Recently I have looked into getting my windows tinted and I realized I dont know much about it. For example, how much would it cost to get the four side windows and back window tinted? I know they run on a system of darknesses where the number is the percent but howcome 5 is darker than 35? Also I live in New York where I know there is a legal limit, anyone know what it is? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I believe the number is the percent of light it lets through...

I live in NY but not sure what the limit is. My friend has like 5% tint but the cops dont say anything...

You should call your local non-emergency Police # and ask what the local tint laws are...chances are they will say it is illegal, but they might give you a real number.
Also check in the Traffic Violations subforum under 'cars in general' if you do a search there, you may find out what the legal limit is in NY. I live in NY, have my windows tinted, but I don't know what the legal amount is. What the cops will tolerate really depends on your local cops.

As far as pricing, it may cost anywhere from $100-$300 on average...depending on the shop you find to do it...call around and get quotes. (those shops will probably know the legal limits as well)

Tinting on your own is a PITA. I have a friend or 2 that have tried with varied success. You have to use a squegee, hairdryer, and razor...and it is quite hard (so I've heard) to get out all the air bubbles...and if you screw up, you have to rip it off and start over, so try at your own risk. Worst case scenario, you try on your own, and waste $15 bucks...

Recently I have looked into getting my windows tinted and I realized I dont know much about it. For example, how much would it cost to get the four side windows and back window tinted? I know they run on a system of darknesses where the number is the percent but howcome 5 is darker than 35? Also I live in New York where I know there is a legal limit, anyone know what it is? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I've tinted the windows on my car before and it wasn't too difficult but it isn't easy either. you just need a rubber squeege and make sure you spray a lot of water on the window and tint before you apply so you can move the tint around a bit before you squeege the water out. I would suggest getting your rear window done professionally unless u have a hatchback where its easy to get to. You also will need to go over the window with a razor before you begin to tint to make sure its 100% clean or you'll have bumps under your tint.

http://home.pcisys.net/~bpc/auto_law/tint/
http://www.tintdude.com/laws.html

These two sites list laws for tinting by state. Take note that they disagree on several states, including NY. One says that as of 1993, no tinting is allowed at all past the factory tint. The other says that up to 30% net tint is allowed.

Might be more confusing than helpful, but at least its a reference to get you started.

i had my windows tinted at 5%. they were really dark and i went about a year with them like that then i put blue fog lights on which was a bad mistake cause it drew attention from cops and i got pulled over for them and a cop decided to get me on my tint to . so pretty much dont give them a reason to pull u over and they wont get u for tint. but u do have some cops out there that r real pricks so watch out.