Here we go…again. Tinted windows and Rocky Point Mexico. Because of the powerful sun and brutal heat across the southwest, many American drivers want all the help they can get. Next, because many Americans love going to Puerto Peñasco, the legality of window tint becomes a tourism issue.
Unfortunately, it is quite controversial. However personally, I am not sure why.
Ultimately, perhaps confusion is the hidden engine driving the problem. In the event this is true, let’s shed proper light on the facts involving tinted windows and Rocky Point. This way, you can get back to more pleasant and positive matters such as enjoying tacos, tequila, and Sandy Beach.
First, let’s map out the scene.
Window Tint in Social Media
If you follow social media at all, this should come as no surprise. After all, repetition is a proven method for raising awareness. As a result, social media acts like high-octane fuel for the talk of tinted windows. It’s a case of “The Fast and the Furious.”
Here’s why.
People often feel angry after they get stopped and fined by police in Mexico for having tinted windshields. So, they vent in the easiest way possible. They are fast and furious to complain online. It is quite common to see posts on Facebook and Instagram about the woes of window tint. These are usually followed by all kinds of comments. Yet, this doesn’t lead to solutions.
Remember the adage, “Two wrongs don’t make a right.”
Police Corruption Troubles Tourists
It is more than fair to point out the ongoing problem of police corruption in Mexico. This clouds the matter of tinted windows. It makes it super easy for people to combine and confuse the two issues. Furthermore, it also makes it difficult for the public to accept when police officers are simply enforcing the law as they are supposed to do.
For example, Americans visiting Rocky Point Mexico seem to be targeted more by local police for traffic violations. Meanwhile, Mexican citizens often get away with speeding and other clear moving violations. It is even common to see vehicles driving freely around town without a license plate or registration.
Another problem is a local police officer solicits bribes for alleged speeding violations. Granted, they don’t have accurate radar detection, and accusations are the driver’s word against theirs. Nonetheless, because tourists are afraid or don’t know better, they often choose to pay the bribe on the spot. This rewards the bad behavior even though paying the fine at the police station is always less. Still, this keeps happening just like the fines for tinted windows.
Now, to the facts and the fix.
Are Tinted Windows Illegal in Mexico?
Yes and no. But first friends, you must change lanes with your focus. Stop asking, “Are tinted windows illegal in Mexico?” This is the WRONG question to ask!
If you are driving to Puerto Peñasco, the only thing that matters is the law in the Mexican state of Sonora. Driving to and from Rocky Point means passing through the state of Sonora where its state law prevails.
Plain and simple…this is the one law you must know.
Article 27 of Sonora Traffic Law states it is legal for a vehicle to have tinted windows on the side windows and rear windshield. IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A TINTED FRONT WINDSHIELD ON YOUR VEHICLE.
Legislators and law enforcement say the primary reason for the law is your safety and theirs. It is because officers need to be able to clearly see how many people are in a vehicle.
Window Tint Laws Vary
I don’t like corrupt police officers anywhere any more than you do. However, that is a completely different issue. Sometimes police in Puerto Peñasco or Sonoyta enforce a Sonora state law prohibiting tinted front windshields on vehicles.
Tinted Windows and Rocky Point Mexico trips is not an isolated problem. The laws regarding tinted windows vary by state. Did you know this also true across the United States? For your convenience, you can see the American state laws for window tint here.
The best way to avoid a ticket and fine for tinted windows is to face the issue head on. Know the law says the front windshield on any vehicle you drive to and from Rocky Point Mexico cannot be tinted. Hopefully knowing you must have a clear front windshield clears up any confusion.
Enjoy a hassle-free visit next time. We’ll look for you at the beautiful Sonoran Sun Resort.