I disagree Tim.
Take this for example...
Kansas does not issue a front plate nor require vehicles to display a front plate.
No state with a front plate law may issue me a ticket for not having a front plate.
You are correct in that states may make and enforce any law they want.(For residents of that state) However if the law is in contradiction to a lawfully registered vehicle of my state of residence then they can do nothing about it as I drive anywhere in their state. I need only comply with federal and my state laws and regulations regarding equipment on my vehicle.
The same example can be used for window tinting. As long as my window tinting is legal in my state I don't care nor does any other state have jurisdiction over my vehicle even if I am driving on their roadways.
Now commercial vehicles are a whole different story.
P.S. Not all states have a "safety inspection" for non commercial vehicles. I know Kansas and California don't.
I think you are confusing the legal requirements to obtain and renew your vehicle license registration, and a State's right to pass and enforce laws. Believe me, I've had this same discussion many times...
Kansas, and many other States only issue one plate, therefore you are in compliance with your State Law for the issuance of your plate. All States have Laws stating something to the effect that you must have and display a currently registered License plate, as issued by your State of residence. DCBox has pointed out that DC issues a registration sticker that is affixed to the inside of the windshield. This would comply with any other States Laws, since he has his plate, and current registration.
But you are partially incorrect in stating that States may only enforce the Laws for residents of their State. The difference is whether or not the Law is a DOT Licensing requirement, or Highway Traffic Act Regulation.
Your example of window tint is a perfect example of this. In Ontario I'm allowed to have tinted windows (I forget the exact amount of gradient off the top of my head) on all windows except the front driver and passenger windows and the windshield, which can only be tinted to a lesser degree. This would be a Licensing requirement. In order to pass a safety inspection, I need to be in compliance with all the safety regulations. Provincial Police and MTO inspectors can also pull me over at any time to ensure my vehicle meets those standards, and ticket me if they don't. (we also don't have annual safety inspections, just emissions tests every 3 years). BUT, I can't be ticketed in another jurisdiction for not being in compliance with their tinting law, since, as you pointed out, I don't have to pass their safety inspection.
BUT, if North Carolina passes a Highway Traffic Act Regulation, specifying that you can't have a plate cover hiding the State or registration sticker on your vehicle, then that Law would apply to ANY vehicle traveling on any road in North Carolina.
Same as States who have passed the No Cell Phone (or any similar law). If I'm driving in New York State, and talking on my cell phone while driving, then I'm getting a ticket. Same if I don't wear a seat belt. They don't care where my vehicle is registered, or that I don't hold a license from that State, I'm still getting that ticket. I can decide not to pay it, and there isn't a lot they can do, except notify my home DOT of the offense, but it's not like they can cancel My license for not paying that ticket. (but they can issue a warrant for my arrest if I have enough unpaid tickets, and I might want to be careful driving in that State in the future...lol)
Sorry BigTz, but enough of the States are realizing that they can do this, and are changing their laws to HTA regs, since these are more enforceable than DOT safety, and they can nail more out-of-State vehicles that way. HTA tickets will also follow you to your home State, and will go on your driving abstract, but the points won't. It really doesn't matter, since your insurance Co checks your abstract when you renew, so anything on there can be a problem...
