Cars with tinted windows look fancy for sure, but if you live in New York, that won’t be a good idea! Thanks to the New York tint laws, you cannot use tint film on the windows whenever you want.
But what do these laws say? Well, that’s what we’ll discuss here today.
It was 1991 when the car tinting law in New York was proposed and revised in 2017. It talks about how dark or reflective your car window tint should be, depending on the state you live in.
We’ve provided all the information you need in this regard over here. Also, there is some extra information on rules and regulations, which you should obey if you don’t want to get fined.
New York Tint Laws 2023 – Everything You Need to Know
Before you get to know the New York window tint laws, you need to learn about the VLT. So before we get into the details, let’s talk about it first!
What does VLT mean according to New York state law?
The VLT or Visible Light Transmission indicated the percentage of detectable light that passes through your car’s window.
When the VLT is lower, the window tint will get darker. And higher VLT means that more light will penetrate the windows without any trouble.
For instance, if you install 75% tint on the glasses, 75% light will go through them. And when the tint is 5%, the insides of your car will be way darker!
By the way, We have in-depth content about VLT and window tint percentage for your reference. We recommend checking it out If you want to know the different levels of window tint.
So, what is the legal tint in New York- NY window tint law 2023
The New York window tint law is different for each type of vehicle. For passenger and multipurpose vehicles, you have to follow dissimilar rules.
So here are the NY window tint laws for multipurpose and passenger automobiles.
NY Legal Tint- Tint Darkness for Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield
If it is a non-reflective tint, you can use any tint darkness on the top 6 inches and for reflective tint must allow 70% light in - Front side windows
Must 70% light in according to tinted windows law NY. - Backside windows
The same goes here Must in 70% light in - Rear window
You can use any tint darkness According to the New York tint law
NY Legal Tint- Tint Darkness for Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield
If it is a non-reflective tint, you can use any tint darkness on the top 6 inches and for reflective tint must allow 70% light in - Front side windows
Must 70% light in according to tinted windows law NY. - Backside windows
The same goes here Must be in 70% light. - Rear window
You can use any tint darkness According to the New York tint law.
Window Tint Reflection in New York
Using tint on your automobile’s window can reflect the incoming light and reduce the heat. Moreover, the tinted windows also prevent glares.
Well, the window tint New York law authorizes some specific window reflection while using a tint. So if you ever think about coloring the glasses, pay attention to this as well.
Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front side windows
You don’t have permission to use mirrored or metallic tint - Backside window
The same goes here you don’t have permission to use mirrored or metallic tint
Tint reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front Side windows
You don’t have permission to use mirrored or metallic tint - Backside window
The same goes here you don’t have permission to use mirrored or metallic tint
Other New York Window Tint Rules and Regulations You Need to Know
When it comes to window tinting of your vehicle, New York is pretty serious about that. You will have plenty of rules and regulations to abide by.
Besides maintaining a specific percentage of the glare on each window, here are some other restrictions you need to follow, even if you want to do a subtle darkening.
Side mirrors in New York
If the back or rear window is tinted and the darkness is below 70% you have to use dual side mirrors by the New York tint law.
Restricted Colors
No color restriction according to the car tint law
Certificates
Not required to certify the film in New York state
Stickers
The sticker or label of compliance to identify legal tinting is required between the film & glass on every tinted window.
Penalties
Penalties can be up to $150 for violating the New York car tint law
Window Tint Exemption NY- New York Medical Exemption
In New York, the law states that any driver with a medical exemption can tint their car windows to any degree. To get this exemption, you must have a letter from your doctor that specifically states that you need to tint your windows for medical reasons. The letter must include your name, date of birth, and the specific reason why you need to tint your windows. You must also have this letter with you whenever you’re driving, and present it to a police officer if they ask for it.
How to Get Medical Exemption for Window Tint in New York?
The process for getting this New York Window Tint Exemption Form is fairly simple. You just need to go to your doctor and get a note from them stating that you need the dark tint for medical reasons. Once you have the note, take it to your local motor vehicle office and they will issue you an exemption sticker to put on your car.
