Interpretation ID: nht79-3.35

DATE: 07/17/79

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; F. Berndt; NHTSA

TO: Paul Schuil

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This responds to your recent letter asking whether smoked, tinted and mirrored windows may legally be used on vehicles operating on U.S. highways.

The Federal requirements for glazing materials on motor vehicles are set forth in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205 (49 CFR 571.205). This standard specifies performance requirements for the various types of glazing and also the locations in vehicles in which each glazing type may be used. Smoked, tinted and mirrored glazing may be used in certain vehicles in certain locations. For example, smoked glass may be used in side windows of trucks and buses. However, glazing material for use in any vehicle at levels requisite for driving visibility (e.g., windshields) must have a luminous transmittance of at least 70 percent. Most smoked glass would not pass this requirement. I am enclosing a copy of Safety Standard No. 205 for your information. If you have any questions after reviewing the standard, contact Hugh Oates of my office (202-426-2992).

SINCERELY,

HADCO ALUMINUM & METAL CORPORATION

DEAR SIRS,

I would like to know if smoked or tinted, & mirrored windows are legal on U.S. highways. I am talking about all four sides of a vehicle.

Please send a response to:

HADCO ALUMINUM AND METAL CORPORATION

PAUL SCHUIL