1 day Ago By Michael Golson
A DRIVER has revealed how they’ve failed a car inspection three times - and even risk a hefty fine for good measure. Ana, from North Carolina , recently took to TikTok to discuss the struggles she and her fiance have faced getting their vehicle through a simple check-up. Under the handle @ana_k0307 , Ana showcased her fiance’s car-related problem.
She explained how three different inspection stations have all refused to pass his car - because its tinted windows are too dark. In a recent video, captioned: “Third inspection place that won’t pass his tint,” she films her fiance getting back into his car and looking mightily frustrated. The couple, who are from North Carolina, are unfortunately at the mercy of the state's strict rules around tinted windows .
Read more Motors News Indeed, the Department of Transportation states that windows should be no darker than 32% when tested with a North Carolina-approved window tint meter. Ana fails to specify the exact percentage of their car’s window tint, meaning it’s unknown whether they are just over the limit or significantly darker. Either way, it’s an issue that plagues a number of drivers in North Carolina, as well.
On sites such as Quora and Redd i t , North Carolinians have shared their tales of woe relating to failed inspections due to overly tinted windows. Most read in Motors In one instance, a truck owner was told their 18% front-side window tint was too dark, even though it had previously passed inspection without issue. It led to the suggestion that some rural inspection stations might be more forgiving.
One person on Reddit wrote, “Go to a more rural county inspection station; they will probably pass you.” "One in an area with lots of lifted trucks." Many on TikTok agreed, suggesting that Ana and her fiance try visiting an inspector in a smaller town.
In the video’s comments section, one person wrote: "You've gotta go to a small town and find a little shop that's about 20 to 40 minutes away. "That's what I do." Some viewers also vented their frustration at states like North Carolina that have such overly strict inspection rules.
“Thank God [Georgia] doesn’t have inspections,” one man wrote. “We have emissions testing but not in the county I live in.” Another added: “Massachusetts is probably even worse.
” Read More on The US Sun A third commented: “I need info for Fayetteville, North Carolina.” In North Carolina, violating regulations around windows that are overly tinted can result in a $50 fine, plus court costs that may exceed $200. Motorautocar and the AARP have east-to-follow tips to avoid being scammed by a repair shop.
Motorautocar suggests asking to see parts that have been replaced or to see old fluids after they were swapped. If the shop says that's impossible or refuses, it could be a sign it wasn't done. Ask for a walkaround of the repairs that were done.
Most mechanics are happy to show you what was done in the shop. While being walked around, look for evidence of repairs like the area being cleaned off, shiny new parts, tool marks on the bolts, tools being out or nearby, etc. Before taking your car in, look at other customer reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook.
Many customers only review a company if they have negative reviews, so keep an eye out. For costly repairs, consider getting multiple opinions. If two to three shops suggest identical repairs, it's likely to be true.
Test a new shop with minor issues you're aware of to see if they add anything to the repair bill. If applicable, bring someone to the shop who knows about cars to have them double-check or read a repair bill. Get everything on paper.
Not only is it important for your repair records, but it can help protect you if legal measures are necessary. Source: Motorautocar , AARP.
