Most drivers install aftermarket tints on their car windows to enjoy UV protection and additional privacy. Tint also improves the car’s overall look, but installing it exposes you to some level of legal scrutiny. Authorities enforce Canadian laws about car window tinting, so each car owner should stick within the legal framework.
The strict Canadian car tinting laws seek to reduce the number of car accidents and criminal dealings resulting from the tint. Clear windows make it easier for onlookers or police to easily notice unusual or criminal behavior. While tinting is not entirely illegal, drivers should adhere to the stipulated laws.
Window tinting laws in Canada differ among the different provinces. Prime Auto Glass & Tint outlines the various provincial and federal laws determining how dark your car window tint should be.
Ontario
As of 1st January 2017, you cannot tint the windshield in aftermarket cars as part of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, section 73(3). A tint-free windshield allows drivers to see clearly and drive safely.
Only use tint with a Visible Light Transmission of 70% or higher on the front windows. The law allows any amount of tint for windows at the back and rear windows. Your car should, however, have both left and right-side rear-view mirrors.
To ensure compliance with Ontario window tinting laws, you should have an auto glass specialist install the tint. Our experts are well familiar with the legal amount of tint you should place on your windows. You will enjoy top quality and fast service which abides by the law, saving you from fines.
Quebec
Quebec laws allow for windshield tinting at the top up to 15 cm. Your front side should have a VLT of 70% or higher. The law permits any tint on the back side and rear mirrors.
British Columbia
British Columbia allows the top of the windshield to have tint up to 75mm or 7.5 cm. No tint is allowed in the front windows, but your back and rear can have any amount of tint you wish for.
Yukon
Yukon does not have any specific auto window tinting laws but obscuring vehicle windows in a way that makes driving dangerous is prohibited. Local authorities evaluate your car to know if the tint can jeopardize the safety of other users.
Other provinces
Provinces within this category have similar auto window tinting laws. The law allows tint on the back and rear windows and none on the front side and windshield. Ensure the vehicle has both right and left rear view mirrors before installing dark tint on your back and rear-view mirrors.
Provinces that adhere to such tinting laws include:
- Nunavut
- Northwest Territories
- Saskatchewan
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Alberta
Adhere To Car Window Tinting Laws
Despite the benefits of car window tinting, excess tint can obstruct drivers from safe driving. Canada has instituted window tinting laws, but they vary across different provinces. Ensure you adhere to your province’s auto window tinting rules to avoid fines.
Prime Auto Glass & Tint is your trusted auto glass and tinting specialist in Ontario, Canada. Our experts understand the law and will offer fast and satisfactory service to prevent colliding with the law. Reach out to us for a no-obligation quote.
