AMES, Iowa – Iowa Administrative Rule 761 IAC 450.7(3) takes effect July 4, 2012. The rule eliminates the provision that allowed the Iowa Department of Transportation to grant a medical exemption from the minimum standard of window transparency provision set forth in subrule 450.7(2) and permit dark window tinting of a vehicle registered in Iowa.
In the past, a driver with a medical condition could request a physician’s exemption from the minimum standard of transparency for vehicle windows. While new exemptions will not be granted, those who have a previously approved exemption will continue to be exempt from the minimum transparency rule. The exemption form must be carried at all times in the vehicle to which it applies.
At such time that a vehicle is no longer used to transport the passenger or operator that is the subject of a previously granted exemption, the exemption expires. The exemption cannot transfer to any replacement vehicle purchased after July 3, 2012. Once no longer used for these transportation purposes, the owner of the vehicle to which the exemption applied must return the vehicle to conformance with the minimum standard of transparency within 60 days of expiration of the exemption.
Pursuant to Iowa Code subsection 321.438(2), a person shall not operate on the highway a motor vehicle equipped with a front windshield, front side window or front side wing that is excessively dark or reflective. “Excessively dark or reflective” means that the glass does not meet a minimum standard of transparency of 70 percent light transmittance.
“Iowa stopped providing a med.exemption to its window tinting law for the windshield and front side windows. Those who obtained a signed exemption from a licensed physician, chiropractor, or optometrist, before July 4, 2013 may continue to drive the vehicle they owned on that date, so long as they carry the exemption (DOT Form 432020), with them at all times, and the tinting allows at least 35% of the light to pass through.” (Source: Iowa Tint Law
I am kind of stumped here…what in heavens name would you need a tinted windshield (and imagine all the other windows are heavily tinted too)for…how do you protect yourself walking to and from the car in the first place…how do you protect yourself going from parking lot to store and back. This kind of sounds like my mothers friend who has a handicapped sticker for her car because she is deaf?????????
Tinting the windows helps people with eye problems like me when head lights (driving at night)shine into the vehicle from the sides mainly (sun visor takes care of the front) the lite near blinds you because of the glare being so bad when the light goes away everything nearly blacks out for several seconds (dont seem long but close your eyes on the interstate for 10 seconds at a time at random times even with cars around you)the tint stops that from happening like sun glasses during the day (put those on at night you can’t see in normal situations) they will write people tickets for sending a text message real quick but there fine with several people net being able to see for the time it takes to reply to a text message
I had a medical exemption from the Mayo Clinic for tinted windows. I was pulled over by a State Trooper. I fought it, and agreed to pay court costs, and they dropped the charge. So I took the doors off instead, which led them to cite me for unsafe vehicle, which I fought, paid court costs and they dropped. They ended up with $120 in court costs, but no win in court…nothing on my record. And people wonder why I get angry about loud tailpipes skating by while I was deliberately targeted? My car was clean, quiet, and efficient, yet I was stopped by police, troopers and sheriff deputies who couldn’t wait to get in on the action and get a piece of me. Meanwhile thousands of bikers drove by breaking the law, without one ticket written. Wake up people.
i’m so glad you posted this since i have tinted windows – wasn’t aware of this law change – thank you for printing things that other papers don’t!!