Abolish or Reform NYS VTL "Window Tinting" Statutes

New York State's window tint statute is found in § 375 (12-a) of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. Subsection 12-a, which discusses window tinting or "light transmittance" at length, was last amended in 1991, increasing the required light transmittance percentage from 35 percent to 70 percent. This 70 percent is the highest required light transmittance percentage by any state, also shared in California and Pennsylvania.

Window tinting, or as it is called in § 375 of New York State's Vehicle and Traffic Law, "light transmittance" is the process of putting a dark-colored film on the window glass to give it the appearance of being darker. This is often done by aftermarket companies after a person purchases a vehicle. The percentage of permissible window tinting is determined by the amount of visible light able to pass through the window's glass as well as the tint film on the window.

Front and Back Side Windows
The § 375 (12-a)(b)(2) of the Vehicle and Traffic Law requires that side windows, both front and back, cannot be covered by a window tint film that allows "light transmittance" of less than 70 percent. This means that some degree of aftermarket window tinting is permitted. As long as the window tint film allows 70 percent of visible light to pass through the film and the window glass, your windows do not violate the law.

If you choose to tint your windows, New York State does not ban any tint color; however, the tint cannot reflective light or appear metallic or mirrored. Additionally, if you bring your vehicle to a company who performs aftermarket tinting work, under Vehicle and Traffic Law § 375 (12-a)(d), there must be a sticker affixed to the window, between the glass and the tinted film, identifying that the tint film is of a legal percentage for New York State.

Windshield and Rear Window
Under Vehicle and Traffic Law § 375 (12-a)(b)(1) states that a vehicle's front windshield can only be tinted on the top 6 inches. Like the side windows, that window tint must allow for a "light transmittance" of 70 percent. Additionally, if the top 6 inches of the windshield are covered with a tinted film, the film cannot be reflective.

As for the rear window, § 375 (12-a)(b)(4) allows for the rear window to be tinted to any darkness. However, if the rear window is tinted darker than the allowable 70 percent "light transmittance," the vehicle must have two side mirrors, allowing the driver to see the road and any traffic conditions behind him.
If, however, a vehicle only has one side mirror, § 375 (12-a)(b)(4) states that the rear window can only be tinted as dark as the side windows of the vehicle, allowing for 70 percent of visible light to pass through the window glass and the tint film

Recent studies by The University of Washington researches have shown that Drivers are more likely to develop and are at increased risk of developing skin cancer on the left sides of their bodies . In addition the law has been used as a " Money maker " for Counties who encourage overzealous strict enforcement of this law which includes fines exceeding $100. I think most New Yorkers could agree that the law is of a harassing nature. Other states such as Florida do not over regulate window tint and it seems to be with no problems . Law enforcement will argue that the need to see in the vehicle during traffic stops for " Their Safety" this is complete nonsense speaking as a former Police officer myself. As anyone wishing to do an officer harm is not going to refrain from doing so whether the windows being tinted or not, in addition if the stop is of a high risk nature additional Law Enforcement could be called to provide assistance. It is time to take back our State and our money they are so eager to wring from regular hard working New Yorkers! Thank you.