Correct window tint %

[NY Mav]

I'm having my two two front windows tinted to match the factory tint rears which are 22%. Since the fronts have factory tint of 70%. Using the tint conversion calculator to match them

20% new tint would make the fronts 14%
30% new tint would make the fronts 21%
35% new tint would make the fronts 24.5%

I'm going with the 35% tint, Dont think 2 1/2% will make a difference. And my truck being black so it might look a small amount darker,

anyone have any others thoughts on this?

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[2024_xl_hybrid b&w]

As long as you have someone who will pass your inspection with front tints that dark. In certain areas the cops could give you a pain about it too.

In New York, the legal window tint limit for the windshield and front side windows is 30% darkness, meaning at least 70% of light must pass through. For the rear windows and rear side windows, any tint darkness is allowed as long as the vehicle has dual exterior rearview mirrors. Metallic or mirrored tints are not permitted.

 

[ScottyC]

I'm having my two two front windows tinted to match the factory tint rears which are 22%. Since the fronts have factory tint of 70%. Using the tint conversion calculator to match them

20% new tint would make the fronts 14%
30% new tint would make the fronts 21%
35% new tint would make the fronts 24.5%

I'm going with the 35% tint, Dont think 2 1/2% will make a difference. And my truck being black so it might look a small amount darker,

anyone have any others thoughts on this?

A buddy of mine (also in NYS) had his windows tinted way dark on his Acura SUV....when he went to get it inspected, the inspector told him if he drove his SUV in with the windows down, he would pass the vehicle...

 

[Surly Old Bill]

Some States have inspections to get registration renewals, including checking window tint on windshield and front side windows. Make sure you're going to be in compliance. They have a handheld meter they use.

I learned this when I went to register the X5 in Kona, and the factory tint on the front door windows was like 5-10% too dark, and I had to peel it off to pass inspection. The guy at the inspection shop said a lot of people peel it off for the annual inspection, and then just put new tint back on after passing.

Also on topic; on the Navajo Res people almost black out their windows because of the Sun/heat. I swear it's like 95% tint. But, legal there cuz they have certain autonomy.

 

[scott1070]

I'm having my two two front windows tinted to match the factory tint rears which are 22%. Since the fronts have factory tint of 70%. Using the tint conversion calculator to match them

20% new tint would make the fronts 14%
30% new tint would make the fronts 21%
35% new tint would make the fronts 24.5%

I'm going with the 35% tint, Dont think 2 1/2% will make a difference. And my truck being black so it might look a small amount darker,

anyone have any others thoughts on this?

Did you actually have your front windows measured for tint or is that what someone told you? I had mine measured when inquiring about tint. My rears are 30% and the front had no tint at all.

 

[Rick T]

Rear Windows are 25% from factory, In Minnesota front windows 50% is the darkest by law unless you get a medial exemption

 

[BobC]

Rear Windows are 25% from factory, In Minnesota front windows 50% is the darkest by law unless you get a medial exemption

Same in Illinois for trucks, which is different than cars.

 

[GoEers]

In Maryland, we do not have annual inspections. Only inspected when you go to register car. We tinted our Ford Fusion darker than permitted. No problems for many years. Then one day, wife was driving, cop driving opposite direction flipped around and pulled her over. Site for defective equipment and had 10 days to get inspected. Had to remove tint to pass inspection. Never put tint back on

 

[Cocobean]

I'm having my two two front windows tinted to match the factory tint rears which are 22%. Since the fronts have factory tint of 70%. Using the tint conversion calculator to match them

20% new tint would make the fronts 14%
30% new tint would make the fronts 21%
35% new tint would make the fronts 24.5%

I'm going with the 35% tint, Dont think 2 1/2% will make a difference. And my truck being black so it might look a small amount darker,

anyone have any others thoughts on this?
[/QUO

I see you’re on the Island as am I (Rocky Point). I’ve always had my windows tinted for no other reason than it looks cool!
Be aware tho - unless you know someone who can inspect it for you (or you have a doctors note) it can be problematic.
Up until just a couple years ago you could slip a guy a $20 and they’d let it go; not so anymore.
NY cops hate tinted windows and rightfully so - I get it.
Inspection stations can lose their license nowadays and are reluctant to pass it - it will cost you $$$ if you can even find a station to do it.
Ive come to terms with not being as cool in my Mav as I was w my other vehicles. LOL

 

[r0tax]

On my 2025 I had Xpel Cermic installed from the dealer. 30% front, 55% on all 3 rears, 5% visor to AS1 line.

I would have preferred 35, or maybe 40% on the fronts for Night vis. But I'm in the desert, Sun and 100*F+ in the summer, and during the day I'm very happy with the tint.

Attached a couple pics during mid-day, clear skys to give an idea. Tried to get a couple angles to show it. I think it matches quite well.

 

[Cocobean]

Cocobean to NYMAV:
I have a set of Coverado front seat covers, black - only used for one year and in excellent condition.
Couldn’t sell them even for no $$
Shipping cost is crazy (ex: 75$ to Georgia)
But you’re so close they’re yours for free if you want them or know somebody that can use them.
lmk

I’ll be in the area for a dental appointment tomorrow am.
I can drop them off…
private message me if interested

 

[710-oil-614]

A buddy of mine (also in NYS) had his windows tinted way dark on his Acura SUV....when he went to get it inspected, the inspector told him if he drove his SUV in with the windows down, he would pass the vehicle...

That is the trick down in Carolina too but you've gotta know the mechanic/inspection station and have that relationship established.

Then if you get pulled with them you say you had them installed after the inspection. They do you a solid. You do them a solid.

 

[Cocobean]

That is the trick down in Carolina too but you've gotta know the mechanic/inspection station and have that relationship established.

Then if you get pulled with them you say you had them installed after the inspection. They do you a solid. You do them a solid.

I had a guy like that but he retired. We had a standing joke after the inspection that I was going to have my windows tinted lol
Never even occurred to me to throw him under the bus…

 

[HeyBales]

Did you actually have your front windows measured for tint or is that what someone told you? I had mine measured when inquiring about tint. My rears are 30% and the front had no tint at all.

It's what is printed on the glass for mine.
But it's "minimum 70% transparent" for instance on front, so ....
And agree mighty low, I don't think they made it up to the minimum.

 

[HeyBales]

I'm having my two two front windows tinted to match the factory tint rears which are 22%. Since the fronts have factory tint of 70%. Using the tint conversion calculator to match them

20% new tint would make the fronts 14%
30% new tint would make the fronts 21%
35% new tint would make the fronts 24.5%

I'm going with the 35% tint, Dont think 2 1/2% will make a difference. And my truck being black so it might look a small amount darker,

anyone have any others thoughts on this?

Here's 30% on the front "min 70% transparent" glass stated level. Tad overcast, and amount of light leaking in thru front window.
Not sure I trust those stated levels. Might have been closer to 80%.
Installation place didn't measure, he claimed he could tell I would easily not go over the state level when doubled-up, and that the back levels didn't appear to be hitting the state front window max 30%.
So those back stated "min 22%" may be closer to 30% transparent.
Anyway, you can tell it seems a decent match I think, depending on which way sun is coming in.

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