State police cracking down on illegal window tint and license plate covers

Troopers are looking for drivers who are making it hard to see them and their license plates.

Louisiana State Police calls it "an enforcement campaign targeting illegal dark window tint and license plate coverings on vehicles to ensure compliance with state regulations and enhance public safety."

Trooper Ross Brennan says authorities are concerned about the dangers of excessively darkened windows.  He says it makes it harder for drivers to see out and for witnesses and cops to see in.

"Additionally, in hit-and-run incidents, obscured license plates hinder vehicle identification, complicating investigations and delaying justice for victims," he explained.

Captain Kevin Resweber, Commander of Louisiana State Police Troop C, says that being able to see is very important for a driver.

"Maintaining proper visibility on the roadways is paramount," he emphasized "Dark window tints can significantly reduce a driver's ability to see clearly, especially at night or in adverse weather conditions. This not only endangers the driver and passengers but also poses a serious threat to pedestrians and other motorists."

The captain also stressed that illegal window tint can hinder law enforcement officers' ability to conduct traffic stops safely.

"When officers are unable to see inside a vehicle due to excessively dark window tint, it creates a potential officer safety concern. Traffic stops are a critical aspect of ensuring public safety, and obstructed visibility increases the risk for both officers and motorists."

Resweber says tint and covers can make it much harder to identify drivers who commit crimes or flee a crash.

"In cases where a vehicle with illegal tint and license plate covers are involved, these obstructions make it extremely challenging for witnesses to accurately identify the driver or obtain crucial vehicle identifying information."