New York Window Tinting Laws
Window tint darkness in New York
The percent of visible light allowed through your car windows is called VLT: Visible Light Transmission. The percentage of light allowed through your film and glass in New York is very specific and different for sedan cars and SUV cars or vans.
Tint darkness for sedans:
- Windshield: Must allow more than 70% of light in (non-reflective tint with any darkness can be used on top 6 inches).
- 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 can be used if using dual exterior rear view mirrors.
Tint darkness for SUV and vans:
- Windshield: Must allow more than 70% of light in (non-reflective tint with any darkness can be used on top 6 inches).
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
- Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
- Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.
Window tint reflection in New York
Window tint can reflect incoming light and reduce glare and heat. New York window tint law permits a certain window reflection when using a tint so make sure you pay attention to this as well.
Tint reflection for sedans:
- Front Side windows: No mirrored or metallic appearance.
- Back Side windows: No mirrored or metallic appearance.
Tint reflection for SUV and vans:
- Front Side windows: No mirrored or metallic appearance.
- Back Side windows: No mirrored or metallic appearance.
Other New York window tint rules and regulations:
New York does have several other important laws, rules and regulations pertaining to window tinting. They include the following:
- Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required if back side windows or rear window is tinted below 70% VLT.
- Restricted Colors: No colors of tint are explicitly banned by New York tint laws.
- Certificates: Film manufacturers are not required to certify the film they sell in this state.
- Stickers: The sticker to identify legal tinting is required between the film & glass on each tinted window.
- Medical Exceptions: New York allows medical exemptions for special tint. See form MV-80W below for details.