Are Tinted Windows Legal? Understanding Window Tinting Laws in Ontario & Canada

What You Need to Know About Window Tinting Laws in Ontario

Professional aftermarket window tinting makes cars look sleek while adding a layer of protection and privacy. As great as these products are, though, there are laws that limit how dark you can tint your windows.

Understanding the laws around window tints can mean the difference between a ticket or citation (or even having to remove a tint) and enjoying uninterrupted driving.

Before you book an appointment for car window tinting, take some time to familiarize yourself with the laws about tinted windows in Ontario, not to mention the rest of Canada.

Ontario’s Restrictions on Car Window Tinting

Unfortunately, Ontario’s window tinting laws ban aftermarket tinting on windshields for all vehicles. What’s more, tinting on these vehicles’ front side windows must have 70% VLT or higher. This means if you have aftermarket tinting on an older vehicle, the law should not apply retroactively. 

OEM tinting on vehicles, meanwhile, may have up to 75mm of the top portion of the windshield tinted with 70% VLT.

It’s a frustrating limitation on tinting, to be sure, but you won’t be punished for having a pre-existing window tint.

Provided the vehicle has both left and right-side rear-view mirrors, there is no limit when it comes to tinting the back side and rear windows.

How Dark Is Too Dark? Understanding VLT and Legal Limits

If you can’t see clearly through your windows, then the tint is too dark. Tinting is meant to add a bit of privacy and security and protect you from UV sunlight. You don’t want to impede your ability to see and drive safely. According to Ontario’s laws, you should avoid placing any window film tinting on your windshield and only use an auto tint of 70% VLT or higher on your front side windows.

A tint with 70% VLT (visible light transmittance) allows 70% of visible light through, blocking about 30% of the light. This tint is deemed safe enough for tinting front side windows. Any darker could obstruct your view of the road.  

Window Tinting Laws Throughout Canada

Auto tinting laws vary by province and territory. And you must abide by these laws, even if you’re just visiting another province. So if you plan to take a road trip to another province or territory, be sure to review their tinting laws beforehand to avoid getting a fine.

Here are the tinting laws for each Canadian province and territory, excluding Ontario:

Potential Impacts of Window Tinting on Your Insurance Policy

Any type of vehicle modification can affect your insurance premiums or could even void your insurance policy. So before you make any changes to your vehicle, contact your insurance provider to make sure you have adequate coverage that won’t be affected by window tinting.

Why Do Window Tinting Laws Exist? Ensuring Safety on the Road

Window tinting laws exist for the safety of everyone on the road, as frustrating as they can be.

If window tinting is too dark on the windshield and front side windows, it can obstruct the driver’s view. Tinting also makes it difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to see drivers and make eye contact before passing.

Without being able to make eye contact, they can’t tell if the driver notices them or not.

Police must also be able to see drivers clearly. As frustrating as it might seem that the police can have tinted windows while civilians cannot, think about it from their perspective: the police don’t know what sort of situation they’re getting into when they pull a car over.

While some tint is allowable on side windows, it makes sense that they’d rather have some visibility into a vehicle as they approach.

What Windows Can You Legally Tint?

There is only one absolute, sure-fire way to ensure your window tinting won’t result in a fine: keep your tints within provincial limits and never drive in another province.

Of course, this isn’t exactly the most practical solution.

Play it safe and stick to side window tinting if you want to be able to drive fine-free throughout Canada.

So, say you live in Ottawa, and you drive to Quebec once in a while; you can tint the rear and back windows with any percentage of VLT, the front side windows with 70% VLT, and to be safe, no window tint applied to the windshield.

Are There Exceptions or Exemptions for Window Tinting?

Some U.S. states allow medical exemptions for window tinting. Medical exemptions allow drivers to install window tints that are darker than permitted by the law. The reasons for medical exemptions vary and could be due to light sensitivities or the need to be protected from sunlight.

But in Canada, there are no medical exemptions for window tinting. Even if you have a medical condition that makes you more sensitive to sunlight, you must abide by your provincial tint regulations.

How Tinting Helps You: The Benefits of Car Window Tinting

Window tint film helps drivers in a number of ways, including:

​Protection from UV Light and Preserving Your Car’s Interior

One of the significant benefits of window tinting is the protection it provides against harmful UV rays. The sun’s UV light is not only damaging to your skin and the skin of your passengers but also accelerates the deterioration of your vehicle’s interior. Over time, constant exposure to UV rays can cause your car’s interior materials – whether it’s leather, vinyl, or plastic – to fade, crack, and deteriorate. This damage is especially noticeable on dashboards, seats, and other surfaces that are regularly exposed to sunlight.

