New York window tint laws set the legal visible light transmission, or VLT, for each vehicle window. For most drivers, the key number is the front side window limit: 70%. Rear-window and windshield rules can change based on vehicle type, mirrors, medical authorization, and how the tint is measured.
Use this page to check the main legal tint limits in New York, understand what the percentages mean, avoid common installation mistakes, and know what to verify before you respond to a citation or apply for a medical exemption.
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New York Legal Window Tint Limits
Important: A tint film percentage is not always the same as the final measured window percentage. Factory glass can already reduce light transmission, so ask for the final measured VLT after installation.
New York Window Tint Law Table
| Window | Legal Limit | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | 70%; uppermost 6 inches may differ | Windshield rules are usually stricter than side-window rules. Do not assume a dark windshield strip is legal without checking the state rule. |
| Front side windows | 70% | This is the most important compliance point because these windows affect driver and officer visibility. |
| Rear side windows | 70% for passenger cars | Rear side limits may differ for sedans, SUVs, vans, pickups, or multipurpose vehicles. |
| Rear window | 70% unless dual side mirrors | Rear window tint may depend on outside mirrors or vehicle classification. |
| Reflective tint | not excessive | Mirror-like tint can create glare and may be restricted even if the darkness percentage is legal. |
Windshield Tint Rule in New York
For New York, the windshield rule should be checked separately from the side-window rule. Windshield tint is commonly limited to the upper strip, AS-1 area, or a specific medical authorization. Do not use the rear-window tint percentage as a windshield rule.
Key New York Tint Compliance Notes
- New York inspection failure risk is important.
- Form MV-80W is the correct medical exemption route.
- Remove any third-party service or tint-shop promotional sections.
New York requires at least 70% light transmission through the windshield and front side windows. The uppermost six inches of the windshield are treated differently under the statute.
Medical Window Tint Exemptions in New York
New York uses Form MV-80W for tinted window exemptions. The application must be completed by the person requesting the exemption and by a New York licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.
Tint Tickets, Inspections, and Penalties
New York includes tinted windows in vehicle inspections. A vehicle can fail inspection if its tint does not meet the legal light-transmission standard or a valid medical exemption does not apply.
What VLT Means Before You Buy Tint
VLT means visible light transmission. A lower VLT number means darker tint. For example, 20% VLT is darker than 35% VLT because less visible light passes through the window.
The legal reading usually depends on the glass and film together, not just the film box. That is why a film sold as 35% can test lower after it is installed on factory-tinted glass.
Before You Install Window Tint in New York
- Check the legal VLT limit for each window, not just the front windows.
- Confirm whether your vehicle is a passenger car, SUV, van, pickup, or multipurpose vehicle.
- Ask the installer for the final measured VLT through the glass and film together.
- Verify whether labels, certificates, inspection rules, or medical authorization documents are required.
- Keep proof of any medical exemption or installer certificate in the vehicle if your state requires it.
Common New York Tint Questions
What is the legal tint limit in New York?
The main front side window limit is 70%. Rear side, rear window, windshield, and reflective tint rules are different, so use the full table above before installing film.
Is 5% tint legal in New York?
5% tint is usually not legal on front side windows in New York without a medical exemption. Rear-window rules can differ by vehicle type, so check the table and the official source before installing it.
Is 20% tint legal in New York?
20% tint is usually not legal on front side windows in New York without a medical exemption. Rear-window rules can differ by vehicle type, so check the table and the official source before installing it.
Is 35% tint legal in New York?
35% tint is usually not legal on front side windows in New York without a medical exemption. Rear-window rules can differ by vehicle type, so check the table and the official source before installing it.
Is windshield tint legal in New York?
Windshield tint in New York is limited to: 70%; uppermost 6 inches may differ. Medical exemptions may create separate rules, but you should verify before installing any windshield film.
Can I get a ticket for illegal tint in New York?
Yes. Illegal tint can lead to a citation, inspection issue, removal requirement, or other enforcement action depending on state law and local handling.
Car Window Tinting Laws By State
Use the table below to compare window tint limits across all states. Open each state guide for vehicle-type rules, medical exemptions, penalties, and official source notes.
