WINDOW TINTING LAWS

The cops are not cool on window tinting. That, and not wearing a seatbelt, will get you pulled over. But I don't know the exact specs. Suggest you call an auto dealership on island. They will know.

And I would reconsider bringing a car here that is a theft magnet.

And if they can't see your stuff, they might break in just to find out what you are hiding... 😀

To your original question: there are laws about tinting, but the enforcement is pretty inconsistent. BUT as a newbie, you WILL be targeted.

VI CODE:

§ 800. Restriction on tinted glass windows in motor vehicles

(a) For purposes of this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) “Glazing materials” means material used in or on windshields, side or back windows of motor vehicles;
(2) “Tinting” means any process applied to glazing material that reduces the amount of visible light that passes through the material and is known by the technical term “luminous transmittance”.
(3) “Director” means the Director of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles; and
(4) “Windshield” means the safety glass installed in a motor vehicle immediately in front of the driver and the front seat passengers.
(5) “Window” means any opening in a motor vehicle covered with glass or other lawful material, excluding the windshield, through which passengers and drivers may view events outside of the motor vehicle.
(6) “Mirrored tint” means any reflective glazing material.
(7) “AS-1 line” means a line extending from the letters and number AS-1 found on most motor vehicle windshields running parallel to the top of the windshield or, it may mean a line five inches below and parallel to the top of the windshield, whichever is closer to the top of the windshield.
(b) Sun screening devices or other tinting materials applied to the windshield or windows of motor vehicles are prohibited, except as provided in this section.
(1) It is unlawful for any person to operate or park a motor vehicle on any public road or highway of the Virgin Islands while the motor vehicle has windows that are tinted with glazed material to the extent that visible light transmittance is reduced to less than 35%, when measured by a device designed specifically for that purpose and approved by the Director and operated by an employee of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles trained in the use of the device. However, the windshield of a motor vehicle may be tinted with glazing material only above the AS-1 line, or within five inches from the top of the windshield. The glazing material may not reduce visible light transmittance to less than 35%. Mirrored tint is prohibited on all windows and windshields.

(2) This subsection does not apply to:
(A) any hearse, ambulance, law enforcement vehicle, duly licensed limousine services or other vehicle as prescribed by the rules promulgated by the Director;
(c) Motor vehicles manufactured with windshields and window areas equipped in accordance with specifications of 49 CFR 571.205 as authorized by 15 U.S.C. 1407 shall be in compliance with this section. However, no additional glazing material may be added to the windshield or windows which reduce visible light transmittance below 35%.
(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, glazing or tinting materials may be used in official government vehicles designated by the Director for dignitary protection, jurors' transportation, or other official purposes in order to ensure the security and safety of the occupants.
(e) Any person who violates the provisions of this section, for a first violation, shall be fined not more than $200. Any person convicted of a second violation shall be fined not less than $200 and not more than $500. Any person convicted of a third or subsequent violation may be fined not less than $500 and not more than $1,000 and shall have his driver's license suspended for not more than one year.

—Added Sept. 5, 2005, No. 6730, § 16, Sess. L. 2005, pp. 74–76; amended Oct. 1, 2005, No. 6750, § 5, Sess. L. 2005, p. 213; Aug. 31, 2005, No. 6755, § 3 1.-7., Sess. L. 2005, p. 228; Oct. 17, 2005, No. 6793, § 6, Sess. L. 2005, p. 354; Jan. 9, 2009, No. 7058, § 2(d)(1), Sess. L. 2008, p. —.

If its a convertable I would never lock it or you're going to get the top ripped open.

Also if you didn't pay cash for it, you need to make sure the bank that has the note on it will let you ship it here.

mminstx, where can I find the VI code? Is it online? thanks

Wow. Thank you so much for the information you provided. If I'm reading it correctly, it basically states that I can have window tinting of 35%, right? I wanted to go with 20% on the sides and 5% on the back but that would likely get me pulled over. Having lived on island before, I know how theft-happy some individuals are. I have the standard car alarm but may consider upgrading to a more sophisticated system prior to shipping the car there. If I am interpreting the code incorrectly, please so advise as I would like to get the tinting done in the next week. Thanks so much!!

Sharon

Good point but if I don't have any tint on the windows, they will surely see what I've got. Its a tough call. I just hate that we have to even consider the possibility of being robbed but, having lived there before and having our jeep cleaned out, we are just trying to play it smart. Obviously, we have full comprehensive insurance coverage to replace the system, it's just the thought of the violation that concerns me. Not only that, but it's a Ford Mustang which, as I understand, is a vehicle that has a reputation for being sought after by thieves.

One individual replied to my post with the VI code for tinting and as I interpret all the legal language to the best of my ability, it sounds like I can do 35% all the way around. Is that what you understand as well?

don't bring the car. It will be broken into if it is a KILLER car!!!

billd

Here's the site to pull up the VI Code: http://www.michie.com/virginislands/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp=vicode

there are a few 09 Mustangs on St. Croix, your car will be very noticeable here, and the boomin' system will, too....up to you.....

thanks mminstx

Have to have transportation to work, groceries, island tours, etc. It's that beautiful cobalt blue too - sticks out like a turd in a punch bowl. Tinting the windows probably won't help all that much but I think it is better than leaving them as is giving the opportunist a clear view of the goods. Sure wish there wasn't so much crime on St. Croix.

If the sound system is "killer" & you impress the wrong people, they will be impressed & take it!

If you think it`s cool, they will too!

They will use grunt methods to get it.
Like smashing the grille, opening the hood, disconnecting the battery(disabling the alarm)& using a rock to "open" the window!

I remember getting hired to determine who was stealing who`s electricity in a commercial multi tenant building.
After a hour of tracing wires& branch circuits, I determined tenant 5 is stealing the electricity from tenant 3!
I looked at the wire run, & thought where IS this branch circuit???
I finally figured it out,It turns out, Tenant 5 changed the label from tenant 3 on the meter!!!

In other words, think LOW tech!
The thieves here aren't the rocket scientist you think they are!:P