Get Your New York Medical Window Tint Exemption Online

New York: Everything You Need to Know

• New York Window Tint Exemption Laws

  New York's medical window tint exemption is authorized under NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 375 (12-a) and administered by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Individuals with specific medical conditions can apply for an exemption to legally install darker window tint.

  • New York has the strictest tint laws in the country – all windows must allow at least 70% VLT without an exemption.
  • The NYS Health Department specifies which medical conditions qualify for an exemption.
  • A licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner must certify your condition on Form MV-80W.
  • The medical examination must be within 60 days of submitting the form to DMV.
  • Personal protective measures (clothing, sunscreen, eyewear, clear UV film) must be inadequate for your condition.
  • A copy of the medical provider's NYS professional license must accompany the application.
  • The exemption applies to vehicles you own or regularly ride in as a passenger.
  • False statements are punishable as a Class A misdemeanor.
• Documents You'll Need

  To apply for a medical window tint exemption in New York, you'll need:

  • Completed Application for Tinted Window Exemption (Form MV-80W)
  • Page 1 completed by the vehicle registrant
  • Page 2 completed by a NYS-licensed medical provider
  • A copy of the medical provider's NYS professional license
  • A photocopy of your NYS vehicle registration

  The Medical Practitioner's Statement (Page 2 of MV-80W) must include:

  • Patient name and date of birth
  • Examination date (must be within 60 days of submission)
  • The qualifying medical condition (checkbox or written description)
  • Minimum level of light transmission required
  • Reason why personal protective measures don't offer adequate protection
  • Provider's signature, license number, and contact information

  If applying through a telehealth service like TintedMD, you can get your evaluation done completely online. You'll receive:

  • A completed Page 2 of Form MV-80W with medical certification
  • Copy of the provider's NYS professional license

  If you need an exemption for someone other than the vehicle owner:

  • Page 1 includes a section for regular passengers – provide their information and explain their relationship and frequency of ridership

  Note: Send the completed MV-80W form, copy of provider's license, and copy of vehicle registration to: Department of Motor Vehicles, Driver Regulation Bureau, Medical Review Unit, 6 Empire State Plaza, Room 337, Albany NY 12228.

• Legal Tint Limits

  New York law sets specific limits on how dark your vehicle windows can be tinted. With an approved medical exemption, you can legally exceed these limits.

  Standard New York Tint Limits (Without Exemption):

  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint allowed only on top 6 inches (above AS-1 line).
  • Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 70% of visible light (70% VLT).
  • Rear Side Windows: Must allow at least 70% VLT for sedans, hardtops, coupes, hatchbacks, convertibles, station wagons.
  • Rear Window: Any darkness permitted if vehicle has dual side mirrors.

  With a Medical Exemption:

  • Your physician specifies the minimum VLT required based on your medical condition.
  • The exemption allows tint darker than the standard 70% requirement.
  • You must carry your exemption documentation in the vehicle at all times.