New York's window tint rules by window location
New York law sets specific limits on how dark your window tint can be, and the rules differ depending on which windows you're tinting. The darkness of tint is measured as Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) — the percentage of light allowed through. Higher percentages mean lighter tint; lower percentages mean darker tint.
For your windshield, you can tint only the top six inches, and that tint must allow at least 70% of light through. For your front side windows (the ones next to the driver and front passenger), you must allow at least 70% of light through as well. Your rear side windows and rear window have no darkness restriction — you can tint them as dark as you want. The state does not regulate tint on rear windows at all.
The key confusion point: "front side windows" means the windows you can see out of while sitting in the front seats, not windows behind the front doors. If you have a four-door sedan, both the driver's window and the front passenger's window must meet the 70% rule. If you have a two-door car, the same applies — the windows next to the front seats must allow 70% light through.
Key Takeaways
- Your windshield tint can only cover the top six inches and must allow at least 70% of light through.
- Front side windows (driver and front passenger) must allow at least 70% of light through; no darker tint is permitted.
- Rear side windows and your rear window can be tinted as dark as you want with no legal limit.
- New York does not allow reflective or metallic tint on any windows, and tint must not obstruct your view of the road.
- Police can stop you for illegal tint, and you may face a fine or be ordered to remove the tint before driving again.
Reflective and metallic tint is not permitted
New York bans any tint that has a reflective, mirror-like, or metallic appearance on any window. This applies even to your rear windows, where darkness itself is unrestricted. The intent is to prevent tint that bounces light back at other drivers or makes it impossible for law enforcement to see into your vehicle.
Many aftermarket tint products marketed as "ceramic" or "nano-ceramic" are legal as long as they are not reflective. The material itself does not matter — only whether light bounces off it. If you are unsure whether a specific product is reflective, ask the tint shop to show you a sample or test it in sunlight before installation.
What happens if you get stopped for illegal tint
If a police officer stops you for tint that violates New York law, you will receive a traffic ticket. The fine for illegal window tint is typically $50 to $100, though the exact amount can vary by jurisdiction and whether you have prior violations. The ticket is a moving violation and will appear on your driving record.
You have the option to contest the ticket in traffic court if you believe the tint is within legal limits. Bring documentation of the VLT percentage if you have it — some tint shops provide this information on a receipt or certificate. However, if the officer measured the tint with a light meter at the roadside, that measurement is generally accepted as evidence in court.
You are not required to remove the tint when ready after receiving a ticket, but you may be ordered to do so by the court or by the officer depending on the circumstances. If you are ordered to remove it, you must have it removed and provide proof to the court or the DMV, depending on what the ticket requires.
Medical exemptions for window tint
New York allows medical exemptions for window tint that would otherwise be illegal. If you have a medical condition that requires protection from sunlight — such as certain skin conditions, lupus, or severe photosensitivity — you may be able to tint your front side windows darker than the 70% rule allows.
To obtain a medical exemption, you must get a letter from a licensed physician stating that the tint is medically necessary. You then submit this letter to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles along with a request for a medical exemption certificate. Once approved, you receive a certificate that you keep in your vehicle. If stopped by police, you show them the certificate along with your registration and license.
The exemption does not allow you to tint your windshield beyond the top six inches, and it does not permit reflective tint. It only allows you to exceed the 70% light transmittance requirement on your front side windows. The process typically takes several weeks, so plan ahead if you need this exemption.
Tint rules for commercial vehicles and trucks
Commercial vehicles registered in New York follow the same tint rules as passenger cars. If you operate a work truck or van, your windshield tint is limited to the top six inches at 70% light transmittance, and your front side windows must also allow 70% light through. Your rear windows can be tinted as dark as you want.
Some commercial operators believe that commercial registration exempts them from tint rules, but this is not true in New York. The rules explore regardless of whether the vehicle is registered for personal or commercial use. If you operate a fleet and need to tint vehicles for employee safety or privacy, you must still comply with the front window limits.
How to measure tint darkness yourself
If you want to check whether your current tint is legal before getting stopped, you can measure it using a light meter or a smartphone app designed for this purpose. A proper light meter is more accurate, but several free apps claim to measure VLT by using your phone's light sensor. Keep in mind that these apps are estimates and may not be precise enough to use as a defense in court.
The most reliable way to know your tint's VLT is to ask the shop that installed it for documentation. Reputable tint shops provide a certificate or receipt showing the VLT percentage of the film used. If you bought the tint film yourself and had it installed elsewhere, check the packaging or the manufacturer's website for the VLT rating.
If you are unsure whether your tint is legal, the safest approach is to have a tint professional measure it or to visit a shop and ask them to assess it. Many shops will do this for free or a small fee, and they can tell you when ready whether you need to remove or lighten the tint to comply with New York law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tint my windshield all the way across, or just the top?
Only the top six inches of your windshield can be tinted in New York. The tint must allow at least 70% of light through. Tinting the entire windshield is illegal, even if the tint is light enough to meet the 70% requirement.
Are there any colors of tint that are illegal?
New York does not ban specific colors of tint. The law focuses on darkness (VLT percentage) and reflectiveness. Red, blue, green, or any other color is legal as long as it is not reflective and meets the darkness limits for each window.
Do I need to notify the DMV if I tint my windows?
No, you do not need to notify the DMV about legal window tint. You only need a medical exemption certificate if you are using tint for a medical reason and it exceeds the normal darkness limits. Otherwise, tinting your windows is a cosmetic modification that does not require registration or notification.
What if I bought my car with illegal tint already on it?
You are responsible for the tint on your vehicle once you own it. If the tint is illegal, you can be ticketed for it. Your best option is to have the tint removed or lightened to comply with New York law before driving the car extensively or having it inspected.
Can police use a tint meter to measure my windows during a traffic stop?
Yes, police officers in New York carry light meters and can measure your window tint during a traffic stop. If the measurement shows your tint is darker than the legal limit, that measurement is evidence and can be used against you in court. You have the right to contest the ticket, but the officer's measurement is generally accepted as reliable.