2026 -- H 8312

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LC006107

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- NONTRANSPARENT WINDSHIELDS

AND WINDOWS

     Introduced By: Representatives Phillips, Bennett, Noret, Read, Hull, and J. Brien

     Date Introduced: March 18, 2026

     Referred To: House State Government & Elections

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Sections 31-23.3-4 and 31-23.3-5 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-23.3

entitled "Nontransparent Windshields and Windows" are hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-23.3-4. Exemptions.

     (a) The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to:

     (1) Motor vehicles manufactured with windshields and window glass areas equipped in

accordance with specifications of 49 CFR 571.205 as authorized by 15 U.S.C. § 1407.

     (2) Motor vehicles owned or leased by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

     (3) The use of nontransparent or sunscreen material or window application on motor

vehicles which has a total visible light transmittance of not less than seventy percent (70%)

measured perpendicular to the surface of the glass on the windshield and side windows immediately

adjacent to the right and left of the operator’s seat, the side windows immediately to the rear of the

operator’s seat and the front passenger seat or on the rear window if the vehicle is equipped with

two (2) outside mirrors, one on each side, adjusted so that the driver has a clear view of the highway

behind the vehicle.

     (4) The use of any transparent material limited to the uppermost six inches (6") along the

top of the windshield, provided the strip does not encroach upon the driver’s direct forward viewing

area as more particularly described and defined in applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety

Standards.

     (5) Motor vehicles not required to be registered in this state.

     (6) The use of sunscreen material on windows behind the driver in trucks, buses, trailers,

mobile homes, campers, multipurpose vehicles, charter buses, funeral service vehicles, or

limousines, provided that the vehicle is equipped with two (2) outside mirrors, one on each side, if

those mirrors meet federal standards adjusted so the driver has a clear view of the highway behind

the vehicle.

     (7) A Except for the windshield area, as prohibited pursuant to subsection (b) of this

section, a motor vehicle registered in this state in the name of a person, or the person’s legal

guardian, who has an affidavit signed by a physician or an optometrist licensed to practice in this

state that states that the person has a physical condition that makes it necessary to equip the motor

vehicle with a sunscreening device which may exceed federal standards. The division of motor

vehicles, upon application of the individual, which shall include the affidavit, shall issue a sticker

to be applied to the driver’s side window to identify this exemption.

     (8) Any motor vehicle, registered and garaged within this state, whose sole purpose is to

provide executive security to persons within this state. The owner(s) of the vehicle shall first seek

and obtain written permission from the local police chief where the vehicle is garaged and

registered before the waiver is granted.

     (b) Except as specifically exempt pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) of this

section, effective July 1, 2026, no motor vehicle to include, but not be limited to, motor vehicles

subject to the provisions of subsection (a)(7) of this section, shall be operated on a public street,

roadway, or highway in Rhode Island, which motor vehicle has front windshield window tinting

except for the top six (6) inches of the front windshield. As used herein, the term "front windshield

window tinting" means a thin film applied to the interior surface of the vehicle's front windows

which darkens the windows to block UV light and reduce glare from the sun and headlights.

     31-23.3-5. Penalties.

     (a) Any person, firm, corporation, or other business entity that installs any sunscreening

material which is not in compliance with the provisions of this chapter shall be fined not more than

two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for each offense.

     (b) Any person who owns a motor vehicle which has installed on it any sunscreening device

or material in violation of this chapter for a first or second offense shall be fined not more than two

hundred fifty dollars ($250).

     (c) For a third and subsequent offenses a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and

suspension of the motor vehicle's registration for a period of up to one year.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- NONTRANSPARENT WINDSHIELDS

AND WINDOWS

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     This act would remove the exemption for tinting of the windshield and impose fines of two

hundred fifty dollars ($250) for a first and second offense and subsequent offenses are punishable

by a two hundred fifty dollar ($250) fine and up to a one year suspension of the vehicle registration.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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