NY Window Tint Law: What’s Legal
New York limits how dark window tint is allowed to be. Here is what VTL §375(12-a) says, window by window, and how it shapes the tint we install at our Massapequa shop.
- 21B Brooklyn Ave, Massapequa
- Checked against the statute and the DMV, September 2026
What VTL §375(12-a) Allows
Light transmittance is the share of outside light the glass lets through. 70% means at least 70% of the light gets through, so a lower number is darker glass.
| Window | What the law requires |
|---|---|
| Windshield | At least 70% light transmittance. Tint is allowed on the top six inches of the windshield. |
| Front side windows | At least 70% on the windows beside and ahead of the driver’s seat, on both sides. |
| Rear side windows | At least 70% on vehicles classed as a station wagon, sedan, hardtop, coupe, hatchback or convertible. The DMV says a vehicle is in these classes if the federal ID label on the left front door panel reads Passenger Car. |
| Rear window | At least 70%, unless the vehicle has side mirrors on both sides adjusted to give the driver a full and clear view behind. |
Sources: New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §375, subdivision 12-a, and the New York DMV tinted windows page, both read on September 30, 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Tint at the Annual Inspection
Since January 1, 2017, New York State motor vehicle inspections include a check of tinted and shaded windows.
The law covers shops as well as drivers. It is illegal to sell, offer for sale or install glass which does not comply, and illegal to drive with it. So we install to the legal limit for your vehicle and show you where the limit sits before the film goes on.
Ready to tint within the law? See our window tinting service.
NY Tint Law Questions
What is the legal tint limit in New York?
At least 70% of light has to pass through the windshield and the front side windows. Tint on the windshield is allowed on the top six inches.
Is the rear window allowed to be darker?
Yes, if the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides which give the driver a full and clear view of the road behind.
Do SUVs, trucks and vans follow different rules?
The 70% rule for rear side windows applies to vehicles classed as station wagons, sedans, hardtops, coupes, hatchbacks and convertibles. The DMV identifies them by the words Passenger Car on the federal ID label on the left front door panel. If your label says something else, the rear side window rule does not apply.
The windshield, front side window and rear window rules apply to every vehicle.
Is window tint checked at inspection?
Yes. Since January 1, 2017, New York State motor vehicle inspections include a check of tinted windows.
How do I get a medical exemption?
Apply to the DMV on form MV-80W with a physician’s statement. The condition has to be on the list kept by the state Health Department. An approved exemption covers the windshield and front side windows and comes with a sticker for the shielded glass.
Does the law apply to tint shops too?
Yes. New York makes it illegal to sell, offer for sale or install glass outside these limits. We install to the legal limit for your vehicle.
Get a Window Tint Quote.
Tell us the car and the windows. We install to the legal limit, and the quote costs nothing.
- Monday to Friday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- SundayBy Appointment