New York added window tint checks to safety inspections in 2017
In force · 2017 changeNew York’s tint-inspection requirement began January 1, 2017 under Chapter 444 of the Laws of 2016. It added an inspection check tied to existing tint rules; it did not create a new blanket ban on tinted windows.
Change took effect: Published: Sources checked: (UTC)
By Window Tint Laws · Status reflects the sources checked on the date above.
Historical development. The event below predates this report’s publication. This is not a newly enacted change.
Measure: Chapter 444 of 2016 / Assembly Bill A4106 ↗ · 2015–2016 Legislative Session
Law signed:
Law effective:
How tint became an inspection item
New York’s A4106 became Chapter 444 on November 28, 2016. It amended Vehicle and Traffic Law §301 to include examination of tinted or shaded windows during safety inspections, referring to the transmission requirements in §375.
The act specified the next January 1 after enactment as its start date. DMV confirms that inspections began checking tinted windows on January 1, 2017. This retrospective was published and reviewed October 14, 2026.
Sources: New York Senate: A4106, Chapter 444 of 2016 ↗ · New York DMV: Tinted Windows ↗
An inspection change tied to existing rules
The 2016 act changed the inspection provision rather than rewriting the underlying tint limits. Calling it a new ban on all tint would misstate its scope.
DMV’s current guidance still describes at least 70% transmission for windshields and front side windows, with different treatment of some rear windows. A rear-window exception depends on qualifying mirrors on both sides, and rear-side requirements depend on the vehicle category.
Sources: New York Senate: A4106, Chapter 444 of 2016 ↗ · New York DMV: Tinted Windows ↗
Why the history still matters
DMV continues to publish the inspection requirement. Passing a safety inspection and complying with installation and road-use restrictions are related responsibilities, and vehicle classifications and medical exemptions still matter.
This article covers the 2017 inspection change. Later proposals to change transmission percentages must be checked separately; a proposal does not itself change the rules inspectors use.
Sources: New York DMV: Tinted Windows ↗
Before relying on this report
- Historical inspection legislation should not be confused with later proposed percentage changes.
- This is not a vehicle-specific inspection determination or a complete account of medical-exemption rules.
This report is general information, not legal advice or a vehicle-specific compliance decision. A news item does not authorize a film installation or add a rule to our calculator.
Sources and references
- New York Senate: A4106, Chapter 444 of 2016 ↗
Official history records November 28, 2016 signature; full bill text changes §301 and specifies the next January 1 effective date.
- New York DMV: Tinted Windows ↗
Current agency guidance expressly identifies January 1, 2017 as the inspection requirement’s effective date and explains current restrictions.