New York Window Tint Law 2025: Tint Darkness by Vehicle Type
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) measures how much light passes through your car windows. New York’s tint laws set specific limits on VLT depending on the vehicle type to ensure safety and clear visibility.
Darkest Legal Tint for Sedans in New York (2025)
- Windshield: Must allow more than 70% of light in. Non-reflective tint with any darkness can be applied on the top 6 inches only.
- Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
- Back Side Windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
- Rear Window: Any darkness allowed if dual exterior rear view mirrors are installed.
Darkest Legal Tint for SUVs and Vans in New York (2025)
- Windshield: Must allow more than 70% of light in. Non-reflective tint with any darkness allowed on the top 6 inches only.
- Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
- Back Side Windows: Any darkness allowed.
- Rear Window: Any darkness allowed.
Understanding New York Window Tint Law
Driving in New York means dealing with bright sun and busy streets. Window tint helps, but the New York window tint law 2025 sets clear limits on how dark your tint can be. Going over the legal window tint New York limits can lead to fines or police stops.
Your insurance could suffer if you ignore these limits. Claims may be denied, or premiums may rise if your tint breaks the New York car tint legal limits. Staying legal keeps your coverage intact.
Learn the New York window tint percentage 2025 so you can pick the right tint and avoid trouble on New York roads.
Why Compliance with New York Tint Laws Matters
Driving in New York means dealing with bright sun and changing weather. Window tint helps reduce glare and heat inside your car, making driving more comfortable. But if your tint is too dark, it can block your vision, especially at night or in bad weather. Following New York’s 2025 tint laws helps you stay safe and see clearly on the road.
Tint laws also come with legal consequences. Police in New York regularly check cars for illegal tint. If your windows are too dark, you could get fines or be forced to remove the tint. Staying within legal limits keeps you out of trouble and makes driving easier.
Your insurance depends on legal tint too. Using illegal tint might cause denied claims or higher premiums. Following New York’s tint rules protects your coverage and saves you money.
What Changed in New York Tinting Law 2025?
New York mostly kept its existing tint laws but clarified important points about visibility and enforcement.
Reflective tint is banned on windows except the top 6 inches of the windshield, where non-reflective tint is allowed. Police use updated tools to check compliance better.
Medical exemptions are available for people with certain health conditions, allowing darker tint with proper documentation. Drivers must carry proof in the vehicle to avoid penalties.
Window Tinting Laws in New York
New York enforces window tint rules to keep all drivers safe and ensure clear visibility.
Passenger Cars and Sedans
Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield only. The rest of the windshield must stay clear. Front side and back side windows must allow more than 70% of light in to maintain good visibility.
The rear window can have any level of tint if your car has dual exterior rear view mirrors.
SUVs and Vans
SUVs and vans follow the same rules for the windshield and front side windows. Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield, and front side windows must allow over 70% of light.
Back side and rear windows can have any darkness.
To find which rules apply to your vehicle, check the label inside the driver’s side door—it will tell you if your vehicle is a passenger car or a multi-purpose vehicle.
New York Tint Law 2025: Sedans, SUVs, Trucks Compared
| Vehicle Type | Front Windshield | Front Side Windows | Rear Side Windows | Rear Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans | Non-reflective tint on top 6″ | ≥70% VLT | ≥70% VLT | Any, with dual mirrors |
| SUVs/Vans | Non-reflective tint on top 6″ | ≥70% VLT | Any | Any |
| Trucks | Non-reflective tint on top 6″ | ≥70% VLT | Any | Any |
Note: Trucks with tinted rear windows require dual exterior mirrors.
Window Tint Reflection in New York
New York allows some window tint to reduce glare and heat, but it has strict rules about how the tint looks. The law wants to keep windows safe and clear for drivers and others on the road.
Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front Side Windows: No mirrored or metallic-looking tint is allowed. The tint cannot have a shiny or mirror-like finish.
- Back Side Windows: The same rule applies. No mirrored or metallic tint is permitted.
Tint Reflection for SUVs and Vans
- Front Side Windows: Mirrored or metallic tint is not allowed. The window surface must look like normal glass.
- Back Side Windows: No mirrored or metallic tint is allowed here either.
Other New York Window Tint Rules and Regulations
- Side Mirrors: If your back side windows or rear window have tint below 70% Visible Light Transmission (VLT), your vehicle must have two working side mirrors for good rear visibility.
