*Receive an immediate full refund if we cannot get you approved for a Legal Tint Exemption*
A window tint exemption in New York grants you official permission to install tint that is darker than the state’s standard limits, particularly on your windshield and front side windows. This is essential for drivers with health concerns that make them highly sensitive to sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Without a valid exemption, darker tint on these windows would typically be considered illegal—but with the right paperwork, it becomes a fully legal medical accommodation.
The exemption qualification process involves two parts:
A licensed physician or optometrist—such as those you connect with through ForeverTint—must confirm that you have a medical condition that requires additional protection from sunlight. This condition must be documented using New York’s official exemption form, known as MV-80W.
Once approved, your physician completes and signs the MV-80W form, which is then mailed to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This legal documentation serves as proof that your vehicle is exempt from standard tint laws and must be kept in your vehicle at all times in case you’re stopped or inspected.
Many drivers ask whether this exemption allows them to tint their windows as dark as they want. The answer is no—New York still sets guidelines around what is considered acceptable, even with an exemption. However, the benefit is that you are legally allowed to go darker than the general public, and you won’t risk tickets or inspection failures as long as your documentation is complete, submitted, and available when needed.
ForeverTint simplifies the entire process by connecting you with a licensed New York physician for a brief phone consultation, preparing your MV-80W form correctly, and mailing it to you along with step-by-step instructions for DMV submission. It’s the fastest, most reliable way to get your legal window tint exemption in New York.
Many drivers ask whether this exemption allows them to tint their windows as dark as they want. The answer is no—New York still sets guidelines around what is considered acceptable, even with an exemption. However, the benefit is that you are legally allowed to go darker than the general public, and you won’t risk tickets or inspection failures as long as your documentation is complete, submitted, and available when needed.
ForeverTint simplifies the entire process by connecting you with a licensed New York physician for a brief phone consultation, preparing your MV-80W form correctly, and mailing it to you along with step-by-step instructions for DMV submission. It’s the fastest, most reliable way to get your legal window tint exemption in New York.
New York has some of the strictest tint laws in the country, especially for front-facing windows. These rules are designed to protect driver visibility, aid law enforcement during traffic stops, and ensure vehicles remain compliant during inspections.
Tint is only allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield (above the AS-1 line) and must be non-reflective. Any tint below this line is considered illegal and could result in a failed inspection or citation.
Must allow at least 70% of visible light to pass through. This means the tint must be extremely light, and most factory-installed privacy tints do not meet this requirement without a medical exemption
There is no restriction on how dark these windows can be. However, vehicles with dark tint on back side windows must be equipped with dual exterior side mirrors to maintain visibility.
The rear window can also be tinted to any degree of darkness, provided the vehicle has functioning side mirrors on both the driver and passenger sides. If you use a rear tint, ensure your defroster and backup camera (if applicable) remain effective.
New York prohibits the use of metallic, reflective, or mirrored window tint on any vehicle. Tints that alter the natural color of sunlight—such as red, blue, or amber films—are also not permitted under state law.
If you need darker-than-legal tint on your windshield or front side windows in New York, you’ll need to obtain a medical window tint exemption approved by the state. At ForeverTint, we help New York residents determine if they meet the requirements for an exemption. Many people do qualify, and once approved, the certification gives you the legal right to install darker tint while staying compliant with state law.
Traditionally, getting a tint exemption in New York meant making an in-person doctor’s appointment, explaining your condition, and handling paperwork yourself. ForeverTint streamlines this entire process online:
In the next section verify if you might have one of the qualifying conditions or something similar.
If you think you might be eligible, select “Purchase Your Exemption” (Fully refundable if you don’t qualify).
A member of our team will contact you to schedule your 5-10 minute verification phone call.
Get Approved and receive your signed legal tint exemption within 72 hours!
*For any reason should you not be approved for a Legal Medical Window Tint Exemption you will receive an immediate refund. In our experience only 1 out of every 50 applicants are not approved.
New York law allows a medical window tint exemption for individuals with conditions that make sun exposure harmful or uncomfortable. These health issues typically involve heightened sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light, visible light, or heat. Below are some of the most common qualifying conditions:
Chronic or severe vision problems can be aggravated by bright sunlight. Darker tint can reduce glare, improve comfort while driving, and help protect eye health.
Eczema is a skin condition that can flare up due to heat and sunlight exposure. A tint exemption helps limit UV penetration, reducing the likelihood of painful flare-ups.
Some people experience rashes, burning, or swelling when their skin is exposed to direct sunlight. Darker tint acts as a protective barrier to prevent these reactions.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where UV exposure can trigger serious symptoms, including skin lesions and fatigue. A window tint exemption allows for safer daily travel by reducing UV contact.
This condition causes skin inflammation and rash when exposed to light. Darker tint helps reduce UV exposure and prevent painful flare-ups.
Xeroderma makes skin especially sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to cracking, irritation, and damage. Extra tinting provides a layer of defense against sun-related irritation.
For individuals with melanoma or a history of skin cancer, limiting UV exposure is critical. A tint exemption allows for significantly safer protection during daily commutes.
People with albinism lack the protective pigment melanin, making them extremely sensitive to sunlight. Darker tint reduces harmful UV rays that can damage both skin and eyes.
Porphyria is a group of disorders that make the skin and nervous system highly sensitive to sunlight. A tint exemption helps limit painful and potentially dangerous reactions.
