Legal Question in Traffic Law in Georgia

I was pulled over Friday and ticketed for my window tint being to dark. I explained to the officer that I purchased this from World Toyota this way. His response to me was that's my problem.

I don't think it is fair to the consumer to have to shell out hundreds of dollars to get tint removed when the dealership should have known and disclosed to me that the tint was illegal.

Is there some recourse in the law for this. Someone told me that if you can prove it was purchased this way the ticket will be thrown out but I haven't read that in Georgia law.

Can I go back to the dealer to fix this at no cost to me. How is this my fault. What if I couldn't afford to fix this?


Asked on 11/14/11, 5:49 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

There is no recourse in the law. If you operate a vehicle with too dark a tint, you get the ticket.

You could spend a lot on lawyers fees. But since the worst that happens is a few hundred dollars here is what I would suggest.

(1) Go to the dealer and speak to the owner or manager. If they are reputable, even though they probably do not have to remove the tint, I suspect they will. Ask if the dealer will give you paperwork that documents they sold the vehicle that way and also to show they removed it.

(2) On your court date, show the paperwork to the solicitor if there is one, or otherwise to the judge. Some courts may dismiss the case (although they do not have to). If they do not and you are fined, go back to the dealer. Ask the dealer if he will reimbuse you (even though he does not have to).

(3) If the dealer does not help you, file a Better Business Bureau complaint against the dealer. And you could try suing the dealer in Magistrates (Small Claims) Court for the amount it costs to remove the tint and pay the ticket. While you would not have a strong case, the dealer probably will prefer paying you to paying a lawyer.

(4) Obviously never do business with the dealer again unless they help you.

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Answered on 11/14/11, 6:54 pm


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