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S 9226

Relates to the level of acceptable light transmittance of automobile window tint and film

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeremy Cooney

New York sets minimum window tint levels: front windshield at 70% (with up to six inches allowed), and side and rear windows at 50% or higher, with a ±7% enforcement tolerance and

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Bill Summary · S 9226

Bill Summary: S 9226 (2025-2026) – New York

Title

Relates to the level of acceptable light transmittance of automobile window tint and film

Purpose and Big Picture

The bill amends the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law to set and modify the required minimum light transmittance (tint level) for automobile windows. It clarifies and updates the allowable darkness of various vehicle windows (windshield, side windows, rear windows) and authorizes enforcement testing with a tolerance. It also updates the vehicle safety inspection references to ensure tint standards are checked during inspections.

Key Provisions

Section 1: Tint transmittance standards for different windows

  • Amends subdivision 12-a, paragraph (b) of section 375:
    • Front windshield: prohibits operation if the windshield transmittance is less than 70%, with a special exception that the material may be limited to the uppermost six inches of the windshield.
    • Side windows immediately forward of or adjacent to the operator’s seat (sidewings/side windows): prohibits operation if transmittance is less than 50%.
    • Rear side windows (for vehicles classified as station wagons, sedans, hardtops, coupes, hatchbacks, or convertibles): prohibits operation if transmittance is less than 50%.
    • Rear window: prohibits operation if transmittance is less than 50.
    • Note: A prior provision allowed the rear window to be below 70% if side mirrors were properly adjusted; this 70% exception is removed or replaced with the 50% standard (the text shows the older bracketed language; the current effect reads as establishing a 50% standard for the rear window unless otherwise clarified by implementation rules).
  • Section also specifies that a law enforcement testing process may include a tolerance of plus or minus 7 percentage points. If the tested window complies with the standard, a conformity label may be affixed to the window.

Section 2: Tint in safety inspections

  • Amends subdivision (c), paragraph 1, section 301 (safety inspections) to include tint compliance:
    • Inspections must verify that windows meet the tint/transmittance requirements established by section 375 (the 50% rear/side windows and 70% front windshield exception, as applicable).
    • The inspection also includes standard checks for brakes, steering, wheel alignment, lights, odometer, tires, seat belts, VIN, etc.
    • The odometer mileage is to be recorded on the inspection sticker.

Section 3: Effective date

  • The act takes effect 60 days after becoming law.
  • Authorized immediate rulemaking to implement the act’s requirements prior to the effective date.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Vehicle operators: Must ensure window tinting on the front windshield, side windows near the operator, and rear windows meet the specified light transmittance levels.
  • Law enforcement: Prepared to test windows for compliance with the new standards.
  • Vehicle safety inspection process: Must include tint compliance checks along with other standard safety inspections.
  • Manufacturers and installers of window tint/film: May need to adjust products and labeling to meet the updated standards and support any required conformity labeling.

Timelines and Process

  • Introduction date: February 18, 2026.
  • Referred to the Senate Committee on Transportation for consideration.
  • Effective date: 60 days after enactment.
  • Immediate rule-making authority: Allows the Department to adopt necessary regulations before the act’s effective date if needed.

Notable Details

  • The proposed standard sets a 70% minimum for the front windshield typical zone (with a possible six-inch upper zone exception) and a 50% minimum for side and rear windows.
  • A testing tolerance of ±7 percentage points is authorized in enforcement testing.
  • The bill explicitly requires affixing a conformity label on compliant windows once tested.

Practical Impact

  • Vehicles with tint darker than 70% on the front windshield (outside the six-inch exception) or darker than 50% on side/rear windows would be noncompliant and subject to penalties or corrective action.
  • Tint installers and vehicle owners may need to review and potentially adjust window films to meet the new standards.
  • Enforcement and inspection regimes would include tint compliance as a standard element.

If you’d like, I can add a side-by-side comparison with current NY tint rules or provide a plain-language explainer for public outreach.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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