The next few weeks I will be answering common traffic related questions.

Q: What is the law concerning the window tint on car windows? — Andy from Stevensville

A: Vehicle Code (MVC) 257.709(1) states: “ A person shall not operate a motor vehicle with any of the following: (a) A sign, poster, non-transparent material, window application, reflective film or non-reflective film upon or in the front windshield; the side windows immediately adjacent to the driver or front passenger; or the sidewings adjacent to and forward of the driver or front passenger, except that a tinted film may be used along the top edge of the windshield and the side windows or sidewings immediately adjacent to the driver or front passenger if the material does not extend more than 4 inches from the top of the windshield, or lower than the shade band, whichever is closer to the top of the windshield. (b) A rear window or side window to the rear of the driver composed of, covered by, or treated with a material that creates a total solar reflectance of 35 percent or more in the visible light range, including a silver or gold reflective film.

This does not include factory tint (smoked glass). This is a traffic citation.

Q: Can you explain the “Move Over Law?” — Darla from Niles.

A: MVC 257.253a states: “Upon approaching and passing a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is giving a visual signal by means of flashing, rotating, or oscillating red, blue, or white lights … the driver of an approaching vehicle shall exhibit due care and caution, as required under the following: (a) On any public roadway with at least two adjacent lanes proceeding in the same direction of the stationary authorized emergency vehicle, the driver of the approaching vehicle shall proceed with caution and yield the right-of-way by moving into a lane at least 1 moving lane or two vehicle widths apart from the stationary authorized emergency vehicle, unless directed otherwise by a police officer. If movement to an adjacent lane or two vehicle widths apart is not possible due to weather, road conditions, or the immediate presence of vehicular or pedestrian traffic in parallel moving lanes, the driver of the approaching vehicle shall proceed as required in the following: On any public roadway that does not have at least two adjacent lanes proceeding in the same direction as the stationary authorized emergency vehicle, or if the movement by the driver of the vehicle into an adjacent lane or two vehicle widths apart is not possible as described in subdivision (a), the approaching vehicle shall reduce and maintain a safe speed for weather, road conditions and vehicular or pedestrian traffic and proceed with due care and caution, or as directed by a police officer. Violation of this law is a misdemeanor.

Next week I will continue with motorcycle laws, the “Good Samaritan law” and a question concerning funeral processions.

E-mail your questions to trooperrob53@yahoo.com.