New York window tint laws
In New York, front side windows, back side windows, and the rear window on passenger cars must allow at least 70% VLT. On SUVs, vans, and station wagons, the 70% VLT rule applies only to front side windows; back side and rear windows can be any darkness. Medical exemptions are available through NY DMV using Form MV-80W.
Tint darkness limits in New York
In New York, the amount of light that must pass through your windows is set by statute. Darker film has a lower VLT percentage. The rules below apply to aftermarket window film; factory tint on back windows is usually permitted regardless of percentage.
Sedan — VLT limits
SUV / van / truck — VLT limits
Reflectivity — sedan
Reflectivity — SUV / van
Windshield, mirrors, colors & certification
Windshield
Non-reflective tint is permitted in the top 6 inches of the windshield.
New York specifies a fixed 6-inch measurement rather than referencing the AS-1 line.
Side mirrors
Dual outside mirrors are required if any rear window is tinted.
Restricted colors
- New York prohibits tint that alters the color of transmitted light in a way that is confusing with signal or emergency lighting (such as red, amber, or blue).
Compliance sticker
New York does not require a tint-compliance sticker, but all vehicles registered in the state must pass the annual safety inspection, which includes a window-tint meter test.
Film certification
New York does not require aftermarket film manufacturers to certify film for sale in the state, but the installed film must still pass the state inspection tint test.
Penalties & enforcement
Illegal tint in New York is a traffic infraction with fines up to several hundred dollars per window. The vehicle will also fail the annual safety inspection until non-compliant film is removed.
Darker tint with a medical exemption in New York
New York offers a medical tint exemption through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) via Form MV-80W. Applicants submit medical certification to the DMV and receive authorization for darker tint.
Who typically qualifies: Drivers with documented medical conditions requiring limited exposure to sunlight (photophobia, lupus, porphyria, and similar conditions).
Renewal / expiration: Medical exemption approvals are valid for a period specified by the DMV and can be renewed with updated medical certification.
What you need to apply
- Completed MV-80W application.
- Medical statement signed by a licensed physician or optometrist.
- Submission to NY DMV for approval prior to installation.
- Carry the approval documentation in the vehicle.
Common mistakes drivers make in New York
- Assuming a sedan’s back windows can be dark — New York requires 70% VLT on back side and rear windows for sedans.
- Tinting the front side windows darker than 70% without a DMV-approved exemption.
- Forgetting that the annual NY state safety inspection includes a tint meter check.
- Assuming limo tint on SUV back windows is always legal — it is, but the front side windows must still be 70% VLT.
New York tint law FAQ
Can I have 30% tint on my sedan in New York?
No. New York requires 70% VLT on all windows of a sedan. 30% tint would be illegal on any window of a passenger car without a medical exemption.
Is there a difference between sedans and SUVs in New York?
Yes. Sedans require 70% VLT on all windows, while SUVs, vans, and station wagons require 70% VLT only on front side windows; back side and rear windows can be any darkness.
What happens if my tint fails the NY state inspection?
The vehicle will fail the safety inspection and cannot be legally driven until the illegal film is removed and the vehicle is re-inspected.
How do I apply for a medical tint exemption in New York?
Submit Form MV-80W to the NY DMV with a physician’s medical statement. DMV approval is required before installing darker film, and the approval must be carried in the vehicle.
Official references
Sources below are the primary official documents we consulted for this page. If you notice an outdated link or discrepancy, please report it to our editors.
Editor’s notes
New York enforces tint laws via the annual state safety inspection, which includes a VLT meter check, making compliance especially important for NY-registered vehicles.
Have an update or correction? Tell our editors.