New York Tint Laws
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New York Tint Laws
New York first enacted window tint laws for cars in 1991 but the state’s tint laws were thoroughly amended in the year 2017, thus the tinting rules in New York are well suited to most modern window tint products, but of course tint laws can change year to year. To make sure your car stays in line with New York window tint law it’s a must that you know the exact VLT% (or visible light transmission percent, which refers to how light or dark, or how see-through or how opaque, the glass is) and to be apprised of the current rules for VLT% for each window of each vehicle type.
Car window film is a savvy purchase for motorists thinking of the performance and style of a vehicle on a daily basis and about the overall value of the automobile. In New York car tint adds privacy and enhances styling the same day it is installed and it reduces interior cabin heat even on the longest, hottest New York summer days, keeping the car cooler and more comfortable, and making it more cost effective thanks to less drain on the battery and fuel tank. In the long run, window tinting blocks 99% of the UV solar energy that leads to interior fading, discoloring, and cracked upholstery and dash surfaces (and that leads to skin damage as well) so a car will better maintain its looks and its value.
Auto window tint is a smart investment, but as illegal window tint in New York come with lead to steep financial penalties fines, you need to be certain a car with window tint meets current NY window film laws.
Please note: The accuracy, completeness, adequacy or currency of the content is not warranted or guaranteed. We are not lawyers or a law firm and we do not provide legal advice. We recommend you consult a lawyer or other appropriate professional if you want legal advice.
CLICK ON INDICATORS TO VIEW TINT LAWS FOR SPECIFIC WINDOWS
laws for suvs, trucks, & vans
Front Windows
All Vehicles
70% Tint (VLT%)
Rear Passenger Windows
Includes rear window and rear passenger
Any shade of tint can be used for trucks, SUVs, and vans ONLY
Rear Window
Includes rear window and rear passenger windows
Any shade of tint can be used for trucks, SUVs, and vans ONLY
Windshield Visor
ALL VEHICLE TYPES
Any shade of tint can be used 6" from the top of the windshield.
laws for sedans & coupes
Front Windows
ALL VEHICLE TYPES
Includes Trucks, SUVs, Vans, Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks
70% Tint (VLT%)
Rear Passenger Windows
for Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks
70% Tint (VLT%)
Rear Window
for Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks
Any shade of tint can be used for the rear window.
Windshield Visor
ALL VEHICLE TYPES
Any shade of tint can be used 6" from the top of the windshield.
% of Tint or Visible light transmission (VLT) is the measurement used to assess the amount of light passing through a piece of glass. This is the percent of visible light that passes through the film and glass to give you a net transmission percentage. The lower the VLT%, the darker the window.
Law Enforcement uses a tint meter which measures the Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) of window film and glass for illegal tint.
Windshield: Several states allow medical exemptions for drivers or passengers who frequently travel in the vehicle. These exemptions usually require a licensed physician in that state to sign a waiver. Please visit your states .gov site for details.
AS-1 Line: This is the line extending from the letters AS-1, found on most motor vehicle windshields, running parallel to the top of the windshield.
Click above to download the Nationwide Medical Exemptions Window Tinting Directory.
If you’re driving a truck or SUV built in the last decade, chances are it’s equipped with factory tinted glass on all windows behind the front doors.
Many owners of vehicles like this often choose to only have the front windows tinted to match the back because they believe that they are already set with the rear windows.
UV Protection
While this factory tint improves the looks of the vehicle, and offers rear passengers some privacy, it does very little to help reduce the heat entering through the glass or protect them from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Heat Rejection
The same also goes for heat rejection. Some assume that the level of heat rejection they will on the front glass is already present in the rear glass because of the factory tint. Nothing can be further from the truth. Other than having the tinted look, these windows do very little to stop the heat.
To find out what options you have to protecting your passengers and vehicles interior, click here.