Tint Laws in New York: Understanding All the Regulations
Discover the legal window tint in New York
If you’re a car owner in New York considering window tinting, it’s crucial to be well-informed about the state’s specific tint laws.
Understanding the permissible Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentages for different window types, requirements for side mirrors, and medical exemptions can help you make the right choices.
So, in this tint laws in New York blog, we’ll guide you with all the ins and outs. Therefore, to skim through till the end.
What Does VLT Mean According to New York Law?
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is a crucial factor that determines the amount of light allowed to pass through window tint films installed on car windows. This measurement is expressed as a percentage, representing the proportion of visible light that can penetrate the tint.
In New York, the allowable VLT for window tints is subject to variation depending on the type of vehicle. Passenger Vehicles, which are typically designed to carry passengers and are not primarily used for commercial purposes, have their own set of VLT limits.
On the other hand, Multi-Purpose Vehicles, which encompass various types of utility vehicles, have different VLT restrictions.
These regulations are in place to ensure that drivers and passengers have sufficient visibility and that law enforcement can easily inspect vehicles for compliance.
So, What is The Legal Tint in New York?
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is in charge of enforcing the legal tint regulations. The laws for tinting differ between passenger cars, station wagons, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and recreational vehicles (RVs).
In Rhode Island, the window tint laws are regulated by state authorities to ensure road safety and compliance with visibility standards. The permissible tint darkness and reflection vary depending on the type of vehicle.
For passenger cars and station wagons, the regulations are different.
On the other hand, for multi-purpose passenger vehicles and recreational vehicles (RVs), Rhode Island typically follows similar guidelines, but it’s essential to verify the most up-to-date laws to ensure compliance. Let’s explore them:
Tint Laws for Passenger Car and Station Wagons in New York
For passenger vehicles manufactured in 1992 and newer, specific regulations govern the allowable VLT percentages for various windows. These regulations are designed to ensure safety and visibility for drivers and passengers on the road.
- Front Windshields and Front Side Windows:
The front windshields and front side windows of passenger vehicles must allow at least 70% VLT.
This means that these windows must permit a minimum of 70% of visible light to pass through the tinting film.
The reason for this requirement is to provide drivers with clear visibility, especially during nighttime or adverse weather conditions, promoting safer driving experiences.
Rear Side Windows: Similarly, the rear side windows of passenger vehicles are also subject to the 70% VLT rule. They must allow a minimum of 70% of visible light to pass through the window tint.
This ensures that passengers sitting in the rear seats have adequate visibility while traveling.
Rear Window with Dual Side Mirrors: In a unique provision, if a passenger vehicle has dual side mirrors, there are no specific requirements for light transmission on the rear window.
This means that the rear window can be tinted to any darkness level without violating regulations, as long as the vehicle has two functional side mirrors.
The presence of dual side mirrors compensates for the reduced visibility caused by the tinted rear window.
Rear Window without Dual Side Mirrors:
However, if the passenger vehicle does not have dual side mirrors, the same 70% VLT rule applies to the rear window. In this case, the tint on the rear window must permit at least 70% of visible light transmission to maintain safety and visibility.
Tint Laws for Multi-Purpose Passenger and Recreational Vehicles in New York
In New York, Multi-Purpose Passenger Vehicles (MPVs) and Recreational Vehicles (RVs) are subject to specific window tint regulations. Here the rules you need to abide by:
- Front Windshield: Light tint is allowed, permitting more than 70% of light transmission. Non-reflective tint with any darkness can be applied on the top 6 inches (sun strip) to reduce sun glare.
- Front Seat Side Windows: Maximum tint darkness allowed is 70% to maintain adequate visibility, especially at night or in adverse weather.
- Back Seat Side Windows: No specific restrictions on tint darkness, offering flexibility for passengers to choose darker tints for privacy and UV protection.
Rear Window: Similar to back seat side windows, no limitations on tint darkness, providing privacy and sun protection for rear passengers.
Note: Avoid excessively dark tints for safe visibility. Refer to NY DMV guidelines for compliance.
Window Tint Reflection in New York Window Tint Law 2023
In New York, the allowable percentage of visible light transmission (VLT) through car windows is regulated and varies based on the type of vehicle, namely sedans and SUVs or vans.
For sedans, the permissible tint darkness is as follows
- Windshield: It must allow more than 70% of light to pass through. However, non-reflective tint with any darkness is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
- Front Side Windows: These windows must allow more than 70% of light to pass through without any tint darkness.
- Back Side Windows: Similar to the front side windows, the back side windows must also allow more than 70% of light in, without any tint darkness.
Rear Window: Sedan owners can use any level of tint darkness on the rear window, provided they have dual exterior rearview mirrors.
