Tint Laws in Canada: An Introduction
Before diving into the specifics of Canada’s tint laws, it is important to understand the general concept of window tinting laws. Window tint is a thin film applied to car windows to reduce glare and protect against UV rays. Tinted windows provide both a style element and a level of privacy for vehicle owners. Just keep in mind that the Tint Rules are different in each Province and Territory and are strictly enforced in many.
While tinted windows can offer a wide range of benefits, they are also an easy target for the law. The different shade levels of tint often go beyond the maximum amount of tint allowed by law. While tint limits vary across the country, these laws exist for good reason, as they can affect visibility in varying weather conditions and impairment. Too much tint may obstruct vision and lead to accidents , especially at night and during rain or snow.
In addition to tint darkness, some laws also regulate window reflectivity, which refers to the amount of light that is reflected off the glass. Tinting can impact the amount of heat and sunlight that penetrates a vehicle’s interior, causing the vehicle to be more comfortable to sit in on hot days. However, using excessive window tinting films may increase the risk of accident due to decreased visibility, as well as cause overheating and internal damage to vehicle components. It also poses potential safety concerns for first responders in the event of an accident.
Every province has its own tint limit laws, and these laws can change at any point in time. For this reason, you should request and review a complete guide of tinting laws in your area before applying any tint films or visiting a local window tinting shop.
Tint Laws: Federal vs Provincial Law
The commute home, the drive to the cottage, and the long-haul road trips we often meet head-on’n (to coin an immortal advertising phrase) are these days more often than not spent ensconced in a moveable glass and metal world from which little escapes the eye. Travel has become, thanks to the movie Away We Go, less a physical event than a virtual state of being; whether you’re taking your place behind a steering wheel or on a train or boat, it’s hard to imagine anyone limited to the classically viewed perspective any longer.
And so we come to the question of tint laws in Canada. While all interprovincial vehicle travel implies transit across borders, doing so in today’s privacy-conscious world also means shifting between federal and provincial regulations and recognizing that tint "on vehicles" is not the same on both sides of the border. The onus is thus on Canadian motorists to understand both federal and provincial regulations with respect to tint so that they may comply fully and avoid fines, demerits and longer-term, more potentially expensive consequences.
Canada Transport Regulations
Under Canadian federal transport legislation (also referred to as motor vehicle safety standards), Rule 108 requires tinting of windows if it meets maximum limits set out in the act. These limits can be less strict than some provincial standards, but are the only allowable limits under the federal act.
Generally speaking, views above the full-privacy tint mark are not permitted on any windows, front or rear, in order to increase visibility.
Here, federal standards include the requirement for at least 70% net visible light through the windshield into the car and 50% net visible light through the window along the side of the driver and passenger doors. All tested using visible light transmittance (VLT) meters. This is an important distinction, particularly in Alberta where visible light transmittance but (VTMs) are not the standard of measure. In Alberta, a tint on a private vehicle’s windshield may not exceed 30% visible light transmittance but is not required to meet a minimum net width.
Invest the time now and save your self time later, by making sure that the tint you choose from your tint provider is in compliance with current law. In the long run, you will save yourself much more than the cost of a new windshield.
Many people opt for tint on their windshield even though no tint is allowed because of the benefits it provides. That said, for those opting for a similar strategy, the need to install a new tint becomes even more important when under History Buff and Tint Enthusiast history are reviewed.
Jail Term in Alberta for Violation of Tint Law
Albertan Gregory Bond was handed a 14-day jail term in 2006 for "operating a motor vehicle with tint on the windshield that permits less than 50 per cent of light to enter." Bond was a repeat offender who had already been fined $81,000, so the term was handed out "not only for [his] own benefit but for the benefit of the general public."
This is but one extreme example of the importance of understanding and complying with tint regulations for your car or truck.
Tint Restrictions by Canadian Province
ALBERTA: A windshield must allow more than 70% of light through, while front windows should allow more than 50%. Backwindows may have 30-35% tint or darker, and rear windows do not need to be shaded for visibility. Front side mirrors of cars, SUVs, vans, or trucks should have more than 70% of light. The driver’s side mirror should have more than 50% tint, while passenger-side mirror windows should have more than 35% tint. In the case of a tent, the tint must be 35% or more with the exception of a windshield on a vintage vehicle.
BRITISH COLUMBIA: Passenger cars can have a windshield as dark as 70% visible light. The front passenger windows should be 35% or 70%. Semi-trucks and RVs may have tinted windshields with more than 70% of visible light. If tinted windows are present, the vehicles must all have them tinted, and if there is no tint, then none are allowed on the windows or glass. There are several car windows that are exempt from tint laws.
