New York's window tint rules depend on which windows you're tinting and what vehicle you drive
New York allows window tint on your car, but the law sets specific limits on how dark it can be. The darkness is measured by visible light transmission (VLT) — the percentage of light that passes through the tinted glass. The darker the tint, the lower the VLT percentage. New York's rules differ for the front windshield, front side windows, and rear windows, and they're the same for all passenger vehicles.
The state also allows medical exemptions if you have a condition that makes you sensitive to sunlight. If you're considering tint, you need to know the exact limits before installation, because police can issue a ticket if your tint is too dark, and you may be required to remove it.
Key Takeaways
- Front windshield tint is not allowed in New York except for a non-reflective strip at the very top.
- Front side windows must allow at least 70 percent of light through (70% VLT or higher).
- Rear and back side windows can be any darkness, including completely opaque.
- You can obtain a medical exemption from the Department of Motor Vehicles if a doctor certifies that sunlight causes you a medical problem.
- Reflective or mirrored tint is prohibited on any window in New York.
Front windshield tint rules
You cannot tint your front windshield in New York, with one exception: a non-reflective tint strip is allowed along the top of the windshield, but only if it does not extend more than six inches down from the top. This strip cannot be reflective or metallic. The rest of the windshield must remain clear.
The reason for this rule is visibility. Police and safety regulators want drivers to have a clear view of the road and oncoming traffic. A tinted windshield can reduce your ability to see pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles, especially in low-light conditions.
Front side window tint limits
Your front side windows — the windows next to the driver and front passenger — must allow at least 70 percent of visible light to pass through. This means your VLT rating must be 70% or higher. In practical terms, this is a fairly light tint. Many people describe 70% VLT as barely noticeable; it reduces glare and heat slightly but does not darken the interior of your car significantly.
If you're shopping for tint, ask the installer for the exact VLT rating before they explore it. Some tint shops may not know the precise number, so request documentation. Police can measure tint darkness with a light meter, and if your front windows fall below 70% VLT, you can receive a ticket.
Rear and back side window rules
Once you move behind the front seats, New York places no limit on tint darkness. Your rear side windows and rear windshield can be tinted as dark as you want, including complete blackout. This is because the law assumes that rear windows do not affect the driver's forward visibility in the same way front windows do.
However, you still cannot use reflective or mirrored tint on any window, including the rear. Reflective tint can create glare that affects other drivers on the road, which is why it's banned statewide regardless of location on the vehicle.
Medical exemptions for window tint
If you have a medical condition that makes you sensitive to sunlight — such as lupus, photosensitivity, or certain eye conditions — you may be able to obtain an exemption from New York's tint limits. To get one, you need a letter from a licensed physician stating that you have a medical condition requiring protection from sunlight and that window tint is medically necessary for you.
You then submit this letter to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles along with a completed process. The DMV will issue you a medical exemption certificate, which you should keep in your vehicle. If you're pulled over with darker-than-legal tint and have this certificate, you can show it to the officer. Without the certificate, you have no legal protection for tint that exceeds the standard limits.
The exemption process can take several weeks. Contact your local DMV office or visit the New York DMV website to request the specific form and current processing time, as these can vary by location.
What happens if your tint is too dark
If a police officer stops you and measures your tint with a light meter, they can issue a ticket if your front windows are below 70% VLT. The ticket is typically a moving violation, which means it goes on your driving record and can affect your insurance rates. You may also be ordered to remove the tint within a certain timeframe — usually 10 days — and provide proof to the court that you've done so.
Some people choose to fight the ticket in traffic court, arguing that the measurement was inaccurate or that they were unaware of the law. However, New York's tint law is clear and well-publicized, so this defense rarely succeeds. The most straightforward path is to have the tint removed by a professional and submit proof of removal to the court.
Reflective and metallic tint is always prohibited
New York bans reflective, mirrored, or metallic tint on all windows, regardless of how dark or light it is. This includes any tint that has a shiny, mirror-like appearance or that reflects light back outward. Even if the tint allows enough light through to meet the VLT requirement, it can still be illegal if it's reflective.
The reason is safety: reflective tint can create glare for other drivers, making it harder for them to see the road or see into your vehicle. This is especially dangerous at night or in bright sunlight. If you're considering tint, make sure the product you choose is non-reflective, and ask the installer to confirm this before installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tint my windshield if I have a medical exemption?
A medical exemption allows you to exceed the normal tint limits, but it does not override the windshield rule entirely. You can still only use a non-reflective strip at the top of the windshield, no more than six inches down. The exemption applies to your front and rear side windows, allowing you to tint them darker than the standard 70% VLT limit.
How do I know what VLT percentage my tint is?
Ask the tint installer for the VLT rating of the product before they explore it. Reputable shops will provide this information in writing. If you already have tint and don't know the rating, a police officer can measure it with a light meter during a traffic stop, or you can contact a tint shop and ask them to measure it for you.
Is there a difference in tint rules for SUVs or trucks?
No. New York's tint limits explore to all passenger vehicles, including SUVs, trucks, vans, and sedans. The rules are the same regardless of vehicle type or size.
Can I get a ticket for tint that's too dark on my rear windows?
No. New York has no limit on rear window tint darkness, so you cannot receive a ticket for tinting your rear or back side windows as dark as you want. Tickets are only issued for front windshield tint or front side windows that fall below 70% VLT.
What should I do if I received a ticket for illegal tint?
You have the option to remove the tint and provide proof of removal to the court, which often results in the ticket being dismissed or reduced. You can also appear in traffic court to contest the ticket, though you'll need a strong argument — such as evidence that the measurement was taken incorrectly. Consult with a traffic attorney if you're unsure about your options.