It depends on which window you put it on. New York has some of the strictest window tint laws in the country, and 5% tint — commonly called “limo tint” because it is nearly impossible to see through from the outside — is illegal on the front windows of any vehicle. On rear windows and rear side windows, however, 5% tint is permitted under certain conditions. The answer is not a simple yes or no, and getting it wrong means failing your annual inspection, a fine, and a mandatory removal order.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What Does 5% Tint Actually Mean?
Window tint darkness is measured by Visible Light Transmission, or VLT — the percentage of light allowed to pass through the glass. A higher number means more light gets through and the tint is lighter. A lower number means less light gets through and the tint is darker.
5% VLT means only 5% of visible light passes through the window. It is one of the darkest tints commercially available and is essentially opaque from the outside in normal daylight. It is the same darkness used on the windows of limousines and luxury vehicles — hence the nickname “limo tint.”
New York’s Tint Rules by Window
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 375(12-a) sets out specific VLT requirements depending on which window is being tinted and what type of vehicle you drive.
Sedans and passenger cars:
- Windshield — Only the top six inches may be tinted, and that strip must be non-reflective. The rest of the windshield must remain clear.
- Front side windows — Must allow at least 70% VLT. This is one of the strictest standards in the country. A 5% tint here is completely illegal.
- Rear side windows — Must also allow at least 70% VLT for sedans. 5% is illegal on rear side windows of a standard sedan.
- Rear window — Any darkness is permitted, including 5%, as long as the vehicle is equipped with dual exterior rearview mirrors (one on each side).
SUVs, vans, and multi-purpose vehicles:
- Windshield — Same rule as sedans: top six inches only, non-reflective.
- Front side windows — Must allow at least 70% VLT. 5% is illegal here regardless of vehicle type.
- Rear side windows — No minimum VLT requirement. 5% tint is legal.
- Rear window — No minimum VLT requirement. 5% tint is legal, provided the vehicle has dual exterior rearview mirrors.
So Is 5% Tint Legal in New York?
To summarize directly:
- 5% on the front side windows — Illegal on all vehicles
- 5% on the rear side windows of a sedan — Illegal
- 5% on the rear side windows of an SUV or van — Legal
- 5% on the rear window of any vehicle — Legal, provided dual side mirrors are installed
The most common mistake people make is applying 5% tint to the rear side windows of a sedan, believing that because the rear window has no VLT limit, the side windows behind the driver must be similar. They are not — for sedans, the 70% rule applies all the way around except for the rear window itself.
Reflectivity Rules
Regardless of the VLT percentage, New York also prohibits metallic or mirrored tint on any window. No tint on any part of the vehicle can appear reflective or mirror-like. The maximum allowable reflectivity is 30% for both front and rear side windows. Any tint that creates a mirror appearance on the outside of the vehicle is illegal, regardless of how dark or light it is.
The Compliance Sticker Requirement
New York requires a compliance sticker on each tinted window confirming the film meets legal standards. This sticker is typically applied by the installer between the glass and the film. If you have your windows tinted professionally, make sure the installer provides these stickers — without them, your vehicle can fail inspection even if the tint itself is within legal limits.
What Are the Penalties?
Tint violations in New York are equipment violations, not moving violations, which means they do not add points to your license. However they do carry real consequences:
- First offense — Fine of up to $150
- Subsequent offenses — Fine of up to $300
- Failure to remove illegal tint — An additional $25 per day until the tint is removed
- Annual inspection failure — Your vehicle will not pass the state inspection until the illegal tint is removed and a re-inspection is completed
Law enforcement uses a tint meter — a photometer — to measure VLT precisely. A tint that looks borderline to the eye will be measured objectively, and if it falls below the legal threshold, you will be cited.
Is There a Medical Exemption?
Yes. New York allows darker tint on medical grounds. If you have a condition that makes you sensitive to sunlight — such as lupus, photosensitivity disorders, or certain skin conditions — a licensed physician can certify your medical need. The exemption form must be filed with the New York DMV, and a copy must be kept in the vehicle at all times and presented to law enforcement if stopped. The exemption allows darker tint on windows where 70% VLT would otherwise be required.
Is the Law Changing?
There have been ongoing efforts to loosen New York’s tint laws. Multiple bills introduced in the 2025 legislative session — including Senate Bills S4572 and S9226 — propose allowing all windows except the windshield to have a 50% VLT standard, which would be a significant relaxation from the current 70% requirement. As of mid-2025, neither bill has been signed into law, and the 70% rule remains fully in effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I get pulled over for 5% tint in New York?
Yes. Police can stop you for a visible tint violation and use a tint meter to measure VLT. If the reading falls below the legal limit for that window, you will receive a citation.
Q2. Does 5% tint on the rear window affect my inspection?
Not on its own — the rear window has no VLT minimum, as long as you have dual exterior rearview mirrors. A 5% rear window with proper mirrors will pass inspection.
Q3. Can I drive in New York with out-of-state tint that is darker than 70%?
No. New York enforces its own tint laws regardless of where the vehicle is registered. Out-of-state vehicles with illegal tint can be cited.
Q4. Is limo tint legal in New York City?
The same state rules apply throughout New York City. 5% on front windows is illegal; 5% on rear windows of SUVs and vans is legal with dual mirrors.
Q5. What if I bought a used car with illegal tint already on it?
You are responsible for the tint on your vehicle regardless of who applied it. If you buy a car with illegal tint, you are liable for the violation and must remove it to pass inspection.