Window Tint Laws in New York (2026): Legal VLT Limits and Exemptions

New York regulates window tint through N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law §375(12-a). Below: the minimum visible light transmission (VLT) for each window, the windshield rule, what counts as too reflective, who can get a medical exemption, and how an officer checks a car at the roadside.

Legal tint limits in New York

• Front side windows: at least 70% VLT.
• Back side windows: at least 70% VLT.
• Rear window: any darkness.

SUVs, trucks and vans follow a different rule behind the driver: back side windows any darkness and the rear window any darkness.

VLT is measured through film and glass together. Factory glass already blocks some light, usually landing between 70% and 80% VLT before any film, so a roll sold as "35%" on a window that started at 75% ends up darker than 35% once installed. Officers meter the finished window, not the box the film came in.

Windshield

Must pass at least 70% of light, except any darkness is allowed in the top 6 inches.

Federal standard FMVSS 205 sets the baseline for the glass itself: the windshield and front side windows of a new car must transmit at least 70% of visible light. State law decides what film may be added afterwards, which is why the windshield rule is usually a strip above the AS-1 line rather than a percentage.

Reflective and colored film

New York's statute sets no separate reflectivity limit; the VLT limits above still apply to metallic and mirrored films. No film colors are singled out.

Medical exemptions

New York allows darker tint with a medical exemption. DMV exemption via Form MV-80W with a physician, PA or nurse practitioner statement for a Health Department-listed condition; a DMV sticker goes on each exempt window; by statute it covers the windshield and front side windows.

Stickers, mirrors and enforcement

No sticker or certificate is required for legal tint. If the rear window is tinted, the car must have outside mirrors on both sides. Fine up to $150 and/or up to 30 days (VTL §375(32)); tint under 70% also fails the annual inspection.

In practice

The 70% rear-side-window rule applies only to body styles classed as passenger cars (sedan, coupe, hardtop, hatchback, wagon, convertible), identified by the 'Passenger Car' line on the federal door-jamb label; SUVs, pickups and vans may tint rear side windows to any darkness. The rear window may be any darkness on any vehicle if both outside mirrors are fitted. Since Jan 1, 2017 inspection stations meter every tinted window. The statute sets no reflectivity or color limit. Model-year 1991 and older vehicles are grandfathered if they complied at the end of 1991.

Sources

• N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law §375(12-a)
• dmv.ny.gov

Checked Nov 5, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the statute before tinting.