MANITOBA: A windshield must not be tinted on the vehicle or windshield. Passengers and rear windows should have more than 50% visible light, while the rear windows and those behind the driver’s seat should have more than 35% of visible light. Tinted windows that affect both sides of the windshield are not allowed. A decal can be placed on the windshield, but only for the purpose of affixing an insurance sticker and should not appear on any other glass.
NEW BRUNSWICK: Passenger vehicles must have windows tinted showing more than 50% of light, while the front window on the car should allow more than 70% of light. SUVs may have tinted windows at the front and rear, but the tint must allow more than 35% of visible light.
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR: An automobile should not have tinted windows on the windshield or at the front of the driver’s seat, but the windows at the rear may have tint at both sides. Spousal exemptions are commonly given to those who have had vision problems.
NOVA SCOTIA: The windshield or windows of a passenger vehicle must allow more than 50% of light into the car. SUVs are permitted to have tinted windows at the front and rear, provided they all contain more than 35% of light. Cars and passenger vans should have tinted windows at the rear, both sides, and back, but these will not be permitted if it reduces visibility by more than 35%. A sticker in the corner of the windshield may be cut to prevent any glare.
NORTHWEST TERRITORY: Window tint laws only apply to the front side windows of cars, which must allow more than 40% of light and cannot show more than 35% of light for the front windshield. All other windows may have tinting on the sides and at the back.
NUNAVUT: The laws in Nunavut are similar to those in the Northwest Territory, so tinted windows will have the same index 40% of visible light and 35% for the front windshield. The tint should not be applied to the windshield unless the purpose is for preventing sun glare.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND: The front windshield on a passenger van must have more than 70% of light, while the side and rear windows need to allow more than 35%. Tinting on the windshield of SUVs and trucks does not need to meet this percentage, but should not be below 35%. Retro-reflective tint is not allowed.
QUEBEC: Ontario tint laws are similar to those in Quebec, which require that the front window have more than 70% of light or 35%. The back windows of trucks, buses, and RVs, and other larger vehicles may be as dark as 5%, but trucks and cars cannot have more than 35%. Ontario tint laws also require that tinted windows are made with reflective and non-reflective materials or products to prevent any unnecessary light absorption.
SASKATCHEWAN: Cars and passenger vans should have tinted windows on the windshield or at the peak of the window. Police vehicles should not have tinted windows at the peak, but tinted windows on passenger vans, buses, and trucks is permissible as long as they tip the visible light by 5% or more. All windows are permissible the in passenger vans provided they have 5% of the total amount of light.
YUKON: The passenger side windows or tinted windows should have more than 50% of the total amount of light as seen by the driver, and the rear windows or tinted windows of a passenger vehicle should have more than 35%. The windshield is commonly tinted more than 70%.
Window Tint Violations and Penalties
The strict nature of Canada’s window tint laws indeed has consequences for failing to abide by them. Penalties and fines can vary from province to province and include hefty fines, points on your license, and even equipment impoundment. On its own, a single penalty can land you with substantial repair costs, insurance hikes, and even emergency medical expenses should your accident grow worse than it needed to be. The extent of punishment hinges on your province. A specific tint level might only net a small fine in Ontario, but withholding appropriate tints while driving through Nova Scotia could land you a hefty ticket. Persistent or especially egregious behaviour can also see you incur points on your record.
Legal Tint Percentage: Eyewear & Window Tint by Province
In Canada, window tint darkness is not measured in percent VLT (visible light transmission) like it is in the United States. Instead, each province has its own set of rules for percent LTV levels depending on location.
VANCOUVER
In Vancouver, British Columbia, the amount of light passing through the tinted windows of a motor vehicle must be either not more than 35% or not less than 25%.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
The amount of light passing through the tinted windows of a motor vehicle must be either not more than 35% or not less than 25%.
ALBERTA
The amount of light passing through the window glass of the windshield and windows to the left and right of the driver must be not less than 70%, including original factory-tinted glass. The amount of light passing through the glass on the rear seat of a van must be not less than 20%.
SASKATCHEWAN
The amount of light passing through the tinted windows of a motor vehicle must be not more than 30%.
MANITOBA
The amount of light passing through the tinted windows of a motor vehicle must be not less than 30% .
ONTARIO
The amount of light passing through the tinted windows of a motor vehicle must be not less than 30%, except for the windshield of a bus or a recreational vehicle, which must be not less than 70%.
QUEBEC
All windows of a passenger vehicle except the windshield, which must have a minimum transparency of 70%, must allow more than 70% of the light to pass through.
