Here's the short version. The front side windows and windshield need 70% light transmission on every vehicle. SUVs, vans and pickups can go as dark as you like behind the driver. Sedans and coupes have to stay at 70% back there too, except on the rear window if the car has mirrors on both sides.
NY tint limits by window
New York's rules are in Vehicle and Traffic Law §375(12-a). The rules that apply to you depend on how your vehicle is classified on the federal label in the driver's door jamb. It's either a "Passenger Car" (sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, wagons, convertibles) or "Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle" / "Truck" (SUVs, crossovers, vans, pickups).
| Window | Sedans, coupes & other passenger cars | SUVs, vans & pickups |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | 70% VLT minimum. Tint only on the top 6 inches | Same |
| Front side windows | 70% VLT minimum | 70% VLT minimum |
| Rear side windows | 70% VLT minimum | Any darkness |
| Rear window | Any darkness if the car has outside mirrors on both sides, otherwise 70% | Any darkness (with dual side mirrors) |
Why "70%" means almost-clear film
VLT (visible light transmission) is the percentage of light that gets through. The law measures the glass and film together. Factory glass already blocks some light and typically lets through 70% to 85%. Put even a light film on top and the total drops below 70%.
In practice, the only film that keeps front side windows legal is a near-clear one, like XPEL PRIME XR PLUS in its lightest shades. Ceramic film rejects heat with nano-ceramic particles, so it doesn't need to be dark to work. A clear ceramic film on the front windows still cuts a lot of heat and blocks 99% of UV.
Does NYS inspection check tint?
Yes. Since January 1, 2017, the annual New York State safety inspection includes a tint meter test of the windows the 70% rule covers. If your front windows read too dark, the car fails inspection, whether or not you've ever been pulled over.
New York also makes it illegal to sell or install non-compliant tint, on top of driving with it. That's why a reputable shop installs to spec by default.
The NY medical exemption (MV-80W)
If you have a medical condition that requires protection from sunlight, you can apply for an exemption with DMV form MV-80W and a statement from your physician or nurse practitioner. Conditions the DMV lists include:
- albinism
- lupus
- porphyria
- xeroderma pigmentosum
- dermatomyositis
- chronic actinic dermatitis
- severe drug photosensitivity
- photophobia from eye or neurological disorders
The exemption covers only the windshield and front side windows, and the DMV issues a sticker for each exempted window. Bring in your approved exemption and we'll install film to match it.
Signs, stickers and other rules
Nothing that isn't transparent may be placed on the windshield or front side windows except stickers required by law, like registration and inspection.
Are the rules changing?
Bills proposing a measurement tolerance and changes to the rear-window rules have been introduced in Albany. None had been enacted as of this update, and we check again every time we update this page. Always confirm the current law with the NY DMV and VTL §375.
See what's legal on your car
Our tint simulator marks each window green or red for New York as you change the shade, based on whether your vehicle is a car or an SUV/truck. Or ask us and we'll tell you exactly what passes on your vehicle.
This guide is general information, not legal advice.