A lot of New Yorkers like the idea of tinting their windows to give themselves more privacy and to block out the sun. But there are laws in New York that regulate window tinting that you should be aware of. If you turn a blind eye to these laws, then you could wind up facing criminal penalties, and you may be less likely to recover compensation if you’re injured in an accident. So, let’s take a brief look at the laws applicable to window tinting as well as the impact of window tinting on safe driving practices.
Pursuant to New York law, window tinting on the windshield and front side windows of a passenger vehicle can’t block more than 30% of incoming light. And if the vehicle in question is considered a sedan, coupe, convertible, hatchback, station wagon or hardtop, then the same restrictions apply to rear side windows. In some instances, the law applies to back windows, too. Therefore, if you’re thinking about tinting the windows on your vehicle, you have to be careful about the darkness of tint that you plan to apply.
Are there exceptions to New York’s window tinting law?
Yes. If you suffer from one of a number of medical conditions identified under the law, then you may be able to tint your windows darker. These conditions include:
- Albinism
- Dermatomyositis
- Porphyria
- Drug photosensitivity
- Photophobia
- Any other condition causing severe photosensitivity
If you think you may qualify for an exemption, be sure to see your doctor to obtain a documented diagnosis and carry that documentation in your vehicle. That way if you’re pulled over you can quickly and clearly indicate that you’re exempt from New York’s window tinting laws.
Are there dangers associated with tinted windows?
There are risk factors with tinting your windows. Tinting can reduce visibility, with the darker the tint decreasing the amount of a driver’s visibility. This can be problematic as you try to take in your surroundings and remain cognizant of changed traffic conditions, and your vision can worsen as it gets darker in the evening.
If you find yourself in an accident and you’ve violated New York’s window tinting law, then there’s a good chance that the defense will argue that you’re partially to blame for the accident and your own injuries since you knowingly acted in a way that reduced your ability to safely operate your vehicle. If this argument is successful, then the amount of compensation that you’re able to recover will be significantly reduced, leaving you in a tough spot to effectively navigate your recovery. So, be mindful of the tinting on your vehicle and do your best to comply with the law and ensure safe driving practices.
What should you do if you’ve been injured in a New York car accident?
If you’ve been hurt in a wreck, then you need to consider taking legal action to protect your interests. While a successful personal injury claim may lead to the recovery of compensation, it can also give you a sense of justice and closure. This can go a long way toward repairing the psychological harm that’s been caused to you, allowing you to focus on your recovery and reclaiming your normal life.
That said, navigating a personal injury case can be complicated. That’s why if you want to ensure that you build the most effective case possible under the circumstances, then you might want to continue reading about what it takes to build a successful claim and reach out for any additional guidance that may be needed.