used in conjunction with other existing sun screening devices. Citations can be written for violation of this law.

When purchasing a new vehicle, it is the responsibility of the vehicle's new owner to ensure that it meets Kansas' law, not the responsibility of the dealership.

The law in its entirety follows below: 8-1749a. One-way glass and sun screening devices; requirements; exceptions; penalties. (a) No motor vehicle required to be registered in this state and which is operated on the highways of this state shall be equipped with one-way glass or any sun screening device, as defined in K.S.A. 8-1749b, and amendments thereto, and used in conjunction with windshields, side wings, side windows or rear windows that do not meet the following requirements:

(1) A sun screening device when used in conjunction with the windshield shall be nonreflective and shall not be red, yellow, or amber in color. A sun screening device shall be used only along the top of the windshield and shall not extend downward beyond the AS1 line which is clearly defined and marked;

(2) a sun screening device when used in conjunction with the side wings or side windows located at the immediate right and left of the driver, the side windows behind the driver and the rear most window shall be nonreflective; and

(3) the total light transmission shall not be less than 35% when a sun screening device is used in conjunction with other existing sun screening devices. (b) Subsection (a)(3) shall not apply to a window of a law enforcement motor vehicle that is clearly identified as such by words or other symbols on the outside of the vehicle. (c) The superintendent of the highway patrol may adopt such rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. (d) This section shall not prohibit labels, stickers or other informational signs that are required or permitted by state law. (e) No motor vehicle required to be registered in this state which is operated on the highways of this state shall be equipped with head lamps which are covered with any sun screening device, adhesive film or other glaze or application which, when such lamps are not in operation, is highly reflective or otherwise nontransparent. (f) Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

"The PPD has window tint meters to utilize during traffic stops to determine if window tint complies. Historically, it has been rare for a window tint citation to be issued, but in response to citizen complaints, this violation will be added to general enforcement," says Ludwig.

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