If you’re considering tinting your vehicle windows in New York, it’s important to understand the legal tint limits before you install any film. New York State has strict regulations around how dark your tint can be—especially for the front side windows and windshield. These laws are enforced during both traffic stops and annual inspections, and non-compliance can result in fines or even being forced to remove the tint.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about New York’s window tint laws, including Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentages, reflectivity rules, and when a medical tint exemption may allow you to go darker legally.
Why does New York regulate window tint?
New York’s tint laws are primarily intended to:
- Ensure driver visibility
- Protect public safety
- Allow law enforcement to see inside vehicles during stops
Excessively dark tint on front-facing windows can obscure a driver’s view and hinder communication with police. That’s why these rules are especially strict when it comes to front side windows and windshields.
Understanding how these laws apply to each section of your vehicle is key to staying compliant.
What is Visible Light Transmission (VLT)?
Before diving into specific limits, it’s important to understand the term Visible Light Transmission (VLT). This is the percentage of visible light that can pass through the window and tint film combined.
- A higher VLT means the window is lighter and allows more light through.
- A lower VLT means the window is darker and lets less light in.
New York sets minimum VLT percentages for different windows on your vehicle.
Legal Tint Limits by Window in New York
Here’s a breakdown of New York’s tint laws, per window:
Windshield
- Only non-reflective tint is allowed, and it must be applied above the AS-1 line (usually the top 6 inches of the windshield).
- Tint below this line is illegal unless you have a medical exemption.
Front Side Windows (Driver & Passenger)
- Must allow at least 70% of visible light to pass through.
- This means the combination of the glass and tint film must have a VLT of 70% or higher.
- Tints that darken the window below 70% VLT are considered illegal without an exemption.
Back Side Windows (Behind the Driver)
- No specific VLT requirement as long as the vehicle is equipped with dual side mirrors.
- You can legally install darker film on these windows, including limo tint, provided the mirrors offer adequate rear visibility.
Rear Window
- Like the back side windows, the rear window can be tinted to any darkness as long as the vehicle has functional side mirrors on both sides.
- Vehicles without side mirrors must follow different standards and cannot have dark rear tint.
Reflectivity & Color
- Reflective or mirrored tint is prohibited on all windows.
- Tints cannot be used to create a mirrored or metallic appearance.
- Colored tints, such as red, blue, or amber, are also banned in New York.
How are tint laws enforced in New York?
Tint compliance is assessed during:
- Traffic stops
- Annual vehicle safety inspections
During an inspection, mechanics are required to measure the VLT of the front side windows using a tint meter. If the windows allow less than 70% VLT, the vehicle will fail the inspection unless the owner presents a valid medical exemption.
Police officers may also carry handheld meters to test tint levels during traffic stops. If your tint is too dark and you cannot show an exemption, you may receive:
- A ticket or fine
- An order to remove the tint
- A rejection sticker at your next inspection
What if I want darker tint for medical reasons?
If you have a qualifying medical condition, New York Tint Law allows you to apply for a tint exemption. This is the only way to legally install darker tint on your front side windows or windshield.
Common medical conditions that may qualify include:
- Lupus
- Albinism
- Photophobia (light sensitivity)
- Skin cancers such as melanoma
- Chronic migraines triggered by light
- Eye conditions requiring UV protection
To apply for an exemption, you must complete Form MV-80W, which must be:
- Signed by a licensed physician or optometrist
- Include a medical justification for the exemption
- Physically mailed to the New York DMV (digital copies are not accepted)
Once approved, this form serves as legal proof of your exemption, and allows you to legally drive with darker window tint.
Can I get a window tint exemption online?
While the DMV does not accept digital submissions, services like ForeverTint make the exemption process fast and easy. With ForeverTint, you can:
- Speak with a licensed physician over the phone (no office visit required)
- Have your MV-80W form completed and physically signed
- Receive your completed documentation by mail, ready to submit to the DMV
- Get step-by-step instructions on how to mail the form and stay compliant
If the physician determines that you don’t qualify, ForeverTint offers a full refund.
This is the only way to legally go darker on your front windows or windshield in New York.
What happens if I’m pulled over with legal tint?
If you’ve been granted a medical exemption and your tint is darker than the legal limit, you must carry a copy of your approved MV-80W form in the vehicle at all times. If a law enforcement officer stops you for tinted windows, you’ll need to show:
- The completed and signed MV-80W form
- Proof that your exemption is valid
- Confirmation of whether the exemption is temporary or permanent
Failing to carry your documentation could result in a citation—even if you have a valid exemption.
ForeverTint ensures that customers receive everything they need to remain compliant during both traffic stops and inspections.
Know before you tint
So, what is the legal tint limit in New York?
- Front side windows: Minimum 70% VLT
- Windshield: Only the top 6 inches may be tinted (non-reflective)
- Rear and back side windows: No limit with dual mirrors
- No reflective or colored tints allowed
If you want to install darker film on your front windows or windshield, you must have a valid medical exemption on file with the DMV.
Get Your Legal Tint Exemption Today
Want to drive legally with darker tint in New York? Let ForeverTint guide you through the physician-approved exemption process.
Visit https://forevertint.com/select-your-state/ and select New York to start your application today.
