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Window tinting in NH

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For several years legislators have voted down bills to allow window tinting on cars in New Hampshire.

Current NH law on window tinting

Under current state law, it is illegal to drive a car in New Hampshire with tinted side windows or windshield.

A car may have tinted rear windows with a light transmittance of at least 35 percent.

A driver with disabilities may also apply for a permit for window tinting.

Click here to apply for a medical waiver for tinted windows

The ban on window tinting was first enacted in 1989.

Legislators consider window tinting

HB 317, a 2019 bill sponsored by Rep. Josh Yokela, would allow tinting on the windows on either side of the driver. A tinted windshield would still be illegal.

Lawmakers rejected similar bills in 2016 and 2017.

Arguments for tinting

Supporters of window tinting argue that it offers comfort and privacy for drivers.

Supporters of a law change also note that police treat New Hampshire and out-of-state drivers differently under the law, only ticketing New Hampshire cars with tinted windows.

When Citizens Count asked our community about window tinting in 2016, a strong majority supported allowing tinting. Click here to read a summary of the discussion.

Arguments against tinting

Supporters of the current ban on window tinting argue that tinting makes it difficult for law enforcement to assess what is going on in a motor vehicle. This creates a safety issue for officers and makes it more difficult for officers to enforce the distracted driving law.

Learn more about New Hampshire’s distracted driving law

Tinted windows and windshields also make it more difficult for drivers and pedestrians to communicate nonverbally about right-of-way and travel.

Do you have an opinion on tinted windows in your car? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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