New York Medical Exemption Requirements
| State | New York |
| Statute, regulation, or other sources | Vehicle and Traffic Law 375.12-a(c) 10 NYCRR 69-7.1 |
| For whom the exemption may apply | operator or habitual passenger |
| Reason(s) | porphyria, xeroderma pigmentosa, severe drug photosensitivity |
| Which windows | N/A |
| Limits on the amount of tint | the physician to specify the minimum level of light transmission required; commissioner must authorize |
| Certification from medical provider (which type[s] of provider) | physician |
| Application to state department | required |
| Vehicle must be marked | sticker to be attached to any window so shielded |
New York Medical Exemption Form
Click here to get the new york medical exemption form.
Benefits of Window Tinting in New York
The tint on your car’s window isn’t just a decorative thing; it comes with greater benefits too. So let’s talk about the advantage of coloring your vehicle’s window, shall we?
Prevents the Interior from Fading
While parking our cars, we always look for shades, don’t we? Well, it helps us to maintain the top-notch condition of our car’s exterior.
Likewise, when you use tints on your vehicle’s windows, the interior doesn’t have to face the harshness of the sunlight. Therefore, if you have beautiful leather seats, they are less likely to get damaged!
Blocks UV Rays
You don’t need to get lectured about the harmful effects of UV rays, do you? We all know that applying tons of sunscreen isn’t enough to protect you from damage. And when your car has tinted glasses, you can avert this UV situation pretty gracefully.
Get Better Security
Nothing is worst than people staring at you when you mind your own business in the car. The people in the backseat have to go through this problem more than the drivers. And when you get tinted glasses, you don’t have to go through this annoyance anymore.
Take a Chill Pill
When riding on the hottest summer days, even the AC won’t be enough to cool you down. But if you have tinted windows, you don’t have to worry about sweating anymore!
Cost of Car Window Tint in New York
The cost may vary from film to film when it is to tint. For instance, if you want to use a regular classic film for your Sedan, it will cost you up to 150-200 bucks. And when you want something exclusive like ceramic tints, you will need to spend $400 or more!
However, if you don’t have the budget to do the tinting professionally, you can get a DIY tint kit. It will cost you around a hundred bucks, which is a relief!
To know more detail about car tint cost click here.
New York, NY Tint Laws FAQ
Is 20 Tint Legal in NY?
For the front side window & backside window, 20% tint is illegal. But you can use 20% on the back windows as any tint darkness is allowed according to the New York tint law.
Is 30 Tint Legal in NY?
For the front side window & backside window, 30% tint is illegal. But you can use 30% on the back windows as any tint darkness is allowed according to the New York tint law.
Is 35 Tint Legal in NY?
For the front side window & backside window, 35% tint is illegal. But you can use 35% on the back windows as any tint darkness is allowed according to the New York tint law.
What is The Legal Window Tint in NY?
For the front side window & backside window, 70% tint is legal. you can use any tint darkness on the back windows.
For the windshield, if it is a non-reflective tint, you can use any tint darkness on the top 6 inches and for reflective tint must allow 70% light in
How Much is a Tint Ticket in NY?
When you break NY tint laws the first question that comes to your mind is how much is a ticket for tinted windows in NY. The answer is a New York tint ticket can cost $150.
What is the Darkest Legal Window Tint in New York
In New York, the darkest legal window tint for cars is 70% for the front windshield and front side windows. The back side windows and rear windshield can have a darker tint, but it still needs to allow at least 70% of visible light to pass through. The darkness of the tint is measured using Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which measures how much light passes through the tinted window. It’s important to note that any tint that exceeds the legal limit in New York can result in a fine, and the vehicle may not pass inspection. It’s always best to choose a reputable tinting service that is knowledgeable about the state’s laws and regulations to ensure that your vehicle is safe and legal to operate on the roads.
Secret Tips
How To Pass Inspection With Tinted Windows NY
New York Tint law references
- New York Consolidated Laws: Vehicle & Traffic (VAT), Article 9, Section 375.12-a: Light transmittance; medical exemptions
- New York Department of Motor Vehicles – Tinted windows
Medical exemption info
The Bottom Line
The goal of creating this article was to enlighten you about the New York tint laws so you can confidently drive your car through the state. The article you’ve read just now was last updated in 2021. If you think we’ve missed any new information, feel free to contact us anytime you want.
In conclusion, it is important to be familiar with the New York window tint laws if you are planning to get your car tinted. While there are some restrictions, the benefits of window tinting make it well worth the effort to follow the guidelines. To learn more about New York’s window tinting laws or for assistance finding a qualified installer, visit the website of the New York Criminal Justice Information Center.
