Because of tinting on the windows, my vehicle wouldn't pass inspection | Ask the DMV
Q: I recently moved back to Rhode Island from Florida. I have a 2020 Kia Soul and went to the Kia dealer on Bald Hill Road to get an oil change and inspection.
Everything passed except for a tint on the front passenger- and driver-side windows. It was going to cost me an additional $100.
I looked up Rhode Island laws, and it said my car is a crossover, between sedan and SUV, and the tint was OK. It's not very dark like some I have seen, where you can't even see through the window.
The Rhode Island law said that, in this matter, the laws can change at any time and may vary from town to town. I don't know how that could be, but maybe I read it wrong.
Should I make an appointment with the DMV in Middletown where I am living? I am at a loss.
Kia told me that in order to get my inspection sticker I would need to bring them some sort of proof that it is not necessary to remove the tint before 30 days.
Can you please help me? I just turned 70 and feel as if I was treated like this because I am a woman and now an OLD woman.
— Jeanette M.
A: Rhode Island law requires the windows and the windshield of all vehicles to have a minimum total visibility light transmittance of not less than 70%. It is important to note that stock glass with no aftermarket tinting is generally at or very close to this 70% transmittance level, due to the UV filtration tinting installed within the glass by the manufacturer. Therefore, any aftermarket tint applied to the stock glass would cause the light transmittance to fall below 70% and therefore be illegal.
On SUVs, trucks, vans, buses, campers, funeral vehicles and limousines, the windows to the REAR of the driver are exempt from tinting regulations and are legally allowed to be tinted without restriction if the vehicle is equipped with two outside mirrors.
Since your Kia is an SUV, the 70% transmittance requirement would only apply to the windshield and two front windows of your vehicle. If you would like to have the light transmittance measured on these windows, please contact our Safety and Emission Control Office at (401) 462-5890.
Q: I am unable to find information on renewal of my REAL ID on the DMV website. Are we able to renew online, or do we need a new photograph to renew?
— Don C.
A: You are able to renew your REAL ID online and still maintain your REAL ID designation on your license or state identification card.
Good news for those who have not obtained the REAL ID designation. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has just pushed back the deadline from May 3, 2023, to May 7, 2025.
In Rhode Island, almost 40% of eligible credentials have the REAL ID designation of the gold star on their driver's license or state identification card.
There is no charge if you get your REAL ID during your renewal period. Your renewal period is 90 days prior to your expiration.
If you come in outside of your renewal time, there is a $27.50 update fee. Please check out the DMV’s website, www.dmv.ri.gov, to find out what is required to obtain a REAL ID.
Chuck Hollis is assistant administrator of the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Please email your questions to cars@providencejournal.com with “Ask the DMV” in the subject field.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Vehicle won't pass inspection because of tinted windows | Ask the DMV