By choosing high-quality window tints for cars, you can significantly reduce the amount of UV light that enters your vehicle. Car window tinting not only protects your interior from fading and cracking but also helps maintain the overall value and appearance of your vehicle.

Plus, tinted windows reduce the amount of heat that builds up inside your vehicle during the hot summer months. This makes your car more comfortable and prevents surfaces from becoming excessively hot to the touch.

Enhanced Privacy: Safeguarding Your Valuables

For many car owners, keeping valuables in their vehicles is a common practice, whether it’s personal belongings or important documents. However, these items can easily attract unwanted attention if left in plain sight.

By opting for car window tinting, especially on the rear side windows and rear windshield, you can significantly enhance the privacy of your vehicle. Window tints obscure the view from outside, making it difficult for potential thieves to see what’s inside. This added layer of security helps deter break-ins and gives you peace of mind, knowing that your valuables are better protected.

Protection from Broken Glass: Safety and Security

In the unfortunate event of an accident or attempted break-in, window tint films offer crucial protection by preventing glass from shattering. The adhesive layer of the tint film holds the broken glass together, reducing the risk of injury from flying shards.

This not only makes it more difficult for intruders to gain access to your vehicle but also adds an extra layer of safety for you and your passengers. Investing in professional car window tinting ensures that your vehicle is equipped with this essential safety feature while adhering to Ontario tint laws.

Glare Reduction: A Safer and More Comfortable Drive

Driving at night or during bright daylight can be challenging due to the glare from other vehicles’ headlights, streetlights, or reflective surfaces. Tinted windows provide an effective solution to this problem by reducing the amount of glare that enters your vehicle.

This allows you to maintain better visibility and focus on the road, improving your overall driving experience. By minimizing distractions caused by excessive glare, window tints for cars enhance your safety and comfort, ensuring a smoother drive regardless of the time of day.

Energy Efficiency: Keeping Your Vehicle Cool

One of the often-overlooked benefits of window tinting is its ability to improve your vehicle’s energy efficiency. Car window tinting helps block out a significant portion of the sun’s rays, preventing your car from overheating. This means that your air conditioning system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the interior cool, resulting in lower energy consumption and increased fuel efficiency.

By choosing the right window tint for your vehicle, you can enjoy a more comfortable ride while also saving on energy costs. Our auto service experts in Ottawa, Canada can assist you in selecting and installing the perfect legal tint to enhance your vehicle’s efficiency and comfort.

Choosing the Right Window Tint: Film vs. Spray

When it comes to car window tinting, selecting the right type of tint is essential, especially given that auto tinting laws can vary significantly by province. It’s important to choose a tint that not only meets your aesthetic and functional needs but also complies with local regulations. What may be legal tint in one province might not be allowed in another, so it’s crucial to exercise caution and ensure your choice is suitable for your location, particularly if you plan to travel across provinces.

Two common options for window tints for cars are window film and tinting spray. However, it’s important to note that tinting spray is not legal in some provinces due to its inconsistent application and potential safety issues. As a result, high-quality window tint films are often the preferred choice.

These films are made of a clear polyester base combined with a thin layer of tinting agents, including metals and dyes. The metal components effectively reflect sunlight, reducing glare and the amount of heat entering your vehicle, while the dyes absorb light to provide additional shade and privacy.

When deciding between window tint film and spray, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits and legal implications.

Window tint films offer a more consistent application, better protection from UV rays, and enhanced durability compared to sprays. Although tint films may require professional installation, this ensures a flawless finish and compliance with Ontario tint laws and other local regulations.

By weighing the pros and cons of each option, you can make an informed decision that enhances your vehicle’s comfort, appearance, and safety.

Why Professional Tint Film Installation Is Worth It

In conclusion, understanding the tint laws and the regulations across Canada is crucial when considering window tints for cars. By familiarizing yourself with these laws, you can ensure that your car window tinting stays within legal limits, avoiding fines and potential issues. Whether you’re looking for privacy, UV protection, or simply to enhance your vehicle’s aesthetics, there are numerous benefits of window tinting.

To get the most out of your investment, it’s essential to choose window tint options that not only meet your needs but also comply with legal tint requirements.

Additionally, opting for professional tint film installation is worth it as it ensures a flawless application, maximizes the lifespan of the tint, and guarantees that your tint complies with local laws. By doing so, you can enjoy all the advantages of window tinting while staying on the right side of the law.