On the other hand, for SUVs and vans, the rules are slightly different
- Windshield: Similar to sedans, the windshield of SUVs and vans must allow more than 70% of light transmission. Non-reflective tint with any darkness is permitted on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
- Front Side Windows: These windows, like sedans, must allow more than 70% of light to pass through without any tint darkness.
- Back Side Windows: SUV and van owners can use any level of tint darkness on the back side windows; there is no specific restriction.
Rear Window: Similar to back side windows, any level of tint darkness is allowed on the rear window of SUVs and vans.
It’s important for vehicle owners in New York to adhere to these regulations to ensure they are in compliance with the law and avoid potential fines or penalties.
The rules are in place to maintain safety on the roads and provide law enforcement with clear visibility into the vehicles.
Window Tint Reflection in New York
New York State has specific regulations concerning window tint reflection for the front, back, and side mirrors of vehicles.
- Front Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed only on the top 6 inches of the windshield. The reflective or mirrored tint is not permitted on the front windshield.
- Front Side Windows: The law requires that these windows must allow more than 70% of light to pass through, meaning that non-reflective tint is acceptable. However, the use of reflective or mirrored tint on the front side windows is generally not allowed.
- Rear Side Windows: There are no specific restrictions on tint darkness for rear side windows. Non-reflective tint is permissible, and reflective tint may be used as long as it complies with darkness regulations.
- Rear Window: Like the rear side windows, there are no specific restrictions on tint darkness for the rear window. Non-reflective tint is allowed, but reflective tint is generally not prohibited.
Other Window Tint Laws and Regulations of New York You Need to Know
Before proceeding with window tinting in New York, there are several additional important considerations to take into account:
- Side Mirrors Requirement: If you plan to tint your back side windows or rear window with a darkness level below 70% VLT, it is mandatory to have dual side mirrors on your vehicle.
This requirement ensures that there is adequate visibility for the driver and enhances safety on the roads.
- Colored Tint Legality: Unlike some states that have restrictions on tint colors, New York allows all tint colors to be used. This means you have the freedom to choose the tint color that best suits your preferences without violating the law.
Window Tint Certification Rules: Manufacturers of window tint film are not required to certify the film they sell in New York.
While some states may have specific regulations regarding certified films, New York does not impose this requirement.
Certified Sticker for Window Tint Installation: When you have your windows tinted, a certified sticker must be placed between the film and the glass on each tinted window.
This sticker serves as identification that your tinting adheres to the legal VLT limits. It is important to have this sticker to avoid any potential issues with law enforcement during vehicle inspections.
Medical Exemptions for Window Tint: New York recognizes medical exemptions for window tint.
If you have a medical condition that requires you to limit your exposure to sunlight or UV rays, you can apply for a special tint exemption.
However, obtaining such an exemption typically requires proper documentation from a medical professional.
Tint Laws in New York- FAQ’s
Is 5% tint legal in New York?
In New York, 5% tint is not permitted on the front side windows since they must allow more than 70% of light to pass through.
Is 20% tint legal in New York?
In New York, you are allowed to have 20% tint on your rear side windows and rear window. But it’s important to remember that for the front side windows, the tint must allow more than 70% of light to pass.
Is 35% tint legal in New York?
35% tint is generally legal for the rear side windows and rear window in New York.
Is 50% tint legal in New York?
In New York, you can legally have 50% tint on your front side windows, rear side windows, and rear window. The state does not impose any restrictions on tint darkness for these windows, so you can freely use 50% tint without violating the law.
Is 75% tint legal in New York?
New York requires front side windows to allow more than 70% of light to pass through. Therefore, 75% tint would not be legal for the front side windows in New York.
What is the legal window tint in New York?
In New York, the legality of window tint varies depending on the specific windows and their locations on the vehicle. The state has different regulations for front side windows compared to rear side windows, the back window, and the windshield.
What is the darkest legal tint in New York?
In New York, the darkest legal tint allowed on the front side windows is one that permits more than 70% of light to pass through. However, for the rear side windows, back window, and windshield, there are no specific restrictions on tint darkness, except that non-reflective tint is permitted on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
How much is a tint ticket in New York?
The price of a tint ticket in New York can fluctuate depending on the individual circumstances and location. In general, fines for window tint violations typically range between $50 to $150 per offense.
Most Important Information about Car Window Tinting
Bottom Line
Following the tint laws in New York is essential if you want to tint your car windows legally and safely.
Remember to check the allowed Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentages for each window type, use side mirrors if needed, and consider medical exemptions if applicable.
Choose any tint color you like, but make sure it complies with the VLT limits. By understanding and adhering to these regulations, you can enjoy the benefits of window tinting while staying on the right side of the law in New York.