Many New York drivers find themselves wondering: Is window tint illegal in New York? The short answer is—it depends. Window tint is not entirely illegal in New York, but it is heavily regulated. If your tint is too dark or installed on the wrong windows, you could face fines, inspection failures, or even orders to remove the film altogether.
That said, there’s a legal pathway for individuals who have a legitimate medical need for darker tint. It’s called a window tint exemption, and when handled properly, it allows eligible drivers to legally bypass the state’s strict tint laws. Through ForeverTint’s Online Window Tint Exemption service, New York residents can access a convenient, legally compliant way to secure physician-backed documentation—without the hassle of office visits or complicated state paperwork.
In this blog, we’ll break down what New York law says about window tint, when tint becomes illegal, how tint exemptions work, and why ForeverTint is the best choice for getting your Online Window Tint Prescription approved.
What the law says about window tint in New York
In New York, Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 375 establishes clear limits on how dark your vehicle’s windows can be. Specifically:
- Front side windows must allow at least 70% of outside light to pass through.
- Windshields may only have tint above the AS-1 line or the top 6 inches.
- Rear side windows and rear windshields may have darker tint only if the vehicle is equipped with dual side mirrors.
Any window tint darker than the state’s legal limit—especially on front side windows—can be flagged during inspections or result in a ticket from law enforcement.
This means yes, window tint can be illegal in New York, if it doesn’t comply with the specific light transmittance requirements. But there’s an important exception to these restrictions: medical necessity.
Medical exemptions for window tint in New York
New York State allows individuals to obtain legal permission for darker window tint if they have a qualifying medical condition. These conditions typically require a person to limit exposure to sunlight due to skin or eye sensitivity.
To legally install tint darker than the state allows, a driver must submit Form MV-80W to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. This form must be completed and signed by a licensed physician or optometrist who confirms that the individual requires darker window tint due to a documented medical condition.
Once approved, the exemption acts as a legal pass, protecting the driver from tint-related tickets or inspection failures. However, this is not an automatic process—you must follow the right steps, and the physician must provide proper documentation.
Conditions that qualify for a tint exemption
If you experience increased sensitivity to light or UV rays, there’s a strong chance you qualify for an exemption. Common conditions that justify an Online Window Tint Prescription include:
- Lupus
- Photophobia
- Albinism
- Melanoma or other skin cancers
- Psoriasis
- Chronic migraines triggered by sunlight
- Certain autoimmune or neurological disorders
- Severe eye sensitivity or conditions affecting the retina
Even if your condition isn’t on this list, ForeverTint’s team of licensed physicians can evaluate your situation during a phone consultation to determine if you’re eligible.
How to get your exemption the easy way
Navigating the exemption process alone can be confusing. That’s why ForeverTint created a fast, secure, and physician-led system to help New York residents get their Online Window Tint Exemption legally approved without ever stepping foot in a doctor’s office.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Start at our state selection page
Go to https://forevertint.com/select-your-state/ and select New York. It’s important to choose your actual state of residence, since every state has unique requirements for tint exemptions.
On the New York page, you’ll find an explanation of local laws and a service package designed specifically for New York’s DMV requirements.
Step 2: Purchase the Online Window Tint Prescription package
Our package includes:
- A private consultation with a licensed physician
- A completed and signed MV-80W form
- Mailing instructions to submit your form to the state
- A full refund if you do not qualify
Most customers are approved, especially when they have a well-documented condition or clear symptoms. But in the rare case you don’t qualify, we’ll issue a full refund—no hassle.
Step 3: Schedule your physician phone consultation
After purchase, we’ll contact you within 24 hours to schedule a quick phone consultation. This call lasts just 5–10 minutes and is used to verify your medical condition and determine your need for tint.
There are no in-person meetings or video calls required. Everything is handled discreetly and professionally by our medical team.
Step 4: Get your completed physician form by mail
If you qualify, our licensed physician will fill out the required MV-80W form. Because the New York DMV requires a physical signature, we’ll mail the completed document directly to your address, along with step-by-step mailing instructions.
Once you send it to the DMV, you’ll have legal proof of your Online Window Tint Exemption, which can be presented during traffic stops or vehicle inspections.
What to show during a traffic stop
If you are pulled over and questioned about your window tint, New York law requires you to present proof of your medical exemption. That means carrying:
- A letter or signed form from a licensed physician or optometrist
- Documentation explaining your medical need
- The expected duration of the exemption (temporary or permanent)
ForeverTint ensures you receive all the necessary paperwork. With your Online Window Tint Prescription in hand, you’ll have nothing to worry about when questioned by law enforcement.
Benefits of having a legal tint exemption
The health benefits of limiting sun exposure are clear—but when you’re legally exempt, there are additional advantages:
- You stay compliant with state law while still getting the tint you need
- You avoid tickets, inspection issues, or forced tint removal
- You enjoy better comfort, reduced glare, and enhanced UV protection
- Your vehicle maintains a sleek, professional appearance with no legal consequences
Most importantly, you protect your health without sacrificing your ability to drive legally and comfortably.
Why choose ForeverTint?
ForeverTint is the trusted leader in Online Window Tint Exemption services across the United States. For New York residents, we’ve streamlined the process of securing a legal Online Window Tint Prescription through a physician-approved system that is fast, secure, and DMV-compliant.
Our services are:
- 100% remote and HIPAA compliant
- Backed by licensed physicians familiar with NY regulations
- Fully refundable if you don’t qualify
- Easy to complete in just a few days
We take the guesswork out of exemptions so you can drive legally and safely without risking tickets or health issues.
Get Your Legal Window Tint Today
So, is window tint illegal in New York? It can be—but not if you take the proper steps and obtain a tint exemption for medical reasons. ForeverTint is here to help you secure the protection you need, the legal way.
Ready To Get Your Legal Tint Exemption?
Visit https://forevertint.com/select-your-state/ to select New York and start your Online Window Tint Prescription process today.
