Tint Guide

What Is the Darkest Legal Tint in New York?

Here's exactly how dark you can go on each window in New York — and how a medical exemption lets you go even darker.

Quick Answer: There Is No Meaningful Legal Tint in New York

New York applies a blanket 70% VLT to ALL sedan windows — front side, back side, and rear. At 70% VLT, factory glass barely qualifies. Any visible aftermarket tint on any window puts you in violation of VTL §375(12-a).

SUVs, vans, and trucks can have any darkness on rear windows. But front side windows are still 70% VLT for all vehicle types.

A medical exemption is the only legal way to have meaningful tint on any window in New York.

Darkest Legal Tint by Window

Front Windshield

Non-reflective tint allowed above AS-1 line (top 6 inches)

Non-reflective tint is only allowed above the AS-1 line (top 6 inches). No full windshield tint permitted.

Front Side Windows (Driver & Passenger)

70% VLT — essentially no aftermarket tint

At 70% VLT, factory glass (typically 72-78% VLT) barely passes. Even a "clear" UV-blocking film can push you below the limit. This is the strictest front-window law in the US, tied with California.

Back Side Windows (Sedan)

70% VLT — unlike most states, no darker allowed

This is what makes New York unique. Most states allow any darkness on rear sedan windows. New York applies the same 70% VLT blanket rule to back windows on sedans. This is the strictest rear-window law in the US.

Back Side / Rear Windows (SUV/Van/Truck)

Any darkness (dual mirrors required)

Multi-purpose vehicles can have any darkness on rear windows, but front side windows are still 70% VLT.

How New York Compares to Neighboring States

State	Front Side	Back Side (Sedan)	Rear (Sedan)
New York	70%	70%	70%*
New Jersey	No tint	Any	Any
Connecticut	35%	35%	Any
Pennsylvania	70%	Any	Any
Massachusetts	35%	35%	35%

* New York rear window allows any darkness with dual mirrors required.

What Do Different VLT Levels Look Like?

70%

NY legal limit (ALL windows)

50%

Light tint

35%

Medium tint

20%

Dark tint

Limo tint

At 70% VLT, there is no visible tint — the glass appears clear. Every tint level below 70% requires a medical exemption in New York.

The Only Way to Go Darker: Medical Exemption

Because New York's 70% VLT applies to ALL sedan windows, a medical exemption under VTL §375(12-a)(b) is the only legal path to any meaningful tint. Common qualifying conditions in New York include:

Lupus (elevated in NYC Caribbean communities)

Multiple Sclerosis (NYU Langone, Mount Sinai)

Photophobia / light sensitivity

Migraines (NYC high-stress environment)

Cataracts (Long Island elderly population)

Melanoma / skin cancer

LASIK / PRK recovery

Dry eye syndrome

Ceramic tintis recommended for New York — it blocks 99% of UV while maintaining visibility and performing well in both summer heat and winter cold.

What Happens If Your Tint Is Too Dark?

Penalties for illegal tint in New York

NYC (all 5 boroughs): $150–$300+ per violation
Upstate / suburban NY: $50–$150 per violation
Annual inspection failure (every year until resolved)
Mandatory tint removal + re-inspection cost

A $350 medical exemption costs less than a single NYC tint ticket and prevents annual inspection failures indefinitely.

New York's Blanket 70% Law Means You Need an Exemption

A medical exemption under VTL §375(12-a)(b) is the only legal way to have meaningful tint on any window. Protects against NYPD stops and annual inspection failures.