CA. Fix-it-ticket Q.??

The best way to stop worrying is to call the court. It would be much better to find out than to be arrested. It's not a stupid ticket. Every state that I've seen will not allow you to tint the front windshield. You can only have the factory tint and no more.

 

I believe the law applies to all vehicles so could you imagine some not-so-good back yard mech. applying the store bought tint to his front windshield? I don't doubt that you applied the tint so you can see,however, I've seen many company trucks that have the hood painted flat black just for that reason.

You've just got to ask yourself if you want to go through all this hassle when you're in CA or maybe get a good pair of shades. You know the kind where they can't see your eyes!

 

I was given a repair ticket in California for a bad brake on the trailer.I took the trailer to a repair facility and had it repaired.Then before leaving the state I stopped at a local CHP station and had them sign off on the ticket before leaving the state.Another time I was put out of service for a bad spring shackle.I had road service do the repairs and I was released after a few hours.Now in your case you never responded to the compliance order.What you should have done was to remove the window film and show up at a CHP station.They would have signed off on the ticket and you wouldn't be wondering about it now.Under California law your ticket may fall under some vehicle code violations.Go to the California DMV website.In the search box. Type in 40150.Proof of correction.Then type in 40616.Misdemeaner to willfully fail to correct or deliver proof.Like gas hauler said contact the court or the DMV.These rules may not even apply to you but they might.As far as window tinting,you are allowed under fmcsa regulations to have a tinted windshield or windows but they may not have more than 30% light blockage.Most law enforcement have a device that can measure this.I was surprised the inspector did not get in the cab to see any visual blockage or use a meter to determine the window tints blockage.You may have been able to fight this but for you it's been to long.Go to FMCSA,type in 393.60,you will find the rule on window tinting.

 

Good post. But you know the courts may not recognize the FMCSR. I talked with the FMCSA and they said they have many courts that they need to go out and train in the laws. The even have a program where they pay a judge to learn then pass along the information to the other judges. So you never know. I sure would have clean it up before I left because I wouldn't want it following me.

I got a parling ticket once in Wash. DC and never knew about it until I had to change my CDL to another state. They were in the wrong because everyone remembers the trip to DC and how I drove around looking for a parking place that was ok to park on sunday. But it cost me alot more to clean up and you know we need our license.

 

Gas hauler,In regards to DOT enforcement and local authority.The DOT in my state loves to have unannounced truck inspections in towns around the county.I run local now so I encounter them alot.The problem is,they get together with local town police to give them training.Now ,the DOT guys are sharp on the rules,but most local cops don't have a clue.Example.I was stopped and inspected.I had one cylinder in the trailer of 2.2,non-flammable gas.It only weighed 100 pounds.My paper work was in order,my license was in order,the load was secure and the truck was in order.The officer asked me why I didn't have placards on.Well,100 pounds of 2.2 doesn't equate to 1,001 pounds where you need placards and I told him this.He didn't smile and went back to the DOT van's computer.He came back after 15 minutes and released me.No smile,not even a "Have a nice day".I think he was ticked that I knew a little bit more than him on the regulations.Like you said, the courts don't always understand the laws but local law enforcement should.Under federal law,they have been authorised to enforse FMCSA rules.I rambling on so I will stop, but for any driver out there,keep up to date on the rules and don't be afraid to fight a violation you think is in error.

 

Driving for major companies I find DOT inspections are delt with at company fuel stops. As the large companies will boycott fuel islands the mechanics in "fear of their jobs," sign off all company DOT violations until the tractor trailer can be routed to a company terminal. These major companies always tell drivers which fuel stops will be automatic termination if they are caught even in their parking lots. I have signed avidavites from service managers nationwide, TA, Pilot, Flying J's, all want the big company fuel business. Mechanics have families and need their jobs; the CEO and suit could care less if you are killed by mechanical failour. Drivers error; insurance denied.

 

you didn't pay it out of principle and they will lock your butt up on principle. SO who wins in the end? I'd stay out of CA or get it taken care of