Sunlight can worsen scarring and slow healing of severe burns. A window tint exemption offers ongoing protection during recovery and beyond.
This rare genetic disorder causes extreme sensitivity to sunlight, leading to skin damage and other complications. A medical tint exemption provides necessary protection for daily life.
Bloom syndrome increases the risk of skin cancers due to UV sensitivity. Extra tinting safeguards individuals against unnecessary exposure while driving.
Vitiligo reduces pigmentation in the skin, which removes natural protection against UV rays. Tint exemptions help protect depigmented skin from damage.
Many autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or dermatomyositis, involve increased sensitivity to UV light. Darker tint protects patients from flare-ups linked to sun exposure.
Texas law also recognizes that there are many less common conditions that may cause extreme sensitivity to light. If your physician determines that darker tint is medically necessary, you may qualify for an exemption even if your condition is not listed here.
In New York, having a medical condition that requires a darker tint is only half the equation — there is also a state specific protocol that must be followed to get approved.
The MV-80W is the official medical tint exemption form issued by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It’s the only accepted method for applying for a window tint exemption in the state due to medical necessity. Simply having a doctor’s recommendation or a general medical note is not enough—this form must be completed correctly, signed by a licensed physician or optometrist, and mailed to the DMV for processing.
Once completed and submitted, this form serves as your legal authorization to install and drive with window tint that exceeds the state’s standard limits.
At ForeverTint, we streamline this entire process for New York residents. Our licensed physicians evaluate your condition through a brief phone consultation, complete the MV-80W accurately, and send you the physical documentation—ready for DMV submission. This removes the guesswork and ensures you’re fully compliant with New York law.
Medical tint exemptions are legal in the State of New York with a signed mv80w form from our physician.
If you Qualify one of our Medical Professionals will provide you with your signed mv80w form.
Effective December 20, 2017, NYS Health department regulations have been updated to specify additional medical conditions that may qualify for an exemption from the limits on light transmittance. If you have one of the medical conditions below that require you to have tinted vehicle windows, you may request an exemption from the law using the Application for Tinted Window Exemption (MV-80W).
You can find the full statute on the New York government site.
The MV-80W is the official New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) form required for individuals seeking a medical exemption from state window tint laws. It must be completed and signed by a licensed physician or optometrist, who certifies that the applicant has a medical condition necessitating reduced exposure to sunlight while driving. Without a properly completed and signed MV-80W form, the DMV will not process or approve any tint exemption requests. This form serves as the only legally accepted documentation that allows New York residents to install darker window tint than normally permitted under state law.
ForeverTint simplifies and streamlines the entire New York tint exemption process, saving customers time, effort, and potential confusion. Instead of finding your own doctor, scheduling an in-person exam, and trying to figure out how to complete and submit the MV-80W form yourself, ForeverTint handles every step for you. Our service includes a brief phone consultation with a licensed physician, proper completion of the MV-80W form, and clear mailing instructions for submission to the New York DMV. If the physician determines you do not qualify, you receive a full refund. Most importantly, ForeverTint ensures your paperwork is 100% compliant with New York State law, significantly reducing the risk of rejection or delays.
Technically, the New York DMV does not offer an online submission process for medical tint exemptions. The MV-80W form must be submitted via physical mail with an original signature from a licensed physician or optometrist. However, ForeverTint has created an entirely online and remote solution to make this process easier. Instead of booking an in-person doctor’s appointment, ForeverTint customers complete a simple 5–10 minute phone consultation with a licensed physician. If you qualify, the physician fills out the MV-80W form and ForeverTint emails you detailed mailing instructions. The physical form is then mailed to you with the physician’s signature, allowing you to submit it directly to the DMV. This hybrid process ensures you meet all legal requirements—without ever needing to leave your home.
Yes, it is completely legal to drive with dark window tint in New York if you have an approved and active medical exemption on file with the DMV. This exemption must be supported by a signed MV-80W form completed by a licensed physician or optometrist, and submitted to the DMV for approval. Once approved, you’re legally allowed to install window tint darker than the standard limits outlined by New York law. However, it’s important that you carry your exemption documentation in your vehicle at all times, as you may be required to present it during traffic stops or inspections. ForeverTint provides all required paperwork for you once your exemption is approved.
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New York recognizes a range of medical and optical conditions that may warrant a window tint exemption. These typically include:
Lupus
Albinism
Psoriasis
Melanoma or other skin cancers
Photophobia (light sensitivity)
Severe migraines triggered by light
Xeroderma Pigmentosum
Chronic eye disorders requiring light reduction
Even if your condition is not explicitly listed, you may still qualify. ForeverTint’s licensed physicians review each case individually to determine medical necessity. If your condition requires you to limit UV or light exposure, you may be eligible for an Online Window Tint Prescription and exemption under New York law.
If you’re pulled over in New York for having dark window tint, you must provide documentation showing that you have a valid medical exemption. This includes:
A copy of your physician- or optometrist-signed MV-80W form
A clear statement of your qualifying medical condition
The duration of the exemption (temporary or permanent)
As long as you present these documents, law enforcement should recognize your exemption as legal and compliant with state law. ForeverTint provides customers with all necessary paperwork after physician approval, ensuring that you’re prepared for any interaction with law enforcement regarding your tint.