Search Site
Menu

Tinted Windows

New York Laws On Tinted Windows

Some drivers are ticketed for violations because they are not aware of the rules surrounding aftermarket modifications to their vehicles.  One of the most common modifications resulting in tickets involves window tinting.  There exists some uncertainty about the rules in New York and this article will shed some light on tinted windows.

Under New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law, it is a violation for any person to operate a motor vehicle upon a public highway or street in New York if certain windows of their vehicle are treated with any material which has a light transmittance of less than seventy percent.  VTL § 375(12)(a).  However, this is not the rule in all states.

For example, in Florida a person is allowed to operate a motor vehicle with sun-screening material as long as the windows of the motor vehicle have a light transmittance of at least twenty eight percent.  Stat Ann § 316.2953.  Therefore, vehicles in Florida are permitted a much darker window tint than ones in New York.

Out Of State Vehicle Operators

Should operators of vehicles registered out of state receive tickets for tinted window violations? Well that of course depends.  A nonresident of New York state is allowed to validly operate a motor vehicle without complying to the light transmittance requirements set forth in VTL § 375(12)(a), provided that they have complied with the provisions required for their vehicle which are set forth in their home state.  VTL § 250(1).

If a police officer stops a motorist for this violation then generally he will utilize a “tint meter” to determine the actual transparency of the window.  The tint meter, as the name implies, measures the transmittance of light and provides the officer with the degree of transparency.

Before applying any window tint or purchasing a vehicle with a window transparency modification be sure it complies with the applicable state’s registering laws.  Even if the vehicle you purchase complied with another state’s rules regarding window tints, once you register it in a different state then you must comply with the new state’s rules.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding window tinting or any other traffic violations please do not hesitate to contact us at Riotto Law.

© 2013 The Law Office of James L. Riotto – Attorney Advertising

The Law Office of James L. Riotto

30 West Broad Street, Suite 306, Rochester, NY 14614

(585)546-4001

[email protected]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

James L. Riotto Attorney Photo
James L. Riotto
Criminal Defense Lawyer

James L. Riotto is an accomplished criminal defense attorney serving clients in New York. With an extensive background in law enforcement and criminal prosecution, his approach to each case is unique and informed by years of experience with the New York criminal justice system. As a graduate from Albany Law School and before going on to start his own practice, James worked at the Albany County District Attorney's Office, where he helped prosecute many DWI offenses. His inside knowledge of the tactics used to gain convictions provides him with a particular advantage when defending against DUI and other criminal charges.

Adam D. Staier Attorney Photo
Adam D. Staier
Of Counsel

About Attorney Adam Staier has spent the last seven years practicing criminal defense law throughout upstate New York and the Capital Region. He began his legal career through internships in civil law, indigent legal representation and federal energy law regulation. Finding a passion in criminal law, Mr. Staier held internships handling both prosecution and defense…

William M. Swift Attorney Photo
William M. Swift
Associate Attorney

About William M. Swift is an associate attorney at the Law Office of James L. Riotto and brings 20 years of experience to our clients. His practice focuses on personal injury cases and criminal matters. He has successfully represented individuals in felony, misdemeanor cases. Additionally, he has extensive knowledge in DMV administrative proceedings involving suspensions…

  • What to do if pulled over for a DUI


    How to deal with a DWI traffic stop

    How you handle getting pulled over for a DUI/DWI can significantly affect your defense down the road. For instance, declining the officer's request to search your vehicle and avoiding specific answers when asked about any substances you may have consumed could help you when combating DUI/DWI charges in court.
    READ MORE
Reviews and Ratings
  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Professional and prompt. Good experience.

    Read more

    alexander simon

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    "I had an exceptional experience with the Law office of James L. Riotto in a traffic case. His professionalism and experience were evident from the beginning. He guided me through the legal process with clarity and tranquility, and in court, his abil...

    Read more

    Me da lo Mismo

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    With anything in life you get what you pay for, And when your family and life hang in the balance due to a miscarriage of the justice system these are the people you want by your side. Everyone in the office is understanding and makes sure you are pa...

    Read more

    Michael Waterhouse

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    I would highly recommend Mr Riotto and his law firm. Their experience, diligence and persistence led to my case being dismissed from town court. I wouldn't hesitate to use the practice again, but sure hope I never have the need :)

    Read more

    Sandra Newland

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    James Riotto help me with a traffic issue i had since november of 2023 the court kept pushing the dates back and making me extremely nervous about it but the partners of the law office helped me and i felt comfortable and i left it in their hand than...

    Read more

    Pete Pereyra

See all reviews
  • AV Rated by Martindale | Client Champion Platinum Award
    Avvo Client's Choice
    Lead Counsel Verified Badge
  • Superlawyers Rising Star
    Expertise Best Criminal Attorney in Rochester
    Justia 10.0 Rating

We Accept the Following Payment Solutions

Contact us

Quick Contact Form