In Ontario, window tinting laws determine the level of dark tint you can have on your car windows and the ones you shouldn’t tint. That’s why it’s crucial to know the legal tint limit and avoid costly vehicle modifications that may lead to hefty fines. After all, you already paid to tint your vehicle windows, and the last thing you want is to pay for the tint removal after violating the law.
Although it’s tempting to tint your car windows and perform other vehicle modifications, you must follow the laws that determine what vehicle owners can do. Here are important facts you need to know about vehicle window tint in Ontario.
Are Tinted Windows Legal in Ontario?
The Ontario government amended the Ontario Highway Traffic Act in July 2016, specifically the placement, usage, and level of window tint on motor vehicles. The Ontario Highway Act Section 73(3) is clear. It states, “Drivers can’t drive on highways vehicles on which the windshield or any window to the direct right or left of the driver’s seat is coated with any material that significantly obscures the vehicle interior when viewed from outside the vehicle.”
That means laws in Ontario don’t allow you to drive any vehicle with an aftermarket window tint on the front side windows or windshield. Although tinting your vehicle’s front side windows isn’t strictly illegal, a 70% VLT (Visible Light Transmission) is widely considered a legal limit. That means your window film (tint) blocks only 30% of the light.
You can operate a motor vehicle with tinted windows on the left and right side windows as long as the tint isn’t excessively dark. The maximum tint darkness should be 30%. While you can tint the rear-view window and the backside windows to different levels, aftermarket tinting for the windshield is strictly prohibited in Ontario.
Do the New Laws Apply to All Vehicles?
Technically, the window tinting regulations that took effect in July 2016 don’t apply to all vehicles across Ontario. While the provincial government can enforce the new laws about window tinting, it can’t force drivers to remove the tint already on their cars.
Therefore, the new legal limits apply to the vehicles manufactured after January 1st, 2017. That means if you own or plan to purchase a vehicle manufactured before January 1st, 2017, the vehicle already has tinted windows, and the new regulations may not apply.
What Percentage of Tint is Legal in Ontario?
Window tinting in Ontario is legal. However, the specific tint limit for vehicles varies depending on the specific windows you want to tint. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the level of tint allowed for specific vehicle windows.
Front Windshield Tinting Rules and Regulations
If you intend to tint your front window (windshield), keep in mind that aftermarket front window tinting is prohibited. Thus, any tinting on the entire windshield that substantially obscures the interior of your car is illegal. The main reason it’s illegal to tint your windshield is for the police to have an unobstructed view of your vehicle. Some of the aspects that traffic police may take into account when checking your car’s tinted windows include:
- Being able to see when a driver is using a mobile phone while driving
- Checking whether the front passengers have seatbelts on
- There’s enough light to allow the driver to make eye contact with other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians
Front Windows and Tinting Limitations
Front-side window tinting may be legal under specific conditions. According to the Ontario Highway Safety Act, the right and left front side windows shouldn’t block the ability to see the interior from outside the motor vehicle.
Therefore, it’s recommended not to tint these windows. If you still want to tint them, ensure you have 30% visible light transmittance (VLT).
Rear Side Windows and Tinting Rules
There are no restrictions on tinting your rear windshield or back windows. You can tint your car’s rear windows depending on your preferences. However, you must ensure the right and left external rear view mirrors are visible so you can see any blind spots on your vehicle.
Generally, window tinting is legal in Ontario, but there are strict laws you must follow. With that in mind, you must be careful when getting your car windows tinted.
Illegal Tint and Consequences
Violating the provincial window tinting laws can result in a warning or other legal consequences. You may be required to pay a costly fine, depending on where you are driving. For instance, illegal window tinting can attract a fine ranging from $85 to $500 and a failed safety inspection (as per the current vehicle inspection regulations). Note that additional surcharges may apply.
Beyond financial penalties, the police officers may require you to immediately remove the tint, especially when it’s considered a safety concern. Illegal car tinting can also cause potential insurance concerns in case an accident happens.
Does Window Tinting Affect Insurance?
Getting your car windows tinted won’t affect your insurance policy if your window tinting adheres to all Ontario window tint laws and vehicle inspection regulations. That means your windshield and front windows aren’t tinted beyond 30% VLT. However, you must keep in mind that if you ever get involved in a traffic accident in another province, you’ll be subject to that province’s window tinting laws.
It’s crucial to mention that, like all other vehicle modifications, tinted windows can affect your vehicle insurance. These clauses differ significantly depending on the insurance provider. Some vehicle modifications may result in higher premiums, while others could void an insurance policy.
Therefore, you must carefully review your insurance before you tint your car’s front and rear windows. Whenever in doubt about whether your vehicle will pass inspection after tinting, consult a professional.