- Restricted Colors: New York does not ban any specific tint colors. You can use any color as long as it follows other tint laws.
- Certificates: Film manufacturers in New York do not have to certify their tint films to the state.
- Stickers: Every tinted window must have a sticker between the glass and the tint. This sticker shows that the tint is legal and helps inspectors check your tint quickly.
Legal Window Tint Certificates in New York
In New York, window tint manufacturers, installers, and sellers do not have to certify their films to the state. However, every tinted window must have a sticker placed between the tint and the glass. This sticker shows that the tint is legal and helps inspectors quickly check your windows during traffic stops or inspections.
Before tinting, ask your installer if the film meets New York’s rules. Make sure they put the legal sticker on each tinted window. Skipping this step can lead to fines or being asked to remove the tint.
Medical Exemptions for Window Tint in New York
Some people need darker window tint for medical reasons, like protecting their skin or eyes from sunlight. New York allows medical exemptions for darker tinting on side windows, rear windows, and even the windshield in some cases.
To get this exemption, you must talk to a licensed doctor. The doctor will give you a note explaining why you need darker tint. Carry this note in your car, and show it to police if asked. Without proof, you can get a ticket.
Even with an exemption, you must follow all safety rules. Your tint should still allow you to see clearly and keep you safe on the road.
Window Tint Violation Penalties in New York
If your window tint breaks New York laws, you can get fined up to $150. Many drivers have been ticketed for illegal tint in recent years.
Illegal tint can also cause your car to fail its yearly inspection. If your car fails inspection because of tint, you will need to remove or replace the tint and have the car inspected again. This costs time and money.
If you don’t have a medical or commercial reason for darker tint, it’s best to follow New York’s tint rules. This helps you avoid tickets, fines, and inspection problems.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Too Dark Tint on Front Side Windows
New York requires front side windows to allow at least 70% of light in. Using tint darker than this leads to tickets. - Ignoring the Windshield Tinting Rule
Only the top 6 inches of the windshield can have non-reflective tint. Tinting more than this area is illegal. - Applying Reflective or Mirrored Tint
New York bans reflective or mirrored tint on all windows. Using such tint causes glare and safety hazards. - Failing to Display Medical Exemption Paperwork
If you have a medical exemption for darker tint, always carry and show the official document when asked. - Not Checking Tint Laws for Different Vehicle Types
SUVs, trucks, and sedans have slightly different tint rules. Apply the correct limits for your vehicle type. - Overlooking Sticker or Certification Requirements
Use tint film with certification labels to prove compliance during inspections or police stops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the allowed tint darkness for front side windows in New York?
A1: Front side windows must allow at least 70% of visible light to pass through.
Q2: Can I tint my windshield?
A2: Only the top 6 inches of the windshield can have non-reflective tint. The rest must be clear.
Q3: Are there special rules for SUVs or trucks?
A3: Yes, SUVs and trucks have the same 70% light transmission requirement for front side windows, but back and rear windows can have darker tint.
Q4: What if I have a medical condition requiring darker tint?
A4: You must get a medical exemption from a licensed doctor and carry proof in your vehicle.
Q5: Is reflective or mirrored tint allowed?
A5: No, reflective or mirrored tint is prohibited on all vehicle windows in New York.
Q6: What penalties can I face for illegal tint?
A6: You may get a ticket, pay fines, and be required to remove the illegal tint.
Conclusion
Staying within New York’s window tint laws is key to driving legally and safely. Using the right tint film that meets the 70% visible light transmission for front side windows and following windshield tinting rules helps you avoid tickets and costly fines. Proper certification and carrying medical exemption proof when needed keeps your vehicle compliant and inspection-ready.
Keep yourself updated by reviewing the latest rules from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles or consulting a professional tint installer. Investing time in understanding these laws now protects you from future hassles and ensures your tint improves comfort without breaking the law.
Resources & Useful Links for New York Drivers
- New York DMV Window Tint Regulations: dmv.ny.gov
- New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 375: nyassembly.gov/leg/?default_fld=&leg_video=&bn=S0375&term=2023
- Medical Exemption Forms and Info: dmv.ny.gov/forms
- New York State Police: troopers.ny.gov
- Tint Compliance Checklist PDF: [CarKitAdvisor.com/checklist.pdf]
- VLT Calculator Tool: [CarKitAdvisor.com/vlt-calculator]