New York State has some of the strictest window tint laws in the country. Without proper documentation, driving with dark tint on your vehicle could result in tickets, inspection failures, and even orders to remove the tint. However, there is one major exception—medical necessity.
If you have a valid medical exemption, you may be allowed to install and legally drive with darker-than-standard tint. But this leads to an important question many drivers ask:
Is it legal to drive with dark window tint in New York if I have a medical exemption?
The answer is yes, but only if the exemption process is completed correctly through the state’s official requirements. In this article, we’ll explore the legal details, documentation requirements, and how services like ForeverTint ensure you stay compliant with New York law.
What does New York law say about dark window tint?
New York law requires that:
- Front side windows allow at least 70% of visible light to pass through (VLT).
- Rear windows and rear side windows may have darker tint if the vehicle has dual side mirrors.
- Windshields may only be tinted above the AS-1 line or top 6 inches.
If your window tint does not meet these standards, you are considered in violation of the law—unless you have a documented and approved medical exemption.
What qualifies as a medical exemption for dark tint?
A medical exemption is granted by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when a licensed physician or optometrist certifies that you have a medical condition that requires limited exposure to sunlight or UV rays.
Common qualifying conditions include:
- Lupus
- Albinism
- Photophobia (light sensitivity)
- Psoriasis
- Melanoma or other skin cancers
- Xeroderma Pigmentosum
- Severe migraines triggered by light
- Certain eye disorders requiring reduced light exposure
If your medical provider agrees that your condition requires protection from sunlight, they can complete the necessary paperwork to exempt you from the state’s standard tint restrictions.
What is the MV-80W form and why is it required?
To receive a medical exemption, you must submit Form MV-80W, which is the official tint exemption form used by the New York DMV. This form must be:
- Completed by a licensed physician or optometrist
- Include a medical justification for the tint exemption
- Physically signed by the provider (digital signatures are not accepted)
- Mailed to the DMV (online submission is not allowed)
Once approved, this form legally authorizes you to install and drive with darker window tint, even if it falls below the standard 70% VLT threshold.
Can I legally drive with dark tint as soon as I submit the MV-80W?
No. Simply submitting the form does not automatically grant legal exemption. The exemption must be approved and on file with the DMV before you are legally allowed to operate a vehicle with darker tint.
That’s why it’s critical to:
- Submit a complete and accurate MV-80W form
- Wait for approval from the DMV (or keep documentation of the submission)
- Always carry a copy of your approved exemption in your vehicle
ForeverTint ensures that the process is handled correctly, so your exemption is valid and recognized under New York law.
What happens during a traffic stop?
If you are pulled over and your windows appear too dark, the officer may question the legality of your tint. At that point, you must present proof of your medical exemption.
Required documentation includes:
- A signed MV-80W form from a licensed physician or optometrist
- Medical explanation of why the tint is necessary
- Whether the exemption is temporary or permanent
- Your name and identification details as listed on the form
If you cannot produce this documentation, you may receive a citation—even if you did submit the form to the DMV.
ForeverTint provides you with the official, physician-completed MV-80W and mailing instructions. Once approved, your documentation serves as legal protection during any interaction with law enforcement.
Is using a service like ForeverTint legal and recognized by New York?
Yes. ForeverTint is a legally compliant service that helps individuals obtain a tint exemption by connecting them with licensed physicians. These doctors conduct brief phone consultations, evaluate the applicant’s medical condition, and—if appropriate—complete and sign the MV-80W form.
While ForeverTint is not the DMV itself, it follows every step of the official exemption process, including:
- Licensed provider evaluations
- Physical completion and mailing of the MV-80W form
- Clear submission guidance
This means any documentation you receive from ForeverTint is valid, recognized, and ready for submission to the New York DMV.
How does ForeverTint help me get a tint exemption legally?
Here’s how ForeverTint ensures you stay fully within the law:
Step 1: Choose New York on the website
Start at https://forevertint.com/select-your-state/ and choose New York. Each state has different rules—ForeverTint’s system ensures your window tint exemption follows New York law specifically.
Step 2: Purchase the exemption package
Your purchase includes everything: a phone consultation with a licensed physician, a completed MV-80W form, and mailing instructions for the DMV.
Step 3: Phone consultation
You’ll speak with a doctor in a 5–10 minute call to explain your symptoms and condition. No in-person or video appointments required.
Step 4: Receive your completed MV-80W
If approved, the physician will fill out and physically sign the form. It will be mailed directly to you, ready for DMV submission.
Step 5: Submit and carry your documentation
You’ll follow our instructions to mail the form to the DMV. Once approved, you’ll be able to legally drive with dark window tint—just be sure to keep a copy of your documentation in the car at all times.
What if I’m pulled over but forgot my exemption paperwork?
If you are stopped and cannot produce documentation proving your medical exemption, you may still receive a citation, even if your exemption has been approved.
That’s why ForeverTint always provides you with a physical copy of your completed MV-80W and encourages you to keep it in your vehicle. This way, you are always protected and able to demonstrate your legal status if questioned.
Summary: Yes, it’s legal—with the right documentation
So, is it legal to drive with dark window tint in New York if I have a medical exemption?
Yes, absolutely—but only if your exemption has been approved by the DMV and you carry the proper documentation.
ForeverTint helps make sure:
- Your MV-80W form is completed by a licensed physician
- You get proper instructions for submission
- You meet every requirement set by New York law
- You receive a full refund if you’re not approved
Don’t risk tickets, tint removal, or inspection issues. Let ForeverTint guide you through the process the right way—legally, safely, and stress-free.
Ready To Get Your Legal Tint Exemption?
If you’re ready to drive with darker window tint legally in New York, start your exemption today with ForeverTint. We handle the hard part—so you don’t have to.
Visit https://forevertint.com/select-your-state/ and select New York to begin the process today.
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