New York window tint laws set the legal visible light transmission limit at 70% for the windshield below the top six inches, front side windows, and back side and rear windows on sedan type vehicles. SUVs and vans are not covered by the rear side window rule. This article covers penalties, medical exemptions, and the dual mirror exception. The source is Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 375 subdivision 12-a.
Key Terms Defined
Several terms appear throughout New York tint law and are worth defining first. VLT stands for visible light transmission, the percentage of light passing through a tinted window and the glass itself, where a lower number means darker film. Sun screening material is the statutory term for any window film or coating applied to a vehicle window. A traffic infraction is a non criminal violation category governing tint penalties.
What the Law Says
Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 375 subdivision 12-a sets separate rules depending on window position and vehicle body style. The windshield, front side windows, back side windows, and rear window each have their own coverage under this subdivision. Understanding which rule applies to which window and vehicle type avoids confusion that appears across most competitor summaries. The following sections separate sedan coverage from SUV and van coverage.
VLT Percentage Requirements for Sedans
Under subparagraphs one through four of this subdivision, a sedan, station wagon, hardtop, coupe, hatchback, or convertible must keep the windshield, front side windows, back side windows, and rear window at 70% VLT or higher. This applies to every covered window position on these body styles. A film measuring below 70% VLT on any of these windows does not meet the statutory requirement, regardless of how the film is marketed.
VLT Percentage Requirements for SUVs and Vans
SUVs and vans are treated differently under this subdivision. The 70% VLT requirement for back side windows in subparagraph three names only station wagon, sedan, hardtop, coupe, hatchback, or convertible body styles. SUVs and vans are not listed there, so their back side windows are not covered by that specific requirement. The windshield and front side window requirements still apply to SUVs and vans the same way as sedans.
Windshield and Reflectivity Restrictions
The windshield rule allows nontransparent or tinted material only on the uppermost six inches. Below that line, the windshield must meet the 70% VLT minimum like the front side windows. The statute text reviewed does not name a separate reflectivity percentage limit or ban specific tint colors outright. The core restriction is the light transmittance threshold, measured through the combined film and glass rather than the film alone.
Who It Applies To
Section 375 subdivision 12-a applies to any motor vehicle operated on a New York public highway, road, or street with sun screening material on the windshield, front side windows, back side windows, or rear window. The rule reaches the vehicle owner and driver, since operating with noncompliant tint creates the violation. Passenger vehicles covered by the named body styles are held to the 70% standard on all four window positions.
Requirements or Elements
Dual Mirror Exception for Rear Windows
New York law includes a dual mirror exception that changes how the rear window rule applies. A rear window may have light transmittance below 70% if the vehicle has side mirrors on both sides, adjusted so the driver has a clear view of traffic behind. This exception applies regardless of vehicle body style, meaning any qualifying vehicle with proper dual mirrors can have a rear window of any darkness.
Penalties or Consequences
Section 375 subdivision 12-a does not state its own dollar fine for a tint violation. The general traffic infraction penalty schedule in Section 1800 applies instead, since no other specific penalty is provided for this offense. That schedule allows a fine of not more than $150 for a first conviction, not more than $300 for a second conviction within eighteen months, and higher amounts for a third or subsequent conviction.
Exceptions and Limitations
Section 375 subdivision 12-a includes a medical exemption that changes how the windshield and front side window rules apply to certain drivers or passengers. This exemption does not remove the 70% requirement for other covered windows, and it does not create a fixed alternate percentage that automatically applies once granted. Understanding the certification process clarifies why some vehicles carry an exemption sticker rather than one specific different VLT number.
Medical Exemption Process
The medical exemption applies to a person required for medical reasons to be shielded from direct sunlight, or a vehicle in which such a person is a habitual passenger. A physician must provide a statement naming the condition and the minimum light transmission level required, and the commissioner grants the exemption from a list of qualifying conditions. A sticker must be affixed to each exempt window covered by the approval.
The statute does not name one specific alternate percentage, such as 20% VLT, that automatically applies to every approved medical exemption. Instead, the minimum light transmission level required is tied to the individual physician statement submitted for that specific applicant. This distinction matters because several sources online describe a single fixed exemption percentage, which is not confirmed by the statutory text governing how the commissioner evaluates and grants these exemptions.
Common Misconceptions
A common misconception is that the 70% back side window rule applies to every vehicle type in New York. In reality subparagraph three names only specific body styles, so SUVs and vans are not covered by that rule. Another misconception assumes a fixed fine applies to every tint ticket, when the actual range comes from the general traffic infraction schedule in Section 1800. Laws may change, so check official sources.
New York window tint rules come from the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 375 official text, which sets out the VLT requirements and medical exemption process described throughout this article. The applicable fine range for a violation is set separately in the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1800 official text. Questions about this article’s informational limits are addressed on the Disclaimer page.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Lawwalls publishes informational content only and does not provide legal services or legal advice.
For legal advice about your specific situation contact a licensed attorney in your state. Laws change and vary by jurisdiction. Verify current rules with official government sources or a qualified lawyer.