Window tint laws in New York (2026)

The rules, window by window

Windshield

The windshield may not be composed of, covered by, or treated with any material having a light transmittance of less than 70%, unless such materials are limited to the uppermost 6 inches of the windshield (NY Vehicle and Traffic Law 375(12-a)).

The standard in the law's own words

The subdivision operates through the numeric 70% light transmittance floor per window zone rather than a general visibility standard.

Medical exemption

Under VTL 375(12-a)(c), the commissioner may grant an exemption where a physician's or nurse practitioner's statement documents medical necessity for a condition on the official health department list; notice of the exemption must be affixed to the vehicle.

Enforcement

The commissioner may test windows and issue conformity labels. Since January 1, 2017, window tint is checked as part of the annual New York State motor vehicle inspection (inspection linkage not re-verified from primary text in this pass). Violations are penalized under the general Vehicle and Traffic Law penalty provisions.

Notes

New York's 70% floor applies to the windshield (below the top 6 inches), the sidewings or side windows forward of or adjacent to the operator's seat, and, for vehicles classified as a station wagon, sedan, hardtop, coupe, hatchback, or convertible, any rear side window. For other classifications (including SUVs, vans, and other multipurpose vehicles), rear side windows are not subject to the 70% floor. The rear window may be darker than 70% only if the vehicle has outside rear view mirrors on both sides; the passenger-car value (70%) is recorded in the rearWindowVltMinPct field with this mirror exception noted. The statute text reviewed does not state a reflectivity limit or color ban in subdivision 12-a. Values verified from the official New York State Senate publication of the Vehicle and Traffic Law.