New York is a step closer to allowing darker window tint. A bill that would lower the state's limit from 70% to 50% on every window except the windshield has passed both houses of the Legislature. It isn't law yet: Governor Kathy Hochul hasn't signed it, and today's 70% rule still applies.
What the bill does
The bill is Assembly Bill A5306, which passed the Assembly on February 24, 2026, and its Senate twin S9226. The Senate passed it on June 2, 2026, by 50 votes to 11. According to the Senate's bill page, it would:
- lower the minimum light transmittance from 70% to 50% on the side windows next to and in front of the driver, on rear side windows and on rear windows, but not the windshield;
- add a measuring tolerance of plus or minus 7%;
- update the tint check in the annual state inspection to match.
If it becomes law, it would take effect on the 60th day after the governor signs it.
What it means for drivers now
Nothing yet. Until the bill is signed and the 60 days pass, New York's current limits still apply, and tint is still checked at the yearly inspection. Please don't install 50% film on the front side windows because of this bill. If the governor vetoes it, the 70% rule stays.
What's unclear
Update, September 29, 2026: the governor still hadn't acted. The Senate's page for S9226 says the bill was delivered to the governor, but the page for A5306 (the version that passed) lists no delivery date. So we can't say yet when a decision is due. We'll post an update when she signs or vetoes it.
What the bill doesn't cover
- The windshield limit isn't part of the bill.
- The bill summary doesn't mention medical exemptions.
For New York's current limits on every window, see our New York window tint law page.
