is there a possible M5 eye doctor?

[phillym5]

i got a tint ticket a month ago here in michigan. when i went to court the judge told me i needed a doctors note saying my eyes were bothered without the tint. i really hate to wear sunglasses, and really dont want to take the tint off. also, i believe its unconstitutional to say you cant have your windows tinted. almost all govnt. cars are tinted. when the cop pulled me over both my windows were down, he asked me to roll them up. then wrote me up. if i just pay the ticket, i get two points on my liscense. its pretty lame. i would love to beat this. anybody want to help?? by the way, he pulled me over for loud exhaust........
>>>hands on the wheel....(gun out)<<<<<
>>>Son, you got glass packs in there???<<<<<<<
>>>are you serious?<<<<<<<
>>>roll up your windows please<<<<<<<
>>>those arent legal<<<<<

josh.

[M Power]

Josh.. contact SchnelleM5.. he is an ophthalmoligist.. a really fancy eye doctor.. maybe he can help.. but he is in Minnesota I think.

[schnelleM5]

Hi, Josh:

From an ophthalmologist's standpoint, I would encourage you to always wear 100% UVA/UVB blocking sunglasses, wrap-arounds at that, whenever you are outside or when driving, even on overcast days. The deleterious effects of long term UV exposure on the eye are well known. It is true that certain medical conditions or a history of eye surgeries/trauma can lead to chronic photophobia, but unless this can be documented you are unlikely to convince a judge that a full window tint is medically necessary.

By the way I would be more than happy to take a look at your eyes if you are ever over this way.

[M'nd]

Unconstitutional!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think its unconstitutional to restrict the speed limit to 55mph..........its that freedom of expression thing.......right?

[phillym5]

schnellem5.......

so your saying an eye doctor cant just write up a slip and say......josh needs the window tint to protect his weak and irritable eyes.......? i think thats all the magistrate is looking for.

josh.

[mottati]

Josh,

Yes, you could get a note on an Rx pad, or a more formal letter on letterhead stating that you are photophobic and require tinted windows, dark tinted sunglasses etc. I've done it a couple times over the past 5 or 6 years, but i honestly don't know how much it's worth. It may get you out of the initial ticket, but I think schnellM5 was refering to getting you off in court, where they may want something a little more detailed.

[phillym5]

i see. it is just a ticket. its not a "real" court thing. its just one of the things the cop wrote me up for. im going in tomarrow for a eye test. i figure id just tell the doc im sensitive to the sun and need to keep the tint on the car. maybe hell just write me up a note. hopefully. i really dont think its that serious. especially when i told the judge ill just pay the fine. then he said it adds points to my liscence. and gave me the chance to get the note. the note was his idea. so, good luck to me. eye doctors out there.....you could and are welcome to mail me a note if you would like.

hopefully i can get the note.....then everytime i get pulled over for tint i can be like........ its legal!!!!!!!

josh.

[mottati]

It might look a little fishy coming from california! I'd play up the light sensitivity deal during the exam! (or find one with car magazines in the waiting room, like mine! then just level with him!)...

[louv]

I think the restriction on tinting is as much for the policeman's benefit as to make sure you have the best possible view out of your windows.

Look at it from the cop's point of view: You pull over a car and the windows are tinted so dark that you can't see inside the car from any window. What are you going to do to protect yourself? You are going to treat the driver like (s)he was already drawing down on you. and then people get upset that they are treated like criminals. Well, he can't feel safe unless he can see what's going on inside your car.

2nd, Look at it from the perspective of Tinting obstructs your view. Maybe not much, but you are blocking some light. You are making it slightly less safe for everyone by reducing your visibility in certain situations. Yes, maybe just a tiny bit, but maybe a whole lot, like at night.

Whatever, I'm not trying to take away your right to tint, just playing devil's advocate.

And BTW, love the word "photophobia". Eeeeeek!!! A lightbulb!!! Run awaaaaaaaaay!!!!!

[phinnbillM5]

phillm5,
Check with the National Motorists Assn (www.motorists.org) as they might be able to provide you info on dealing with that ticket.