New York window tint law
In New York, a passenger car's front side windows must let in at least 70% of light; rear side windows: at least 70% of light in; rear window: any darkness with outside mirrors on both sides. Source: New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §375(12-a), NY State Senate (revision of 2026-08-28), checked November 2026.
| Front side windows | 70% At least 70% light transmittance. |
|---|---|
| Rear side windows | 70% At least 70% on sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, hardtops, convertibles and station wagons. |
| Rear window | Any darkness Below 70% allowed if the car has side mirrors on both sides. |
| Windshield | At least 70% light transmittance, except material limited to the top 6 inches. |
| SUVs, vans, trucks | The 70% rear-side rule names only station wagons, sedans, hardtops, coupes, hatchbacks and convertibles; other classes (e.g. SUVs) are not listed. |
| Medical exemption | DMV commissioner exemption for windshield and front side windows on physician or nurse practitioner certification. |
The New York front-side limit on a car
Levels we picture that meet the front-side limit: 70% (light)
Source
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §375(12-a), NY State Senate (revision of 2026-08-28)
“are composed of, covered by or treated with any material which has a light transmittance of less than seventy percent”
Checked November 2026. A summary of the passenger-car rules, not legal advice: laws change, so check the source or ask a local tint shop before you buy.
Other states
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew MexicoNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming All states in one table