raminator08

Going to be moving to the Winston Salem area soon and was wondering how strict everyone there is on window tint. Currently got 20% on my front windows but right now in Texas it's not a problem since almost everyone has their cars tinted pretty dark. Will cops be hassling me a lot and will I be able to find a place to pass inspection?

whatpavment?

20 % will be fine as long as you're being a responsible driver and not showing yer ***. Cops aren't really out to get the truck guys around these parts unless you're going to tint the whole windshield and drive like a *****. Finding an inspection place will be a challenge ( I have my spot but it's over an hour from you heading east). Find some locals and they'll tell you where to go. We also have a good off-road fabricator shop south of you in Lexington called ORO Fab for all your add-ons.

raminator08

I just have the eyebrow done on the windshield and rear windshield tinted. Left the rear passenger windows alone so the front matched the back as far as darkness goes. I try not drive like a ***** but no promises guaranteed. I guess I'll ask the locals with tinted windows where to go. Also need to ask about some good trails too. Thanks for tip and ill check out that fab shop one day. I think I want to do a light bar on my front bumper

whatpavment?

For off-road we have Uwharrie National Forest down 109. They allow trucks, jeeps, utv, 4 wheelers and dirtbikes. They also have camping and horse trails. There is also a place called Carolina Adventure World but i have never been. NC is a great place, you will definitely enjoy it here. As long as you don't mind snow and 80 degrees all in one week .

raminator08

Thanks, i'll keep that place in mind. Most of the land in Texas is private so not too much off road places. Ha weather is not a problem. We have snow and 80 degrees all in one day

uncc_99xj

The cops will leave you alone, but you'll have trouble passing inspection.

Darkest legal on the front windows of anything is 35%. Back windows on cars can only be 35% as well. Back windows on trucks and SUV's can be as dark as you want.

Safety and emissions inspections will run you $30, with an additional $10 from most shops if you have window tint so they can check it. All they do is put a device on the other side of the glass and if they can see the little dot on it, you're good. If they can't, too dark.

It used to be really easy to get shops to pass them lower than 35%. Most wouldn't look twice at it to be honest. About 4-5 years ago the state really started cracking down on shops and slapping them with huge fines for passing vehicles with illegal tint. Learned that lesson the hard way as my car at the time had 20% all around and I wound up having to have it re-done to 35% so it would pass.

raminator08

That's what I'm afraid of hearing. I'm going to have to get my truck registered soon and I'm worried about finding a place to pass inspection. I really don't want to have to remove my window tint and pay to get 35% put on. I haven't found any locals yet that I can ask

SCrewYou

ive never been charged a tint fee.

uncc_99xj

I'd ask some of the smaller shops first to see what they say. I'm not sure if there's a grace period since it's an out of state vehicle or not.

You've got a good one then. The shop I go to charges me the $10 every other inspection. They also get me in and out in 10 minutes every time. Check the basics (lights, horn, etc) and make sure the computer sends a good reading back to Raleigh. A lot of shops will try to get anything they can from you, especially the chain places.

raminator08

Good news I found out is that new residents to North Carolina are exempt from inspection for the first year so i guess i can wait until next year to worry about it. Bad news is I didn't realize they charge a property tax on your vehicle every year so registration is going to be more expensive than Texas. My insurance will be about half the price compared to Texas so that will save me quite a bit of money.
I've heard that dealerships will usually let you slide since they're such a big business that they won't be messed with too much and they want you as a future customer to buy a vehicle from them