WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 5728

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- NONTRANSPARENT WINDSHIELDS AND WINDOWS

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Deb Fellela and 1 co-sponsor

Rhode Island would require vehicle windows to meet minimum 32% light transmittance with installer labels and exemptions for certain vehicles and medical or security cases.

03/13/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5728

Summary of HB 5728 — Nontransparent Windshields and Windows (Rhode Island)

Overview

HB 5728 proposes to adopt provisions modeled after Connecticut law governing nontransparent windshields and window tinting. The bill sets minimum light transmittance standards for certain vehicle windows, requires labeling by sunscreen installers, and lists several exemptions. It would take effect upon passage.

Main purpose and intent

  • To regulate the use of sunscreening materials on vehicle windshields and windows to ensure a minimum level of light transmission for driver visibility and safety.
  • To standardize measurement methods and labeling for sunscreen installations.
  • To delineate exceptions where the rules do not apply, including certain federal-compliance vehicles and specific types of vehicles or conditions.

Key provisions and changes

Light transmittance standards (31-23.3-3)

  • The administrator of the Division of Motor Vehicles would establish rules and tests to measure light reflectance/transmittance.
  • Front side windows and front side wing vents, when sunscreen material is applied, must have a measured light transmittance of at least 32% (accuracy ±3%) using a light transmittance meter.
  • The right and left side windows behind the driver, and the rearmost window, must also have at least 32% transmittance under the same measurement conditions.

Installer labeling

  • Any person or entity installing sunscreen on a motor vehicle must affix a label to the front window (not exceeding 1.5 square inches) containing the installer’s name and the percentage of light transmittance.
  • The label must be placed on the front window’s lower left corner when viewed from the outside.

Exemptions (31-23-4)

The bill enumerates several exemptions, including:
- Vehicles manufactured to comply with federal standards (49 CFR 571.205) and related federal law.
- Vehicles owned or leased by federal, state, and local law enforcement.
- Use of sunscreen material achieving a total visible light transmittance of at least 70% on specified windows immediately adjacent to the operator and rear-view areas, with certain mirror requirements and rear-visibility criteria.
- A 6-inch top windshield strip, so long as it does not encroach on the driver’s forward viewing area.
- Rear windows on vehicles equipped with two outside mirrors that provide a 200-foot rear view.
- Vehicles not required to be registered in Rhode Island.
- Sunscreening on windows behind the driver for certain large vehicle types (e.g., trucks, buses, trailers, etc.) provided two compliant outside mirrors exist.
- Medical exemptions: a Rhode Island-registered vehicle owner with a physician or optometrist affidavit allowing sunscreening beyond federal standards, with a DMV-issued sticker identifying the exemption.
- Executive security vehicles with written permission from the local police chief where garaged/registered.

Affected parties

  • Vehicle owners and lessees using sunscreen/tinted windows beyond certain standards.
  • Window/tinting installers and businesses performing sunscreen applications.
  • Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles and enforcement agencies.
  • Passengers and drivers who rely on visible light transmission for safety.
  • Individuals with medical exemptions or security-related exemptions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 26, 2025; referred to House State Government & Elections.
  • Committee actions: Heard and/or scheduled for consideration in March 2025; on March 13, 2025, the committee recommended the measure be held for further study.
  • Effective date: The act states it shall take effect upon passage.

Notes

  • The Explanatory Section indicates the bill would adopt Connecticut’s nontransparent windshield and window provisions.
  • The current status indicates the bill would be pending further study if enacted.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.