New York window tint law
Front side windows must let through at least 70% of visible light. One of the strictest tint states in the country.
The limits, window by window
New York is the state most often cited in court opinions about tint stops — appellate decisions here have upheld stops based on an officer’s testimony that he could not see into the car. If you are at 70%, you are at factory glass and should not add film.
Medical exemption
Yes — physician certification, and the DMV can issue a permit
What happens if you are over the limit
Traffic infraction, points possible, and the film must come off to clear it.
The statute: New York Vehicle & Traffic Law §375(12-a)
Two things that catch people out
Films are rated alone; the law measures both. A "35% VLT" film placed on factory glass that already transmits 72% reads about 25% at the meter. Installers in strict states will ask what your goal is rather than what film you want, because the film alone does not decide the outcome.
A legal car in one state is not legal in another. Tint rules travel with the registration, not with the driver. If you move from Texas (25%) to California (70%), the same windows become a violation the day you register — and California requires the film itself to transmit 88%, which no normal film does.
Related
Tint is one of three things a state checks. The other two: New York inspection rules and New York EV registration surcharge.
Electric vehicle? The charging cost figures on our sister site use the same state boundaries.
Statute and limits checked November 2026.