| State | Front Side Windows | Back Side Windows | Rear Windows | Windshield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 32% | 32% | 32% | top 6 inches |
| Alaska | 70% | 40% | 30% | top 5 inches |
| Arizona | 33% | Any darkness | Any darkness | above manufacturer AS-1 line |
| Arkansas | 25% | 25% passenger / 10% MPV | 10% | top 5 inches |
| California | 70% total / 88% clear film | Any darkness behind driver | Any darkness with dual side mirrors | topmost portion only; special conditions apply |
| Colorado | 27% | 27% | 27% | top 4 inches |
| Connecticut | 35% | 35% | Any darkness with dual mirrors | above AS-1 line / top edge |
| Delaware | 70% | Any darkness | Any darkness | above AS-1 line / top edge |
| Florida | 28% | 15% passenger / 6% MPV | 15% passenger / 6% MPV | transparent strip above AS-1 only |
| Georgia | 32% | 32% | 32% | top 6 inches |
| Hawaii | 35% | 35% | 35% | top 4 inches / AS-1 limit |
| Idaho | 35% | 20% | 35% | above AS-1 line / top 6 inches if no AS-1 |
| Illinois | 35% | 35% | 35% | top 6 inches |
| Indiana | 30% | 30% | 30% | above AS-1 line |
| Iowa | 70% until Jul 1, 2026; 50% after | Any darkness | Any darkness | 70% windshield / AS-1 strip only |
| Kansas | 35% | 35% | 35% | above AS-1 line |
| Kentucky | 35% | 18% passenger / 8% MPV | 18% passenger / 8% MPV | AS-1 / direct-viewing-area limits |
| Louisiana | 25% | 25% | 12% | top 5 inches; no red or amber |
| Maine | 35% | 35% | 35% | AS-1 line / top 5 inches |
| Maryland | 35% | 35% | 35% | AS-1 line / top 5 inches |
| Massachusetts | 35% | 35% | 35% | top 6 inches |
| Michigan | top 4 inches only | Any darkness | Any darkness with dual side mirrors | top 4 inches / shade band only |
| Minnesota | 50% | 50% | 50% | restricted / no transmittance-reducing windshield tint |
| Mississippi | 28% | 28% | 28% | upper manufacturer-authorized sunshield area |
| Missouri | 35% | Any darkness | Any darkness | above AS-1 line / top 6 inches |
| Montana | 24% | 14% | 14% | above AS-1 line / top 6 inches |
| Nebraska | 35% | 20% | 20% | clear below AS-1; no red/yellow/amber above AS-1 |
| Nevada | 35% | Any darkness with dual mirrors | Any darkness with dual mirrors | topmost area; 29-inch measurement rule |
| New Hampshire | 70% | 35% | 35% | no aftermarket tint without waiver |
| New Jersey | Not allowed without medical exemption | Any darkness | Any darkness | Not allowed without medical exemption |
| New Mexico | 20% | 20% | 20% | top 5 inches or AS-1 line; no red/yellow/amber |
| New York | 70% | 70% for passenger cars | 70% unless dual side mirrors | 70%; uppermost 6 inches may differ |
| North Carolina | 32% practical meter threshold | 32% | 32% | top 5 inches or AS-1 line |
| North Dakota | 35% | Any darkness with dual mirrors | Any darkness with dual mirrors | 70% windshield except AS-1/top 5 inches |
| Ohio | 50% | Any darkness | Any darkness | 70% windshield / top 5 inches |
| Oklahoma | 25% | 25% | 25% | top 5 inches or AS-1 line; no red or amber |
| Oregon | 35% final VLT | 35% final VLT | 35% final VLT | top 6 inches |
| Pennsylvania | 70% | 70% passenger cars | 70% passenger cars | top 3 inches |
| Rhode Island | 70% | 70% | 70% | above AS-1 line / top 6 inches |
| South Carolina | 27% | 27% | 27% | above AS-1 line; no red/yellow/amber |
| South Dakota | 35% | 20% | 20% | above AS-1 line / top 6 inches |
| Tennessee | 35% | 35% | 35% | 70% windshield except manufacturer shade band |
| Texas | 25% | Exempt behind driver | No limit with dual side mirrors; otherwise 25% | above AS-1 line or top 5 inches; 25%+ VLT |
| Utah | 35% | Any darkness with dual mirrors | Any darkness with dual mirrors | 70% windshield / AS-1 strip only |
| Vermont | No aftermarket tint without exemption | Any darkness with dual mirrors | Any darkness with dual mirrors | No aftermarket tint without exemption |
| Virginia | 50% | 35% passenger / no limit MPV | 35% passenger / no limit MPV | no sun-shading without medical authorization |
| Washington | 24% | 24% | 24% | top 6 inches / AS-1 limit |
| West Virginia | 35% | 35% | 35% | top 5 inches / AS-1; no red/yellow/amber |
| Wisconsin | 50% | 35% | 35% | above AS-1 line / top 6 inches |
| Wyoming | 28% | 28% | 28% | top 5 inches or AS-1 line; no red/yellow/amber |
Official Source Notes
This guide was updated after a state-by-state batch verification pass using the official or best-available statute, DMV, highway safety, inspection, enforcement, or medical exemption sources listed below. Verify local enforcement and court handling before acting on a citation.
- New York DMV Tinted Windows
- New York Vehicle & Traffic Law § 375
- New York DMV MV-80W Tinted Window Exemption Form
Disclaimer
This guide is for general informational purposes only and should not be treated as legal advice. Window tint laws, DMV rules, inspection requirements, court procedures, fine amounts, and enforcement practices can change or vary by location, vehicle type, and case details.
Before installing window tint, removing tint, responding to a citation, applying for a medical exemption, or making a legal or vehicle-compliance decision, verify the current rule with your state DMV, local law enforcement agency, inspection station, qualified tint installer, or an attorney familiar with your situation.
If you believe any information on this page is outdated or inaccurate, please contact CarsCounsel so the page can be reviewed.
