What are the legal limits for car window tinting in New York? People choose to tint their windows for privacy, protection against harmful UV rays and heat reduction. But there are limits in the state.
Despite the practical benefits and stylish look window tinting gives your car, AAA says that it can impair a driver’s vision especially at night, and prevent one from communicating their intentions to others on the road, including pedestrians. In case of an emergency, the film from tinting also makes it harder to remove the glass.
In the Empire State, some window tinting is actually against the law, depending on how and where you choose to tint.
Electric vehicle show: Henrietta electric vehicle show: Enthusiasts talk their favorite EVs. See video
Car window tinting laws in New York
Window tinting laws generally vary from state to state, with Kelley Blue Book recommending checking the state’s Department of Motor Vehicle’s regulations on the allowed visible light transmission levels, or the amount of light that is able to pass through the windows after tinting.
For instance, if the VLT is 5 percent, the tint is extremely dark with little light passing through, whereas a VLT level of 70 percent lets much more light pass through with increased visibility.
According to New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, the windshield and front side windows cannot block more than 30% of light, meaning 70% or more light from the outside must pass through the window.
This law also applies to the rear window, unless the vehicle has outside rearview mirrors on both sides.
The rear side windows on vehicles that are classified as a station wagon, sedan, convertible, hardtop, coupe or hatchback must also allow at least 70% of light from the outside to pass through the window.
Any window tints that do not comply with this law are illegal to sell, offer for sale or to be installed. It is also illegal to operate a vehicle with glass that does not follow this law.
The fine for a tinted window violation can range from $90-$200.
Report on deadly bus crash released: Preliminary report released in deadly NY Thruway bus crash: Investigation remains ongoing
Can you tint car windows darker for medical reasons in New York?
According to the New York State Health department there are specific medical conditions that can allow for exemption from the limits on light transmittance.
The following medical conditions may require someone to have tinted vehicle windows:
Chronic actinic dermatitis/actinic reticuloid
Xeroderma (pigmentosa) pigmentosum
Xevere drug photosensitivity, provided that the course of treatment causing the photosensitivity is expected to be of prolonged duration
Photophobia associated with an ophthalmic or neurological disorder
Any other condition or disorder causing severe photosensitivity in which the individual is required for medical reasons to be shielded from the direct rays of the sun
If you have one of the following medical conditions you can request an exemption from the law by filling out the Application for Tinted Window Exemption.
— Kerria Weaver works as the Government and You reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on how government actions affect communities and neighborhoods in Rochester and in Monroe County.
— USA TODAY Network contributed information for this article.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: What is the legal tint limit for car windows in NY? What the law says