2026 Update

New York Window Tint Laws — Complete Guide

Creator: New York Tint Exemption Editorial Team
Published: 2025-01-15

Everything you need to know about window tint regulations in New York. Current legal limits for every window, penalties for violations, and how medical exemptions work.

Updated April 2026 · New York Tint Exemption Editorial Team

New York applies 70% VLT to ALL windows on sedans — one of the strictest blanket tint laws in the US

Unlike most states that only restrict front windows, New York's VTL §375(12-a) applies 70% VLT to front side windows, back side windows, and the rear window for sedans. Any visible aftermarket tint on any window can trigger a violation.

New York Tint Limits at a Glance

VLT (Visible Light Transmission) is the percentage of light that passes through. Lower VLT = darker tint.

Window	Sedan	SUV / Van / Truck
Front Windshield	Non-reflective tint allowed above AS-1 line (top 6 inches)	Non-reflective tint allowed above AS-1 line (top 6 inches)
Front Side Windows	70% VLT (no visible tint)	70% VLT (no visible tint)
Back Side Windows	70% VLT (unlike most states)	Any darkness
Rear Window	Any darkness (dual mirrors required)	Any darkness
Max Reflectivity	No mirrored or metallic tint	No mirrored or metallic tint

Red-highlighted rows show New York's unusually strict blanket restriction. Most states allow darker tint on rear windows — New York does not for sedans.

New York vs. Other States

New York's blanket 70% rule is among the most restrictive in the country:

State	Front Side	Back Side (Sedan)
New York	70%	70%
New Jersey	No tint	Any
Connecticut	35%	35%
Pennsylvania	70%	Any
Florida	28%	15%

Annual Safety Inspection & Window Tint

New York's annual inspection checks tint compliance

All vehicles registered in New York must pass an annual safety inspection. Inspection stations check window tint VLT — non-compliant tint will cause an inspection failure. You must either remove the tint or present a valid medical exemption to pass.

Penalties for Illegal Tint in New York

Fines vary significantly between NYC and upstate:

New York City (All 5 Boroughs)

$150–$300+ per violation

Base fine + NYC surcharges. NYPD actively enforces tint on traffic stops.

Upstate / Suburban NY

$50–$150 per violation

NYSP and local agencies enforce on I-87, I-90, I-95, and Hutchinson Pkwy.

Annual Inspection Failure

Non-compliant tint = failed inspection. Must remove tint or present exemption, then pay for re-inspection.

Restricted Tint Colors & Reflectivity

New York prohibits red and amber tint colors on all windows. Mirrored or metallic tint is also not permitted. These restrictions apply even with a medical exemption.

Medical Exemptions Under VTL §375(12-a)(b)

New York law allows individuals with qualifying medical conditions to obtain darker tint through a physician-certified exemption. Given NY's blanket 70% rule covering ALL sedan windows, this exemption is critical for anyone who needs meaningful tint on any window.

Must be certified by a licensed New York physician (MD or DO)

No DMV filing required — physician-issued document only

Keep exemption certificate in vehicle at all times

Present at annual inspection to pass tint check

Valid for NYPD, NYSP, Nassau/Suffolk County PD, and all NY agencies

Common Questions About New York Tint Laws

Is tint a primary offense in New York?

Yes. NYPD, NYSP, and all New York law enforcement can pull you over solely because your windows appear to have aftermarket tint. With the 70% VLT limit, any visible tint is grounds for a stop.

Why does New York apply 70% to back windows too?

New York is one of the few states with a blanket 70% VLT rule covering all sedan windows. VTL §375(12-a) does not distinguish between front and rear windows for passenger cars. SUVs, vans, and trucks can have any darkness on rear windows.

Will my tint be checked at annual inspection?

Yes. New York’s mandatory annual safety inspection includes a tint VLT check. Non-compliant tint will cause an inspection failure. A valid medical exemption allows you to pass.

How do police measure tint in New York?

Officers use calibrated tint meters (photometers) to measure VLT during traffic stops. NYPD also conducts targeted tint enforcement checkpoints in certain precincts.

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 in New York. Protects you from NYPD stops and annual inspection failures.