Window Tinting Laws in New York

Car window tinting laws were implemented in New York in 1991 and ammended in 2017.

We've given you all the essential details regarding the tint on your car's windows, such as the permissible darkness and reflectiveness levels, specific to your state.

Did you know that there are specific rules and regulations regarding car window tinting in New York? It's important to familiarize yourself with these guidelines to ensure you stay within the law. Let's explore the details below.

Windows Tint darkness in New York

VLT, short for Visible Light Transmission, refers to the percentage of visible light that can pass through the windows of your car.

Did you know that the state of New York has specific regulations regarding the amount of light that can pass through window films and glass installed on sedan cars, SUVs, and vans? These regulations vary depending on the type of vehicle.

Window tint darkness for sedans

Windshield: it is permissible to have non-reflective tint (should permit more than 70% of light in) on the top 6 inches of your windshield.
Front Side: The windows on the front side should permit more than 70% of light to pass through them.
Back Side: The back side windows should permit more than 70% of light to pass through them.
Rear Window: You can use tint with any darkness.

Window Tint darkness for SUVs and vans

Windshield: it is permissible to have non-reflective tint (should permit more than 70% of light in) on the top 6 inches of your windshield.
Front Side: The windows on the front side should permit more than 70% of light to pass through them.
Back Side: You can use tint with any darkness.
Rear Window: You can use tint with any darkness.

Window Tint Reflection in New York

Did you know that window tint has the ability to bounce back light that enters and minimize both the glare and heat?

Did you know that in New York, there are specific guidelines regarding window tinting? It's essential to be aware of these guidelines to ensure you're within the legal limits of window reflection when using tinted windows.

Tint reflection on sedans

Front Side: No visible presence of metal or reflective surfaces.
Back Side: No visible presence of metal or reflective surfaces.

Tint reflection for SUVs and vans

Front Side: No visible presence of metal or reflective surfaces.
Back Side: No visible presence of metal or reflective surfaces.

Other New York window tint rules and regulations

In New York, there are various additional laws, rules, and regulations related to window tinting that are worth mentioning. These include the following:

Side Mirrors: If you have tinted your back window below 70% VLT, it is necessary to have two side mirrors installed.
Forbidden Colors: In New York, you can use any tint colors on your windows without any restrictions.
Certificates: Film manufacturers are not obligated to certify the film they distribute within this jurisdiction.
Stickers of Compliance: These stickers are used to indicate that the tint on the window complies with legal regulations. These stickers should be placed between the film and the glass on each tinted window.
Medical Exceptions: There are certain circumstances in which you can get a medical exemption for special tint on your vehicle. If you're interested in learning more about the specific conditions and requirements for this exemption, I suggest referring form MV-80W below in links chapter.

Just a heads up, the laws and regulations regarding window tinting in New York might vary depending on where you live or the specific county you're in.

Make sure to verify the information provided by reaching out to your local DMV or law enforcement authorities.

Our knowledge regarding the regulations on window tint in New York was most recently revised in 2024.

Tinting regulations were put into effect in New York back in 1991 and ammended in 2017.

If you come across any outdated or inaccurate information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would appreciate the opportunity to rectify it. Thank you!

Looking to learn about window tint laws? Look no further than the reputable industry expert who has built a solid reputation for delivering accurate and reliable information. Feel confident as we shed light on the regulations surrounding window tinting. So, please share weblink to us in social networks.

General Info about New York State

New York, located in the northeastern region of the United States, is a state that I would describe as an area with a rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes.

Did you know that New York ranks 27th in terms of size, 3rd in terms of population, and 7th in terms of population density among the 50 states in the United States?

New York shares its southern borders with New Jersey and Pennsylvania, while its eastern borders are formed by Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont.

New York shares a maritime boundary with Rhode Island on the eastern side of Long Island. It also has a shared border with the Canadian provinces of Ontario to the west and north, as well as Quebec to the north.

New York State is frequently called by its full name to distinguish it from the bustling metropolis of New York City.

Capital: Albany

Population: 19,835,913 peoples

The area spans across 54,556 square miles or 141,300 square kilometers.

Cities in New York

New York City, Albany, Buffalo, Syracuse, Brooklyn, Rochester, Yonkers, Ithaca, Niagara Falls, White Plains, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Binghamton, Poughkeepsie, New Rochelle, Troy, Utica, Amityville, Town of Hempstead, Lake Placid, Plattsburgh, Huntington, Newburgh, Levittown, Scarsdale, Watertown, Great Neck, Elmira, Tarrytown, Cooperstown, Middletown, Garden City, Brookhaven, Islip, Smithtown, Canandaigua, Sleepy Hollow, Woodstock, Amherst, Bronxville, Babylon, Long Beach, Clifton Park, Glens Falls, Nyack, Mount Vernon, New Paltz, Town of Oyster Bay, Beacon, Rhinebeck

Counties in New York

Albany, Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Nassau, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orange, Orleans, Oswego, Otsego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Schuyler, Seneca, St , Lawrence, Steuben, Suffolk, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Westchester, Wyoming, Yates

Where to look more info about New York

Tint Law References

Info About Medical Exemption

New York DMV – Application for tinted window exemption (Form MV-80W)