Car Tint, or window tinting, offers numerous benefits, from enhancing vehicle aesthetics to increasing privacy and reducing glare. However, regulations surrounding car tint can vary significantly by state. In New Jersey, standard car tinting is restricted, but medical exemptions are available for drivers who require tinted windows for health reasons. This guide will walk you through the process of obtaining a medical exemption for car tint in New Jersey, ensuring you stay compliant with state laws while prioritizing your health and comfort.
Understanding New Jersey Car Tint Laws and Medical Necessity
New Jersey law permits windshield and front side window tinting only when a driver obtains a medical exemption from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC). This exemption is designed for individuals with specific medical conditions that make them photosensitive or otherwise require protection from sunlight while driving. Without a valid medical exemption, applying tint to these windows is against regulations and can lead to legal issues during vehicle inspections or traffic stops.
To legally tint your vehicle’s windshield or front side windows in New Jersey, you must demonstrate a medical necessity. This involves a formal application process through the NJMVC, requiring medical documentation and adherence to specific procedures. It’s crucial to understand that seeking a medical exemption is not just about personal preference; it’s a process grounded in genuine medical needs recognized by the state.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtain a Medical Exemption for Car Tint in NJ
Applying for a medical exemption for car tint in New Jersey involves a clear, step-by-step process. It’s important to follow each step diligently to ensure your application is processed smoothly and you receive the necessary approvals. Here is a detailed guide to navigate the application:
Step 1: Obtain and Complete Form MVC Sunscreening 1
The first step is to acquire and fill out the “Request for Medical Exemption to Apply Vehicle Sun-screening” form, officially known as MVC Sunscreening 1. This form is available on the NJMVC website, often found within the driver services or forms section. You will need to accurately complete all sections of this form, providing your personal information, vehicle details, and the medical reason for your request. Ensure the information is legible and correct to avoid any delays in processing.
Step 2: Submit Your Application to the Customer Advocacy Office
Once you have completed Form MVC Sunscreening 1, you need to submit it along with the required medical documentation to the NJMVC’s Customer Advocacy Office. The submission can be done via mail to the following address:
Customer Advocacy Office
Attn: Sunscreening Exemption
PO Box 403
Trenton, NJ 08666-0403
Ensure you include all necessary supporting medical documents, such as a doctor’s note or medical records that clearly state your medical condition and the necessity for car window tinting. Keep a copy of all documents submitted for your records.
Step 3: Await Temporary Approval and Confirmation Form
After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the Customer Advocacy Office to review your case. If your application is preliminarily approved, you will receive a temporary approval document titled “MVC Sunscreening 2,” which is valid for 60 days. Along with this temporary approval, you will also receive a Sunscreening Installation Confirmation form labeled “MVC Sunscreening 3.” This step signifies that the NJMVC has acknowledged your initial request and is allowing you to proceed with the tinting process under temporary authorization.
Step 4: Visit a Licensed Sunscreening Facility
Upon receiving the temporary approval and confirmation form, your next step is to visit a licensed sunscreening facility in New Jersey. A list of licensed facilities is provided by the NJMVC for your convenience (see below). Present your temporary approval form and the Sunscreening Installation Confirmation page to the licensed installer. The installer will then complete and sign the Sunscreening Installation Confirmation page after applying the window tint. Using a licensed facility is crucial to ensure compliance and proper installation.
Step 5: Keep Temporary Approval in Your Vehicle
It is imperative to keep the temporary approval document “MVC Sunscreening 2” in your vehicle at all times while driving during the temporary approval period. This document serves as proof to law enforcement that you are in the process of obtaining a permanent medical exemption for your car tint and are operating within the allowed timeframe.
Step 6: Submit the Installation Confirmation Page
After the licensed facility has installed your car tint and completed the Sunscreening Installation Confirmation page (MVC Sunscreening 3), you must submit this completed form back to the Customer Advocacy Office. You can submit it either by email or by mail to the PO Box address mentioned in Step 2. This submission informs the NJMVC that the tint has been installed by a licensed facility, and you are ready for final approval.
Step 7: Receive Permanent Approval Document
Once the NJMVC receives and processes your Sunscreening Installation Confirmation page, and if everything is in order, you will be issued a permanent approval document, “MVC Sunscreening 4.” This permanent approval is valid for 48 months. It is crucial to keep this document in your vehicle at all times alongside your temporary approval (until it expires) and be prepared to present it to law enforcement or during vehicle inspections. As a courtesy, it’s advisable to roll down your tinted windows if you are pulled over by law enforcement to facilitate clear communication.
Step 8: Renew Your Sunscreening Document Every 48 Months
Medical exemptions for car tint in New Jersey are not indefinite. You are required to renew your Sunscreening document every 48 months. The renewal process involves using form “MVC Sunscreening 1” again. This ensures that your medical condition and the necessity for car tint are periodically reviewed and remain valid according to NJMVC regulations. Staying on top of the renewal timeline is important to avoid any lapse in your legal exemption.
Finding Licensed Car Tinting Facilities in New Jersey
The NJMVC provides a list of licensed tinting facilities to ensure that installations are performed correctly and comply with regulations. Using a facility from this list is a mandatory step in the medical exemption process. Here are some of the licensed facilities in New Jersey:
Andy’s Window Tint 705 Van Houten Avenue Clifton, NJ 07013 973-779-6442
Electronic Environment 747 Trumbull Ave Lawrenceville NJ 08648 609-393-6695
Imagine Audio 304 Haddonfield Rd. Cherry Hill, NJ 08002. Tele # 856-488-1466. http://www.imagineaudio.com/
JG Holdings of New Jersey, Inc. 2439 Route 33 Neptune, NJ 0775 732-774-1800
Fabulous Auto Alarms, LLC 105 Columbia Ave Passaic, NJ 07055 973-955-4390
Richard E. Richie Enterprises Inc. 930 Lacey Road POB 95 Forked River, NJ 08731 (609) 693- 07403
Top Shelf Automotive, LLC 1239 McCarter Hwy Newark NJ 07104 862-902-7888
Coastal Sound Shop Inc. 1102 New Road Northfield, NJ 08225 (609) 646-6282
Shore Customs 1213 State Route 35 North Ocean, New Jersey 07712 Phone: 732-988-5600 Fax: 732-676-7741 www.shorecustoms.com
The Window Tinters LLC 520 Fellowship Rd., Unit B204 Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 856-812-0607 www.thewindowtintersnj.com
Gabrielle Window Tinting Inc 206 Medford Mt. Holly Rd., Suite C Medford, NJ 08055 856-840-0900
When choosing a facility, consider factors such as location, customer reviews, and the specific types of tint they offer to ensure they meet your needs and preferences within the legal medical exemption framework.
Conclusion
Obtaining a medical exemption for car tint in New Jersey is a structured process designed to accommodate drivers with genuine medical needs. By following these steps, from initial application to renewal, you can legally enjoy the benefits of car tint while adhering to New Jersey regulations. Remember to maintain all approval documents in your vehicle and renew your exemption as required to remain compliant. Prioritizing your health and safety on the road, while understanding and respecting state laws, is essential for every driver.
