The new tint regulations went into effect countrywide today. With all the advance publicity in the media - we'd venture to say that anyone who doesn't know about it has been living under a rock somewhere.
But it seems many car owners have been hoping against hope that the regulations would not be enforced or fall by the wayside.
But, they've got it wrong: the new tint law as in effect today and we went to the single enforcement site in the city this afternoon, which is the approach to the Bel China Bridge:…
Jules Vasquez Reporting
This afternoon the queue of traffic was crazy at the city's only checkpoint on the approach of the Bel-China Bridge.
Drivers with dark tint were being pulled over for a spot test and their very last warning:
Michael Theus, Coordinator, Traffic Enforcement
"What we are doing is to issue a warning letter to all the vehicles that have tints that are not within the regulations. They have 10 days to return that vehicle back with that warning letter that we have given to them to test the vehicle again to see that it has reach compliance. Outside of that then we are going to summons them to go to magistrate court."
And despite the wide publicity that the laws were coming into effect for real on July first, a surprising number of vehicles were non-compliant - including this car - which registered 2% tint at the front and an amazing O% - on the back window:
Michael Theus, Coordinator, Traffic Enforcement
"We have a large amount of vehicles outside of conformity. Some persons - I don't know if they decide not to adhere to it to see if we might be serious and now the time has come. We are going to show that we are working along with them until after the 10 days, after that we are going to have to bring down the full effect of the law."
And the full effect is a hefty fine
Michael Theus, Coordinator, Traffic Enforcement
"The maximum fine is $500.00 under the law."
Those with tint - who want to continue to try and trick the system may find some consolation in the fact that it appears the city presently only has one tint meter - which ahs to be shared between the licensing and enforcement duties….
