So I got a fix-it ticket because the previous owner has the rear headlights smoked. Problem is, the actual plastic is completely blackened out, its not just a film that went over the light. My question is, how can I replace them without having to replace the entire housing? Or is that my only option?

 

I think total replacement is your only option. I never heard of anyone getting that smoked look out of the plastic (unless it was a stick-on film).

 

Yea I accidentally chipped a piece off thinking I could scratch it off and I broke a small chunk of the plastic, its black all the way through :/

 

Rear headlights???

 

I wouldn't think that cleaning up the tint on the taillights would differ too much from cleaning up the haze on the headlights.
What do you have to lose ?
Search the forum for hazy headlights.
( I use the Meguier's Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit. )

 

+1 on that!

 

I cannot see how the color can be all the way through the material. A thin layer on glassy substances changes the color of the light as it passes through the tint and changes the color of what you see. If you were to pass light through from the other side it would look different.

It should come off as they say with the use of a headlight repair kit as they say above.

 

Hmmm, I'll give it a try. I'm selling the car soon so I need this done with. Alternatively I can just pay the ticket and not have to make the corrections, but that's a costly $350