New York tint limits at a glance
| Front side windows | 70% |
|---|---|
| Back side windows | 70% |
| Rear window | 70% (any darkness with mirrors on both sides) |
| Windshield | Top 6 inches only |
| Reflectivity | Check statute |
| SUVs, vans and trucks | SUVs, vans and trucks: any darkness on back side windows |
Percentages are the minimum visible light transmission with the film installed, including the factory glass. A lower number means darker tint.
Is 5%, 20%, 35% or 50% tint legal in New York?
This table shows whether a film with each rating is legal on a sedan in New York. Factory glass blocks some light, so a film reads darker once it's installed.
| Film rating | Front side windows | Back side windows | Rear window |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | Not legal | Not legal | Legal with mirrors on both sides |
| 15% | Not legal | Not legal | Legal with mirrors on both sides |
| 20% | Not legal | Not legal | Legal with mirrors on both sides |
| 35% | Not legal | Not legal | Legal with mirrors on both sides |
| 50% | Not legal | Not legal | Legal with mirrors on both sides |
| 70% | Likely too dark once installed | Likely too dark once installed | Legal with mirrors on both sides |
'Likely too dark once installed' means the film rating meets the limit, but on typical factory glass the combined reading usually falls under it. Meter the window to be sure.
Choosing a film that stays legal
Assume factory side glass passes about 80% of light.
- Front side windows: Clear or near-clear film (88% or lighter)
- Back side windows: Clear or near-clear film (88% or lighter)
- Rear window: Any film
Factory privacy glass on many SUVs already reads well under 30%, so any film added over it will read darker still. Always meter after the install.
Fines and penalties
New York's tint law doesn't set a specific fine. Amounts are set by the court where the ticket is issued.
Medical exemptions
Apply with DMV form MV-80W. Qualifying conditions include albinism, lupus, porphyria, severe drug photosensitivity and certain photophobia.
Inspection
Tint is checked at the annual New York safety inspection. Front windows under 70% fail.
The law
New York's tint rules are set by N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 375(12-a). Read the source
This page is a reference for drivers and installers, not legal advice. Enforcement can vary by city and county.
Frequently asked questions
How dark can you legally tint your windows in New York?
On a sedan, front side windows: 70%. Back side windows: 70%. Rear window: 70% (any darkness with mirrors on both sides).
Is 20% tint legal in New York?
Front: Not legal. Back: Not legal. Rear: Legal with mirrors on both sides. See the 20% film row.
Is 35% tint legal in New York?
Front: Not legal. Back: Not legal. Rear: Legal with mirrors on both sides. See the 35% film row.
Is tint allowed on the windshield in New York?
Top 6 inches only
Are the rules different for SUVs and trucks in New York?
SUVs, vans and trucks: any darkness on back side windows
Can I get a medical exemption for window tint in New York?
Apply with DMV form MV-80W. Qualifying conditions include albinism, lupus, porphyria, severe drug photosensitivity and certain photophobia.
Related
Back to the full chart: Window tint laws by state
Neighboring states:
Data set last updated: