NY Tint Exemption: How to Qualify and Apply in New York
Learn how New York’s tint exemption process works, from eligibility and documentation to application steps and ongoing compliance.
Window tint laws in New York are among the strictest in the country, setting specific limits on how much light must pass through vehicle windows. For individuals with certain medical conditions affected by sunlight exposure, the state offers a legal exemption allowing darker tints than normally permitted. Qualifying for this exemption requires meeting specific criteria and following a formal application process managed by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Medical Conditions That May Qualify
New York State allows exemptions from standard window tinting rules for individuals whose health is significantly impacted by sunlight or bright light. The state recognizes several conditions involving heightened sensitivity to light or ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
These include genetic disorders like albinism and xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), a rare condition impairing the body’s ability to repair UV damage. Porphyria, a group of disorders affecting the skin or nervous system exacerbated by sunlight, may also qualify. Autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosus, where UV exposure can trigger flare-ups, and dermatomyositis, where sun exposure can worsen inflammation, are included. Skin conditions like chronic actinic dermatitis, characterized by severe reactions to UV light, are also recognized.
Exemptions may also be granted for severe drug photosensitivity if the medication is part of long-term treatment, or for significant light sensitivity (photophobia) linked to eye-related or neurological disorders. A broader category allows consideration for “any other condition or disorder causing severe photosensitivity” where shielding from direct sun is medically necessary and standard protection like clothing or clear UV films is insufficient. This could encompass conditions like certain eye disorders or severe eczema, provided a medical professional documents the need for darker tints.
Documentation and Paperwork
Securing a medical exemption requires specific paperwork, centered around the official “Application for Tinted Window Exemption” (form MV-80W) from the New York State DMV. This form collects information about the applicant and the vehicle.
Crucially, the application includes a section that must be completed by a New York State licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. This medical provider must certify the applicant’s qualifying condition, confirm the need for shielding from direct sunlight, and state that standard protective measures are inadequate. The provider’s examination must have occurred within 60 days of the application submission date.
Applicants must submit the completed two-page MV-80W form, a copy of the medical provider’s New York State professional license, and a photocopy of the vehicle’s state registration.1New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Application for Tinted Window Exemption (MV-80W) The applicant must also sign the form, certifying under penalty of law that the information is true; false statements can lead to misdemeanor charges. If the exemption is for a regular passenger, not the vehicle owner, their details must also be included.
Filing the Application
After gathering the completed MV-80W form and supporting documents (copies of the medical provider’s license and vehicle registration), the application package must be submitted to the New York State DMV. Current instructions specify mailing the documents; online or in-person submission is not indicated as an option for this exemption.
The complete package should be mailed to the specific unit handling these requests: Department of Motor Vehicles, Driver Regulation Bureau, Medical Review Unit, 6 Empire State Plaza, Room 337, Albany, NY 12228. Ensuring the application is complete before mailing can prevent processing delays.
Submitting the application begins the DMV’s review. The Medical Review Unit evaluates the medical certification and supporting documents against state criteria to determine eligibility for an exemption from standard window tint limits, as defined by New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.
Renewal and Verification
Approval of a medical exemption for window tint raises questions about its duration. Some sources indicate these exemptions may require annual renewal to remain valid, necessitating that individuals track expiration dates. Maintaining a current exemption ensures continued legal protection for using tints darker than the standard 70% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) allowed by state law.
Renewal likely involves demonstrating the ongoing medical need, potentially requiring updated certification from a healthcare provider submitted to the DMV’s Medical Review Unit before the current exemption expires. Applicants should verify the specific renewal requirements and timelines directly with the DMV.
Verification of an active exemption is typically handled through documentation issued by the DMV upon approval, such as an exemption certificate or sticker. This proof should be kept in the vehicle to show law enforcement or state inspection facilities that the window tint complies with the law due to a recognized medical necessity.
Enforcement and Penalties
State and local law enforcement officers enforce New York’s window tint regulations, primarily Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 375 (12-a). Officers may stop vehicles if windows appear darker than legally allowed. They often use light transmission meters to measure the percentage of light passing through; generally, windshields (below the top 6 inches) and front side windows must allow at least 70% light transmission.
If an officer determines a violation, they can issue a traffic ticket, with fines potentially reaching $150 for a first offense. Proposed legislation aims to increase these penalties, but it is not current law.
Window tint compliance is also checked during New York’s mandatory annual vehicle safety inspection. Since 2017, inspection stations must test tint levels.2New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Tinted Windows Vehicles failing this test due to illegal tint must have it removed or replaced and be re-inspected, adding cost and inconvenience.
For individuals with a valid, DMV-approved medical exemption (documented via the MV-80W process), presenting the official exemption documentation during a traffic stop should prevent a citation for illegal tint, provided the tint aligns with the exemption. Failure to produce this documentation when stopped could still result in a ticket, even if the driver qualifies for an exemption.
Denials and Appeals
The DMV’s Medical Review Unit may deny an application for a tinted window exemption if it determines the request does not meet state criteria. Reasons for denial can include insufficient medical documentation, a condition not recognized as qualifying, or an incomplete application package. The applicant is typically notified of the denial in writing.
Applicants generally have the right to appeal a denial based on a medical determination by the DMV. New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law provides for administrative appeals of such decisions.
To appeal a denial from the Medical Review Unit, the applicant usually must file a specific form with the DMV Appeals Board, along with a copy of the denial letter, within 60 days of the letter’s date. A non-refundable fee may apply. The Appeals Board reviews the case based on the existing record and written submissions; personal appearances are typically not allowed. The appeal must specify the grounds for challenging the denial, such as errors in fact or law application. New evidence cannot be introduced at this stage. The Board can uphold the denial, reverse it, or modify the decision. Appeals filed after the 60-day deadline will not be considered.
