So You Wanna Be a Shady Cat Cruisin' the New York Streets? Hold Up! A Guide to Not Getting Tinted Tickets
Ah, window tint. The eternal debate between looking cool and, well, not getting pulled over. In the glorious state of New York, where you can find enough pigeons to block out the sun (almost), the laws around window tinting can be a bit confusing. Fear not, fellow driver, for I am here to shed some light (pun intended) on the situation.
The Great Tint Wall: What Can't You See Through?
Here's the skinny: New York ain't messing around with super dark windows. They've got a 70% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) rule for the windshield (except the top 6 inches, which can be any darkness) and front side windows. That means at least 70% of light gotta get through those bad boys. Think of it this way, you gotta be able to see a rogue bagel flying across the street at dawn (hey, it's New York, anything is possible).
Breaking the Rules? Buckle Up for Trouble
If you're rocking a tint darker than what the law allows, get ready for a not-so-groovy lightshow from the friendly neighborhood police officer. Here's what you might be facing:
- A ticket (duh). No one likes those.
- An inspection to make sure you get that tint lightened up.
- Rejection during your car's inspection. Don't you want that shiny sticker?
So Fresh, So Legal: What Tints Fly in the Big Apple?
Now, let's talk about the good stuff. Here's what you can get away with:
- Light to medium tints that let in plenty of sunshine (and yes, the occasional rogue bagel).
- Any darkness for the rear window (as long as you have two side mirrors).
- Reflective tints? Nope! Gotta keep things clear and sparkly.
Bonus Tip: Get a certificate from the tint shop that shows your VLT percentage. It can save you a headache during an inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Tint Edition
How to check the VLT of your existing window tint?
There are special meters that can do the trick, but contacting a professional window tint shop is your safest bet.
How to know if you need two side mirrors?
If your rear window tint is below 70% VLT, then yes, you absolutely need those side mirrors for safe driving.
How to avoid getting a ticket for window tint?
Simple: follow the 70% VLT rule and skip the super dark tints!
How to find a reputable window tint shop?
Ask around for recommendations or check online reviews. A good shop will explain the laws and offer tints that comply.
How to look cool while following the law?
Accessorize! Get some snazzy rims, a funky steering wheel cover, or a personalized license plate. Your car can still have personality without breaking the tint code.
