New York Window Tinting Law
Can You Have Tinted Windows on Your Car?
Since January 2017, tinted or shaded windows will be checked when you have a car inspected in New York.
What is Window Tinting?
Window tinting refers to methods that prevent or limit the light that passes through your vehicle’s windshield or windows.
Most cars already have safety glass coated or treated to keep out harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Window tinting that is done during the manufacturing process is usually compliant with the law.
If you are considering after-market window tinting, you should ensure such changes comply with New York law.
What New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Says
Section 375 (12-a) of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law does not allow a windshield or front side windows that are dark.
- The windshield and front side windows cannot block more than 30 percent of the light. This means that 70 percent or more of the light from the outside must pass through the window.
- This law applies to the rear window unless the vehicle has outside rear-view mirrors on both sides. The mirrors must give the driver a full and clear view behind the vehicle.
- Rear side windows must also allow at least 70 percent of light from the outside to pass through the window if the vehicle is classified as a:
- station wagon
- sedan
- hardtop
- coupe
- hatchback
- convertible
A vehicle falls into one of these categories if it is labeled “Passenger Car” on the Federal ID label found on the left front door panel.
What You Need to Know
It is unlawful for anyone to sell, offer for sale, or install glass that does not comply with this law.
It is also unlawful to operate a vehicle with glass that does not comply with this law.
Exemptions Offered for Certain Medical Conditions
NYS Health Department regulations specify that only the following medical conditions may be used to justify an exemption from the limits on light transmittance.
Suppose you have one of the medical conditions below that require you to have tinted vehicle windows. In that case, you may request an exemption from the law using the Application for Tinted Window Exemption (MV-80W).
- Porphyria
- Xeroderma Pigmentosa
- Severe Drug Photo-Sensitivity
Photos:
Reflections Car Window – Credit: Tomwsulcer
Window tint enforcer – Credit: Sf46
This video on YouTube has additional information about the new York law.
This article was originally posted in 2017 on permit-practice-test-ny.com.
For New York Permit Practice tests, visit our New York page.
