Back in 1991, New York put in place car window tinting laws to ensure that drivers were operating their vehicles safely and lawfully. If you’re thinking of tinting your car windows, it’s important to note that these laws dictate how dark or reflective the tint can be in the state. But that’s not all – there are also some additional rules and regulations that you need to be aware of to avoid facing hefty fines. Rest assured though, I’ve got you covered with all the information and documents you need to ensure that your car’s window tint is up to par with New York’s regulations. So, let’s dive in and make sure that you’re well-informed on everything there is to know about car window tinting in the state of New York!
If you’re thinking about auto window tinting, it’s essential to know about two critical concept: Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Visible Light Reflection (VLR). In this discussion, I’ll explain both concepts, starting with VLT.
1. Window Tint Darkness in New York (VLT)
Window Tint Darkness or Visible light transmission (VLT) is a measure of the amount of light that passes through a film. It’s measured in percentages and can run from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted through the film.
Every state has a distinctive legal limitations. Therefore, if you’re planning to tint your car windows in New York, it’s important to note that the amount of light that can pass through your tinted glass may differ from other states. In addition, the regulations may vary depending on whether you have a passenger vehicle or a multi-purpose vehicle. That’s why it’s crucial to carefully read and understand the tinting laws in New York to ensure that you’re in compliance with all the rules and regulations.
Tint darkness laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in New York:
Windshield: If you are looking to apply a non-reflective tint, you have the freedom to choose any level of darkness for the top 6 inches of your car windshield. However, if you want to use a reflective tint, it must be able to transmit at least 70% of light.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 70% tint darkness.
Back Side windows: You can use up to 70% darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use any tint darkness for dual exterior rearview mirrors.
Tint darkness laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) in New York:
Windshield: Same rule apply for the windshield of multi-purpose vehicles as well. If you are looking to apply a non-reflective tint, you have the freedom to choose any level of darkness for the top 6 inches of your car windshield. However, if you want to use a reflective tint, it must be able to transmit at least 70% of light.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 70% tint darkness.
Back Side windows: You can use any tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use any tint darkness for rear windows.
2. Window Tint Reflection in New York (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that an auto window film reflects. For car window tinting in New York, another important factor to keep in mind is the Visible Light Reflection (VLR) percentage. This percentage ranges from 0% to 100% and measures how much visible light is reflected by the tint. The lower the VLR percentage, the more sunlight will be blocked and the less visible light will be reflected into the car. As you explore your options for tinting your car windows, it’s crucial to pay attention to the VLR percentage that’s allowed under New York’s window tint law.
Tint reflection laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in New York:
Front Side windows: You can’t use any metallic or mirrored appearance on the front side windows.
Back Side windows: You can’t use any metallic or mirrored appearance on the back side windows as well.
Tint reflection laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and Vans) in New York:
Front Side windows: You can’t use any metallic or mirrored appearance on the front side windows
Back Side windows: You can’t use any metallic or mirrored appearance on the back side windows as well.
Other New York Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
Window tinting of your vehicle in New York is no joke – there are plenty of rules and regulations that you’ll need to abide by to avoid getting into trouble. Of course, there’s the specific percentage of darkness and glare that each window must maintain, but that’s not all. Here are some other important rules and regulations that you need to keep in mind:
Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required if back side windows or rear window is tinted below 70% VLT. This is to ensure that the driver has adequate visibility while operating the vehicle. The 70% VLT refers to the 70% of light that can pass through the tint, with VLT standing for Visible Light Transmission.
Restricted Colors: No colors of tint are explicitly banned by New York tint laws. However, it is important to note that some colors may be more reflective than others and might lead to a violation of the 70% VLT requirement for the rear and back side windows.
Certificates: Film manufacturers are not required to certify the film they sell in this state. It is the responsibility of the individual or the company installing the tint to ensure that it complies with the state’s regulations.
Stickers: The sticker to identify legal tinting is required between the film & glass on each tinted window. This sticker must contain the percentage of VLT for that specific window and must be placed in a location that is easily visible to law enforcement.
Medical Exceptions: New York allows medical exemptions for special tint. Individuals with certain medical conditions may be eligible for special tint that is darker than the standard regulations. These exemptions must be got through the proper channels and must be renewed regularly.
Penalties: Penalties can be up to $150 for violating the New York car tint law. Repeat offenders may face higher fines, and sometimes, the individual may be required to remove the tint from their vehicle. It is important to note that penalties may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the violation.
Conclusion
In New York, the laws for car tint darkness vary depending on the type of vehicle and the specific window. For passenger vehicles (sedans), the windshield can have any level of darkness for the top 6 inches if it is non-reflective, but must allow at least 70% light transmission if it is reflective. Front side windows are permitted to have up to 70% tint darkness, while back side windows and rear windows can have any darkness. For multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans), the laws are the same for the windshield and front side windows, but back side and rear windows can have any level of tint darkness. It is important to note that dual side mirrors are required if the back side windows or rear window is tinted below 70% Visible Light Transmission (VLT).
Disclaimer
The information on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or as a substitute for the advice of an attorney. No user of this site, or any other person or entity that may have received this information, shall rely upon the information contained as creating an attorney-client relationship between such user and Car Glass Advisor. The rules and regulations pertaining to car window tint in New York may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.