Fremont Cracks Down On Windshield Tint

Fremont Police said on May 14 that officers will increase enforcement of front windshield tint violations in the coming weeks after a citywide traffic operation produced dozens of tint-related citations. The department said dark or noncompliant tint can reduce visibility for drivers and make traffic stops more dangerous for officers who cannot see clearly into a vehicle. The stepped-up enforcement was announced a day after Fremont officers worked with other agencies from the Alameda County High Impact Traffic Team. The department said the effort combined education, warnings and citations. ### How did Fremont announce the crackdown? A May 14 post from the Fremont Police Department’s official Nextdoor account said officers will increase enforcement of front windshield tint violations over the next several weeks. The department tied the move to a broader traffic safety operation conducted across Fremont on May 13. The Fremont Police Department said the May 13 operation resulted in more than 400 citations. Of those, 69 were for windshield and window tint violations, 214 were for speeding, 60 were for stop-sign violations and 43 were for cell phone violations, according to the post. ### Why are officers focusing on front windshield tint? (nextdoor.com) Fremont Police said front windshield tint “poses real safety risks on the road” because it increases glare and reduces visibility. The department said that can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles. (nextdoor.com) The same May 14 post said tinted windshields can also increase danger during traffic stops when officers cannot clearly see inside a vehicle. Fremont Police said keeping the front windshield clear helps protect drivers, passengers and the public. ### What does California law say about windshield tint? (nextdoor.com) California Vehicle Code Section 26708 bars drivers from operating a vehicle with material placed on the windshield or windows if it obstructs or reduces the driver’s clear view, according to the state code and California Highway Patrol guidance. The California DMV driver handbook separately says drivers may not place signs or other objects on the front windshield or side rear windows that block their view. (nextdoor.com) The California DMV also says a windshield must allow a full, clear, unblocked view for a driving test. That handbook language does not address Fremont enforcement directly, but it reflects the state’s emphasis on unobstructed visibility through the windshield. ### Are any exceptions allowed? California law includes limited exceptions to Section 26708, including certain devices and materials that do not block the driver’s clear view, according to the statute and DMV guidance. (california.public.law) The DMV handbook lists narrow placement allowances for some items, including electronic toll devices in the upper center portion of the windshield and small items in lower corners of certain windows. (dmv.ca.gov) California also allows some medical-related tint exemptions under Section 26708, according to secondary legal summaries and DMV forms, though drivers would need to carry supporting documentation. Because the Fremont Police announcement did not spell out how officers will handle exemptions during stops, motorists would need to rely on state rules and any documents tied to their exemption. (california.public.law) ### What happens next for drivers in Fremont? In the coming weeks, Fremont officers said they will continue targeted enforcement of front windshield tint violations following the May 13 operation. The department said officers generally begin with education and warnings when possible, but citations are issued when needed. (legalclarity.org) Drivers cited in Fremont can find traffic citation information through the Fremont Police Department website, while California Vehicle Code and driver handbook guidance remain available through state and local government pages. Fremont Police lists its general line as 510-790-6800 and provides online traffic citation resources through its public information pages. (fremontpolice.gov) (nextdoor.com)