NEW BRUNSWICK
The amount of light passing though the tinted windows of a motor vehicle may be not less than 30%, but it must not be less than 35% where the tint is reflective.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
The amount of light passing through the tinted windows of a motor vehicle must be not less than 30%.
NEWFOUNDLAND
No more than 35% of the visible transmitted light may be of the tinted windows of a passenger vehicle, except for the windshield. An area 10 inches in width at the top of the windshield and a sufficient distance back that the driver’s view of the roadway is not obscured may have no more than 30% of the visible transmitted light.
NOVA SCOTIA
The amount of light passing through the tinted windows of a motor vehicle must be not less than 35%.
Exceptions to the Rule
While the above-mentioned restrictions may seem onerous and confusing, there are some exceptions that permit you to drive around with tinted windows (in compliance with all other tint laws). These exceptions include any tinted windows that existed before tint laws were in place (such as your parents’ old Buick Regal). Owners of such vehicles are exempt from these tint laws, but note that any new tinting is not permitted.
There are also exemptions for people with certain medical conditions. For instance, individuals with certain eye conditions or who have had certain eye surgeries often experience problems with bright sunlight, which their condition prevents them from tolerating. To help these individuals drive safely, these small license plates (which are generally issued in conjunction with an exemption card from the Ministry of Health) can be displayed on the front windshield, back window, and side windows of your vehicle, provided that each tinted window is permitted a maximum tint of 70%.
In addition to a small plate, you will need an exemption card from the Ministry of Transportation, which your doctor can assist you with (it can be completed by hand or electronically). Once your application has been approved, you’ll receive a small license plate and a card, which should be kept with your driver’s license whenever you drive.
A final exception is the granting of special permissions. The Chief Traffic Engineer, and only the Chief Traffic Engineer, of Facilities Operations and Municipal Parking, will grant permission for each and every vehicle in an organization that is being used for official police work. This permission will be issued provided that the Chief Traffic Engineer deems that the tinting is essential to the performance of official police work.
How to Follow Tint Laws
To ensure compliance with Canada tint laws, vehicle owners must take some practical steps. These include familiarizing themselves with the different tint options available, understanding their local laws, and securing proper documentation.
When choosing the right tint for your vehicle, consider not only the darkness level but also the type of window film. There are several different types of tint, including dyed, metallized, and ceramic. Dyed tint is the most common and typically provides the least amount of heat rejection. Metallized tint has a metallic component that reflects some of the sun’s rays, while ceramic tint is a newer technology that provides both heat resistance and UV protection without interfering with electronic devices or GPS systems.
In addition to choosing the right tint, it’s important to understand the laws in your area, as Canada tint laws can vary from province to province. In most cases, front windshields are regulated more strictly than other windows. The rear windows, however, usually have more flexibility in terms of darkness. Remember that some provinces authorize law enforcement to determine if the tint on your vehicle is in compliance with the law. If law enforcement deems the tint as a potential danger or obstruction to their view of the road, they may issue a ticket and require immediate removal of the tint.
Maintaining up-to-date records of your tint installation is also critical. If you ever receive a ticket for non-compliance, proper documentation can help contest the violation. Keep copies of any guarantee or warranty that came with the tint film, as well as receipts for your purchase and installation. Always ask for and keep in mind where to obtain a proof of certification.
Finally, you can avoid unnecessary conflicts with law enforcement officers by ensuring your tint is legal and properly installed. As rules and regulations change often, regular updates from relevant authorities will keep you informed about which providers, products, styles, and cuts are acceptable.
Future Tint and Vehicle Window Trends
As the years roll on and the automobile industry continues to innovate, many other sectors also advance to keep up. Window tinting in Canada is no exception to this. As technology continues to improve, tint products are adapting. As we gain a better understanding of what does or does not impede vehicle safety, authorities will be likely to change the tint laws accordingly. Currently, basis tint laws are different from region to region, with some jurisdictions being stricter than others. With new products on the market that are frequently improving, these laws may soon be standardized nationwide . This would likely include a base percentage for the windshield to be governed across Canada, and a standardized vehicle window tint percentage. Regulations for special circumstances, like tinted x-ray shield or anti-glare visors for motorcycle helmets, will likely remain the same. These items are regulated federally, and their purpose and use applies across the country. Technology is constantly advancing, so any change in tint laws will be gradual as companies adapt. Vehicle owners should be able to use tinted windows in the future with little concern as to whether their vehicle will pass inspection. Adapting as society adapts is part of the responsibility of owning and operating a vehicle.