Last Updated 29th of May, 2010

What is the law for window tinting in NY? New York

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New York Tint Laws

Okay, here are the NY window tinting laws:

Darkness of Tint


  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top six inches of the windshield.
  • Front side windows: Tinting must allow more than 70% of light through the window.
  • Back side windows: Auto tinting must allow more than 70% of light through the window.
  • Rear window: No car tint restrictions.

Reflective Tint


The NY tint law bans metallic or mirrored reflection on front side windows and back side windows.  

Miscellaneous Window Tint Requirements


  • Restricted colors: No restrictions.
  • Side mirrors: Side mirrors are mandatory if the rear window is tinted.
  • Sticker requirements: New York requires each tinted window to display a sticker identifying legal tinting. This must be affixed between the film and glass.
  • Medical exemption: Medical exemptions for special tinted windows require permission from the DMV.

Tinted Windows and the Annual NY Safety Inspection

Despite the safety laws, you cannot fail a vehicle registration inspection for illegal tinting. The inspection mechanic may inform you that the car tint is illegal, but because window tint is not part of the inspection process you cannot be failed for your windows being too dark.

This does not mean, however, you can't be ticketed. The police have two methods for measuring tint (three if you count "eyeballing," where the officer can tell it's illegal just by looking at the window tint): meter and tint slides. The tint meter measures a windows light transmittance, whereas slides (imagine swatches of tint) are held up to the window or windows in question.

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