State tint law

New York window tint law

Law enacted 1991 · VLT measured on: film and glass combined · Last checked September 26, 2026

Laws change and enforcement varies by area. Confirm with the New York DMV before you install.

How dark can window tint be in New York?

Darkness is measured as visible light transmission (VLT): the percentage of light that gets through. A lower number means darker tint.

Tolerance: None is written into the law.

Email me when New York changes its tint law

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Picked a legal shade? You can tint it yourself with a precut car tint kit from SnapTint, our DIY kit partner.

How reflective can tint be?

Front side windows

No metallic or mirrored appearance.

Back side windows

No metallic or mirrored appearance.

Other New York tint rules

Restricted colors

No tint colors are banned.

Side mirrors

Dual side mirrors are required if the back window is tinted.

Film certification

Film manufacturers don't need to certify the film they sell in the state.

Sticker

A sticker identifying legal tint is required between the film and the glass on each tinted window.

Medical exemption

Apply to the DMV (form MV-80W) with a physician's or nurse practitioner's statement naming the person, the condition and the minimum light transmission needed. The condition must be on the Health Department's list. If approved, the DMV sends a sticker for each tinted window. It exempts the windshield and front side window limits (VTL 375(12-a)(c)). Official form or instructions (opens in a new tab)

Enforcement and penalties in New York

Enforcement

Police can stop you for tint alone, and tint is checked at the annual safety inspection: the vehicle fails if the windshield or front side windows let in less than 70% of light. After a ticket, the DMV can test the window and label it if it passes (VTL 375(12-a)(d)).

Penalties

A traffic infraction for the owner and the driver (VTL 375(16)). Fines are commonly reported at up to $150 plus a state surcharge; there are no license points.

How the New York tint law has changed

The changes we could document, newest first, each with its source. Where we only know that our older records differ from today's law, we say so rather than guess a date.

1. Jun 2, 2026

   Proposed Legislature passes a bill for 50% tint

   A5306/S9226 would lower the limit from 70% to 50% on every window except the windshield, with a 7% tolerance, and take effect 60 days after it becomes law. It passed the Assembly on February 24 and the Senate on June 2, 2026. As of September 29, 2026 the governor hadn't signed it, so 70% still applies.

   Source: New York State Senate, S9226 (2025-2026)

2. Dec 20, 2017

   Guidance More medical conditions qualify for an exemption

   New York State Department of Health regulations were updated to list additional medical conditions that can qualify for an exemption from the light transmittance limits.

   Source: New York DMV: Tinted windows

3. Jan 1, 2017

   Law change Tint checked at annual inspection

   From January 1, 2017, the yearly New York State vehicle inspection includes an examination of tinted or shaded windows.

   Source: New York DMV: Tinted windows

4. 1991

   Law change Today's 70% rule applies from 1992 model years

   The Vehicle and Traffic Law lets 1991 and older model-year vehicles keep window tint that met the law as it stood on December 31, 1991 (VTL 375(12-a)(e)); newer vehicles must meet the current 70% rule on the windshield and front side windows.

   Source: New York Vehicle and Traffic Law 375 (NY Senate)

Films of 70% VLT or lighter: legal on every window of a car in New York. Darker films for the rear windows are in the full collection. All car window film.

Where to find the New York tint law

These are the laws, rules and other sources we found for New York. We list all of them rather than picking one, so you can read them yourself and decide. Laws change, so check the current text before you install.

• Statute New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 375(12-a) (opens in a new tab) New York State Senate
• Statute New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 375(12-a) (opens in a new tab) FindLaw

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