Mild black tinting for ALL exterior lights, legal?

[Wilhelm_Fink]

I decided I don't like the "clear" look of my altezzas, looks like theres no lens at all on them.
So Im thinkin about giving them a SLIGHT black tint (maybe 1 coat of black tint spray), so you can still see the inner detail of the altezzas.

...and then tinting the rest of the lenses on the car (headlights, turn signals, fogs, side blinkers) to all match with the same small amount of black tint.
HOW LEGAL WILL I BE?? Especially in the headlight department, remembering I'm gonna keep the shade as light as possible.
And finally, WILL IT LOOK GOOD??! (obviosly I'm thinking yes, but need opinions, thanks)

[MX3-Freak]

The altezza's, I would tint red for legality and looks. The headlights tintd even with one shade of black will probily be down right uselss. Look at them with good clear polished lenses... they suck!. So unless you plan to do a headlight upgrade (HID projectors) I wouldnt risk tinting them. As for the rest of the lights....they should be fine with lights coats of any color (not legal, but fine for intended purpose.)

[atlantamx3]

Yeah it looks pretty good. Jeff Abrams did it last year -- everything except the headlights.

Looked great.

[Gro Harlem]

1: it is the epitome of "ricer".

2: it will reduce the output of your headlights and taillights. Say hello someone rearending you for not being able to see your taillights light up. Plus not being able to see anything at night through your headlights.

3: Did I mention it makes the car look awful?

[johnnyb]

how is tinting taillights and sidemarkers considered "ricer" to some putting on altezzas is the ultimate definition of ricer besides if done properly theres no way in hell someone wont be able to see you. I have tinted tails and sidemarkers on my car and I've been told by many people that it looks good on my car because its a black car and it cuts down on the orange.


As for legality As long as you dont tint too dark there shouldn't be a problem but check your local laws, you're in the UK so I'm not sure what they think about it, dont tint the headlights, you're lucky to have glass ones so they dont turn yellow like the rest of us.

[Gro Harlem]

b/c its sole purpose is to "improve appearance" and its a half-as#ed way of doing it. Spraying the tint on looks awful, and reduces the effectiveness and legality of your lights.

[papa roached]

Originally posted by Gro Harlem:
b/c its sole purpose is to "improve appearance" and its a half-as#ed way of doing it.

kinda like altezzas huh? sorry man, have to play devils advocate and for the record i dont like them tinted

<small>[ June 08, 2004, 07:09 PM: Message edited by: papa roached ]</small>

[johnnyb]

so whats the problem with improving the appearance of the car? If done correctly you lose absolutely no performance so its a win-win situation. Also how would it be half-assed theres more effort in tinting the lenses and polishing them smooth then just screwing on an altezza light

<small>[ June 08, 2004, 09:02 PM: Message edited by: johnnyb ]</small>

[DavidOS]

some things look cool
i havnt seen any tinted lights that i like.... yet.

i do like the carbon fibre or black altezzas they offer now... they look more like stock and give a nice shape to the rear brake lights.

anyhow.... there is no sure deffinition of ricer... do what you want to your car some ppl will love it some ppl will hate it no matter where you are.

bottom line the ppl who love it dont know
and the ppl who hate it think they know but they dont.
your the only one who knows "your" car so have fun.

[atlantamx3]

Here is Jeff Abrams old MX-3.

http://www.mazdamaniac.com/mx3

Has to be THE Hottest MX-3 to ever roam the earth.

[Taras]

NOt sure about Uk or Europe, but in US and Canada, according to FMVSS108 and CMVSS108, any tinting or application of film to any of your lights are illegal. Funny thing, that a clear aftermarket film applied to the headlights is illegal as well.

I guess it depends on your local law officer and whether you have an annual inspection that is going to check your lights.

There is a definite liability issue with darker than normal taillights if someone rearends you. I would not risk it.

[Wilhelm_Fink]

Thanks for your opinions, I just think a slight tint would add a bit of definition to the lights (especially altezzas), I'm not going for the completely blacked out look.
Thanks for the link to Jeff's car atlantamx3, I don't wanna go as dark as his lights but it gives the idea.
Think Im looking for a 5-10% black tint, should look OK and won't effect light output too much.

[LoopyMx3]

i have everything tinted but the headlights and love the look:

<img src="http://images.cardomain.com/member_imag ... 2_full.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://images.cardomain.com/member_imag ... 3_full.gif" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://www.angelfire.com/bug/loopymx2/11.jpg" alt=" - " />

[johnnyb]

if you are to tint your taillights and feel they are too dim do what I did and get a slightly higher wattage bulb, then it looks just like it should when lit.

If I remember correctly aftermarket altezzas arent DOT approved either so either way if you want legal you have to stay stock

[mx3frik]

Originally posted by Wilhelm_Fink:
Think Im looking for a 5-10% black tint, should look OK and won't effect light output too much.

IMO (and maybe a bit of FYI) 5% is as dark as can be. Keep in mind when it comes to tint the percentage is the amount of light going through and not and percentage darkened. So 30% would let 30% of light going through and thus a lighter tint than 5%. Thought I've to mention so you don't shop up at the shop getting the darkest tint instead of the lightest...

Cheers,

Eugene