Bill
HB 1340
ND HB1340 lets non-windshield windows drop to 35% VLT (from 50%), while windshields stay at 70% VLT, allowing darker tinting and affecting enforcement and vehicle privacy.
Status / sponsors
- Enacted by the Sixty‑ninth Legislative Assembly (House and Senate votes recorded).
- Sponsors (House): Representatives Vetter, Christianson, Grueneich, Headland, D. Ruby, Holle, Toman, D. Johnston, Heinert. Sponsors (Senate): Senators Cory, Castaneda.
- Governor signed (reported 03/21/2025); filed with Secretary of State 03/24/2025.
Purpose
- To amend subsection 4 of section 39‑21‑39 of the North Dakota Century Code to change the allowable minimum visible light transmittance (VLT) for motor vehicle windows, and to correct related language about mirror requirements.
Key provisions
- VLT thresholds:
- Windshield: unchanged — any tint/material on the front windshield must permit at least 70% light transmittance.
- Other windows (side and rear): the statute is amended to require that tint/material on windows other than the windshield have a light transmittance of at least 35% (amending the prior 50% threshold). In effect, this permits darker tinting on non‑windshield windows (lower permitted VLT).
- Mirrors exception: the subsection continues to exempt windows behind the operator when the vehicle is equipped with outside mirrors on both sides that meet the requirements of section 39‑21‑38 (text cleaned up to correct grammar).
- Operative rule: an individual may not operate a motor vehicle with tint below these stated minimums.
Who is affected
- Vehicle owners/drivers: owners may apply or retain darker tint (down to 35% VLT) on windows other than the windshield.
- Window‑tint businesses and automotive accessory retailers: likely increase in demand for darker tint products and installation services.
- Law enforcement and traffic safety officials: enforcement practices may need updating (measurement standards, training), and visibility considerations during stops/night operations may change.
- No explicit exemptions or implementation funding are included in the amendment text.
Practical and policy implications
- Privacy, glare reduction, and vehicle‑interior temperature control benefits for drivers and passengers may increase with allowance of darker tint.
- Concerns commonly raised with darker tinting include reduced officer and first‑responder visibility into vehicle interiors and decreased driver visibility under some conditions; the bill does not add compensating requirements (e.g., marking, certification).
- The amendment only changes statutory VLT thresholds; enforcement depends on existing testing tools, procedures, and any administrative guidance agencies issue.
Notes and context
- This summary focuses on the North Dakota HB 1340 text amending NDCC §39‑21‑39. Multiple unrelated bills in other states were also filed as “HB 1340” in 2025 on different topics (e.g., parental leave in Maryland, ultrasound requirements in Illinois, conservancy district road funding in Indiana, judicial retirement in Arkansas). Those are separate measures and are not part of this North Dakota statute change.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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