For model-year 1992 and newer vehicles, New York’s front-side limit is 70% light transmission through the window. Rear-side rules depend on the vehicle’s legal body classification, while a rear-window exception depends on two outside mirrors.
Read the official sources ↓Rules by window
| Window | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Windshield | For model-year 1992 and newer vehicles: at least 70% transmission, except material confined to the uppermost six inches. That upper-strip exception does not permit dark tint across the full windshield. |
| Front side | For model-year 1992 and newer vehicles: At least 70% transmission on side wings and windows forward of or alongside the operator’s seat. |
| Rear side | For model-year 1992 and newer vehicles: At least 70% for station wagons, sedans, hardtops, coupes, hatchbacks and convertibles. DMV identifies these with the 'Passenger Car' designation on the federal label at the left front door. Other classes are not subject to this particular rear-side percentage provision. |
| Rear window | For model-year 1992 and newer vehicles: At least 70%, unless outside mirrors on both sides provide a full, clear rearward view; with those mirrors, §375(12-a)(b)(4) permits a lower rear-window transmission. |
Classify and measure the actual vehicle
Check the federal identification label before relying on an SUV or crossover description. The exception for other rear-side vehicle classes does not change the 70% front-side requirement.
DMV requires window tint examination during vehicle inspections. Factory glazing and added film must be considered together; meeting a film-box number alone does not establish compliance.
Medical exemptions and labels
Apply to DMV using Form MV-80W; a driver or habitual passenger may qualify, but DMV must grant the exemption. Section 375(12-a)(c) expressly exempts the windshield and front-side provisions in (b)(1) and (2), so do not assume a blanket exemption for every pane. The current form requires an examination within 60 days of submission and an explanation of why other protective measures are inadequate. Follow the form’s medical-provider and documentation instructions.
The statute directs DMV-issued exemption notices/stickers on the authorized windows. It also provides a conformity label after certain DMV testing. These are distinct from an ordinary installer’s product label; this review did not verify a blanket sticker requirement for every routine tint installation.
Common installation questions
Will 70% tint pass inspection in New York?
For model-year 1992 and newer vehicles, ask what the finished window will transmit after the film is applied to the existing glass. New York requires at least 70% light transmission through the front side windows; the film’s standalone rating is not the installed reading. The windshield also has a 70% requirement, with a statutory exception for material confined to its uppermost six inches. Window tint is examined during vehicle inspections, so have the completed glass-and-film combination checked.
Official sources: New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §375(12-a) ↗ · New York DMV tinted windows ↗
Can I put darker tint on my SUV’s rear windows?
For model-year 1992 and newer vehicles, look at the federal identification label on the left front door. DMV says a “Passenger Car” designation identifies the body classes whose rear side windows must transmit at least 70% of light. Do not rely only on the vehicle being marketed as a crossover or SUV. The rear windshield has a separate mirror-based exception: lower transmission is permitted when outside mirrors on both sides give the driver a full, clear rearward view.
Official sources: New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §375(12-a) ↗ · New York DMV tinted windows ↗
Is a doctor’s letter enough for a New York tint exemption?
Apply to New York DMV using Form MV-80W and the medical documentation it requires. The form calls for a recent examination and certification explaining why other protective measures are inadequate. A driver or habitual passenger may qualify, but DMV must grant the exemption; a medical condition alone does not establish approval. Follow the requirements for DMV-issued exemption notices or stickers on the authorized windows, rather than treating an installer’s product label as medical authorization.
Official sources: New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §375(12-a) ↗ · New York DMV Form MV-80W ↗
Before you rely on this guide
This is general information, not legal advice, a vehicle inspection, or permission to install a particular film. Exceptions and enforcement procedures can depend on your circumstances.
- Research checked October 14, 2026. The compilation’s August 28, 2026 revision date is not a claim that the tint provisions changed then.
- A separate numeric reflectance cap or statewide film-color list was not established by these sources; do not infer all reflective/colored products are acceptable.
- The 70% rules above summarize model-year 1992 and newer vehicles. Pre-1992 vehicles have a separate statutory historical-compliance provision and inspection branch; vehicle age alone does not establish an exemption or authorize a particular tint.
The research date shows when the sources were checked. It is not the date the law took effect, and it does not mean this page is monitored continuously. This research preview still awaits human editorial review; we do not claim attorney review.
Official sources
- New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §375(12-a) ↗
Current official Senate compilation, displayed as revision August 28, 2026; windshield, side/rear distinctions and exemptions checked directly.
- New York DMV tinted windows ↗
Official measurement, vehicle-label and inspection guidance.
- New York DMV Form MV-80W ↗
Official June 2024 form currently linked by DMV; medical application requirements.