Ontario’s Window Tint Laws: A Guide for Drivers

In Ontario, window tinting is a popular way to customize your vehicle. It offers benefits from reduced glare to increased privacy. But before you roll down to the tint shop, it’s important to understand window tint laws.

These regulations aim to focus on safety on Ontario roads. Non-compliance can result in fines. If you are looking to tint your car window, this guide will ensure you stay on the right side of the law.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about Ontario window tint laws. This includes the allowed tint levels, tint types, and violation penalties.

The Basics of Ontario’s Window Tinting Laws & Regulations

Ontario window tint laws, in Section 73 (3) of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, regulate light through car windows. They prioritize safety and aesthetics. This is measured in Visible Light Transmission (VLT%).

• Front Windshield: Must be clear, but a tinted strip up to 75mm wide is allowed at the top.
• Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 70% VLT (maximum 30% tint darkness).
• Rear Side Windows and Back Window: You have more flexibility with these windows, as there are no restrictions on how dark the tint can be. However, if you do choose to tint them, your vehicle must have dual side mirrors for safety.

These regulations focus on safety and aesthetics. They ensure clear visibility from inside and outside the vehicle. It’s essential to note that since 2017, aftermarket tinting of windshields has been prohibited.

If you’re considering tinting your car windows in Ontario, make sure to choose a reputable shop like G-Unit Automotive that adheres to these laws.

Why Window Tint Laws Are Required?

Ontario’s window tint laws, like those elsewhere, are not random. They have important purposes. The safety of the driver and other road users is one of the prime motives for such regulations. Dark tints obstruct driver vision, hiding pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles in dim light and stormy weather.

Also, police should have clear views inside a vehicle during traffic stops. Very dark window tinting may risk the officers. They might not see any danger inside the vehicle. This transparency is very important for the safety of all concerned.

Thus, the window tinting laws help ensure that drivers can make eye contact with others on the road. This type of visual communication is very important while driving safely, especially at junctions or when pedestrians are crossing the road. By following car window tint laws ontario, you are, in effect, ensuring a safer environment while driving.

Legal Tint Limits for Windows in Ontario

Knowing the Ontario window tint legal limit will come in handy before one embarks on making alterations to their vehicle. As explained above, the windshield up front must largely be clear with only a small portion at the top being tinted. The front side windows also have strict regulations to let through a minimum of 70% of the light.

The back window and all other rear windows do not have the same limitations, so you could have a much darker tint. Just be aware that, if you are to have those windows too dark, the vehicle needs to be equipped with dual side mirrors to make up for lost visibility.

Also, note that while there is room for flexibility with the rear windows, an extremely dark tint will definitely pose problems. An example would be how, when reversing at night, may hamper your vision through those windows. We must find a balance in any tinting. It should look nice and be functional. But, it must also meet legal limits.

Types of Window Tinting

With all types of window tinting out there, you can be assured of finding the pros and cons associated with each. Knowing them will enable one to come up with a suitable decision that serves your taste buds and needs altogether.

1. Dyed

This is the most used and inexpensive window tint. It is made based on a layer of dye sandwiched between an adhesive layer and a protective clear top coat. Dyed tints are much darker. They reduce glare, block some UV, and provide the least heat reduction.

2. Metalized

The metalized window tint has microscopic metallic particles that reflect heat and UV rays. They reduce heat and are durable. But they block cell phones and GPS signals.

3. Carbon

Carbon tints have a matte finish that gives the windows an elegant look. They block UV rays effectively with heat reduction that does not interfere with electronic devices.

4. Ceramic

They are of the highest quality tints. By doing so, as much as 99% of UV could be filtered out, providing greater relief from glare and heat in your car. In contrast to the metalized kind, it won’t affect your gadgets. On the downside, they are the most expensive option.

5. Hybrid Tint

This is a mix of both the dyed and metalized tint. They will share their merits. So, the product will balance cost, heat reduction, and durability. Not much reflecting when compared with pure metalized tints, it does better than the plane dyed tints.

Each type has different advantages, and the best one for you will depend on your needs and budget. To explore these options, consult a reputable Toronto window tinting service, like G-Unit Automotive.

Penalties for Window Tint Non-compliance

If your vehicle’s windows don’t meet Ontario’s tinting rules, you could face penalties. Officers can ticket you for having overly tinted windows. The fine can be $85 to $500. You may also face extra fees based on the violation’s severity. You may receive demerit points on your driving record. This could lead to license suspension.

This can be time-consuming and costly. It is, therefore, much more reasonable to remain within Ontario window tint legal limit in the very first place.

Also, illegal window tints could cause problems with your vehicle’s safety inspection. This inspection is needed to sell or transfer a vehicle and to renew registration. If illegal tints are installed and your vehicle fails an inspection, delays in transfers and registration renewals could mean extra costs.

These, of course, can be avoided with the help of a good window tinting service aware of the guidelines followed in Ontario. G-Unit Automotive of Toronto has all the knowledge about tinting laws in the province and how to make sure your vehicle is square with the law.

Conclusion

Ontario’s window tinting laws aim to ensure safe vehicle use. They also allow owners some freedom to personalize their cars. Knowing these rules will help you choose the right window tints for your vehicle. It will also help you avoid costly fines.

Be it for aesthetic enhancement, UV protection, or heat reduction, there’s a window tinting option for you. Just remember the legal limits for the front windshield and side windows. Also, have a reputable provider, like G-Unit Automotive in Toronto, install it.

FAQs

1. Are tinted windows allowed in Ontario?

Yes, tinted windows are legal in Ontario. But, they must meet limits on how dark the tints can be, especially on the windshield and front side windows.

2. Why are there laws for window tinting?

Window tinting laws are designed to ensure safety on roads by providing clear visibility to drivers and the police, as well as enabling effective communication between drivers and other road users.

3. What are the benefits of window tinting?

Window tints offer a variety of benefits, which include: reducing glare, fending off dangerous UV rays, offering a cool environment, and creating privacy. Ensure that your tint is legal within the Ontario limits to avoid penalties.