Operating a vehicle with tinted windows in New York is subject to specific regulations, but provisions exist for individuals who require additional sun protection for medical reasons. A formal exemption process allows certain drivers to apply for and use darker tints by meeting specific medical criteria and submitting an application to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Understanding New York’s Standard Window Tint Laws
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 375 establishes the legal limits for window tinting on passenger vehicles. The rules are based on the percentage of light that must be able to pass through the glass, known as Visible Light Transmittance (VLT). For windshields and front side windows, the law mandates they allow at least 70% of outside light to pass through. This 70% VLT standard also applies to the rear side windows and rear windshield of most passenger cars.
Vehicles that do not meet the 70% VLT requirement will fail the annual state safety inspection. An exception exists for the rear window; it can be tinted to any level of darkness, provided the vehicle is equipped with functional rearview mirrors on both sides that give the driver a clear view behind them. Operating a vehicle with illegally tinted windows can result in a traffic ticket and fines.
Medical Conditions Qualifying for a Tint Exemption
To obtain an exemption from New York’s standard tinting laws, an individual must have a documented medical condition that requires them to be shielded from direct sunlight. The New York State Department of Health has identified specific conditions that qualify, including genetic disorders like albinism, porphyria, and xeroderma pigmentosum, which cause extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light.
Autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis are also on the qualifying list. Other eligible conditions include chronic actinic dermatitis, severe drug-induced photosensitivity, and photophobia linked to a neurological or ophthalmic disorder. A physician must certify that the condition is severe enough that standard protective measures like sunscreen or UV-protective clothing are insufficient.
Gathering Documentation for Your Tint Exemption Application
The first step in the process is to obtain and complete New York State DMV Form MV-80W, the “Application for Tinted Window Exemption,” which can be downloaded from the NYS DMV website.1New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Application For Tinted Window Exemption The applicant must accurately fill out their personal information and vehicle-specific details, such as the make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
A New York State licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner must complete the physician’s certification section. The medical provider must enter their professional license number and provide a statement confirming the patient’s qualifying medical condition. Before submission, you will also need a photocopy of your vehicle registration and a copy of the medical provider’s state professional license.
The NY Tint Exemption Application Process
Once Form MV-80W is fully completed by both the applicant and the medical provider, the entire package must be submitted for review. The application and all supporting documents must be mailed to the DMV’s Medical Review Unit. The specific mailing address for this unit is on the application form: Department of Motor Vehicles, Driver Regulation Bureau, Medical Review Unit, 6 Empire State Plaza, Room 337, Albany, NY 12228.
After mailing the application, the Medical Review Unit will process the request. The DMV may request additional medical details from the physician if the initial information is deemed insufficient. The DMV will communicate its decision by mail.
After Approval Using Your Tint Exemption
Upon receiving approval from the DMV, you will be sent official documentation, including an exemption certificate and a sticker. The instructions provided with the sticker direct that it be placed on the inside of a window, serving as a visible indicator to law enforcement and vehicle inspectors that the tint is legally authorized. Keep the paper exemption certificate inside the vehicle at all times.
If you are stopped by a police officer, you must be prepared to present this document as proof of your medical exemption. The duration of the exemption can vary, and some may require periodic re-application. If you change vehicles, a new application will be necessary.