17-05-2025
Window tint crackdown? 5 things to know about Hawaiʻi's new bill
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaiʻi is changing how it handles car window tinting. House Bill 226 CD1 is the biggest update since 1983 and is now waiting for the governor's signature.
Written by Representative Darius Kila (D-44, Honokai Hale, Nānākuli, Mā'ili), the new law helps make tint rules more fair and easier to follow.
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'This is about bringing our laws into the 21st century,' said Rep. Kila. 'For too long, sedans have been unfairly left out while trucks, vans, and SUVs benefit from factory tint exemptions. This bill ensures that all vehicles can access the same safety protections and sun relief. It's about fairness, clarity and improving public safety.'
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Here's what drivers should this bill, trucks, vans and SUVs could have darker rear tint than sedans, which led to confusion and unfair enforcement.
With the new law, sedans can now have the same tint levels as other vehicles. The goal is to treat all drivers equally.
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'HB226 CD1 will ensure that vehicle window tint standards are applied and enforced fairly and consistently, while increasing safety for our law enforcement officers during traffic stops,' said Hawai'i Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen. 'We want to thank the Legislature and Representative Kila for their continued efforts to work with the Hawai'i Department of Transportation and key stakeholders to advance measures that improve safety on our roadways.'
A new rule in the bill requires that anyone with fully tinted windows must roll them down during police stops.
Lawmakers said this helps officers stay safe and clearly see who is in the vehicle. It also improves trust between drivers and law enforcement.
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When new tint is installed, shops must now give the driver a certificate proving the tint meets legal standards. Drivers need to keep this in their car in case they are stopped. If they do not have it, they could face penalties.
Drivers with illegal tint could pay between $300 and $550. Installers who break the law could be fined up to $1,200 and must fix the tint or pay the car owner back.
Leaders from the tinting industry, law enforcement and government worked together on this reform. The goal is to make roads safer while protecting people from the sun and making sure laws are fair for all.
'By removing outdated distinctions, this law ensures equal treatment for all drivers and better sun protection — something that's critical in our climate,' said Tommy Silva, founder of T&T Tinting and long-time advocate for fair tint laws.
The Honolulu Police Department weighed in on the new legislation.
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'As the commander of the Honolulu Police Department Traffic Division, we support the passage of HB226, which strikes a critical balance between public safety and officer safety. This measure helps ensure that officers can better assess potential threats during traffic stops, while still preserving adequate visibility for drivers,' said HPD Traffic Division Major James Slayter.
He went on to explain further.
'Clear visibility into vehicles is a key factor in protecting the lives of our officers, and this bill supports that objective without compromising roadway safety standards for motorists,' added Major Slayter. 'As always, we appreciate the collaborative partnership with Representative Kila for the many traffic safety measures he introduced.'
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Rep. Kila said, 'I want to thank the Hawai'i Department of Transportation, our county law enforcement agencies and local tinting professionals for their honest input and collaboration over the last three year. Together, we crafted a comprehensive overhaul that's fairer, safer, and more enforceable.'
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