Stricter Action Against Popularly Unpopular Mods
Hawaiʻi Island police have issued a stern reminder to vehicle owners following numerous complaints about modified trucks and illegal window tinting across the region. The announcement comes as authorities observe an increasing number of vehicles with modifications that violate county and state regulations.
Law enforcement officials have specifically noted concerns about lifted trucks equipped with wide, uncovered tires and vehicles featuring window tints that exceed legal limits. The violations have prompted calls from residents who cite both safety and environmental concerns about these increasingly popular modifications. The move has drawn support against these modified trucks that are also often spewing clouds of smoke, with modifications that enable what’s popularly known as rolling coal.
Finally, Enforcement Pays Off
Drivers caught operating vehicles with excessive bumper heights or uncovered oversized tires face fines between $57 and $72, though the financial consequences can escalate considerably. In situations where officers determine a vehicle poses safety risks, authorities reserve the right to have the vehicle towed, adding significant towing and storage costs to the initial citation.
Window tinting violations carry substantially steeper penalties. Vehicle owners found with illegally dark-tinted windows face a $287 fine, while installers who apply excessive tinting can be fined $537. Police emphasized that tint shops throughout the state understand legal limits for windows, making compliance straightforward.
Centex Tints
Why Some Modifications Are Anti-Social
Lifted trucks with oversized, uncovered tires present multiple hazards on roads across America. Regulations require all vehicles to have fenders, covers, flaps, or splash aprons that adequately cover their tires. Without proper coverage, mud, rocks, and debris can impair visibility for following drivers or cause damage to surrounding vehicles.
The environmental dimension extends beyond road safety. Uncovered oversized tires throw debris onto roadways, contributing to roadside pollution. Vehicles with oversized tires cannot pass safety inspections if the tire tread extends beyond the fender. More importantly, stricter police action will hopefully curb some of the more anti-social elements that come with modified car culture, which is a growing concern across the nation.
