FMCSA Denies Window Tinting Association’s Exemption Application

The FMCSA has denied the International Window Film Association’s parts and accessories application for exemption.

If the Association’s application had been approved, window tinting would have been allowed on the windows to the immediate right and left of the driver.

“To allow the use of glazing in the windows to the immediate right and left of the driver that does not meet the light transmission requirements specified in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR),” the FMCSA states.

The current window tinting rule permits windshields and the side windows of CMVs to be tinted as long as light transmission is not restricted to less than 70% of normal.

The International Window Film Association argued that allowing reduction of light entering the truck would have improved driver comfort, reduced eye strain and reduced heat entering the cab.

However, the FMCSA states, the Association “failed to provide any evidence that motor carriers operating CMVs equipped with glazing that blocks more normal light than currently permitted will achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety that would be obtained by complying with the regulation.”