Is Tinting Car Windows Legal in Ontario?
Yes, tinting windows is legal in Ontario, but only to a certain extent.
According to Section 73(3) of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, “no person should drive in a motor vehicle on which the surface of the windshield or of any window to the direct left or right of the driver’s seat has been coated with any colored spray or other coloured or reflective material that substantially obscures the interior”.
For vehicles manufactured after January 1, 2017, aftermarket tint is prohibited on the entire windshield. However, a tinted ‘visor strip’ is allowed at the top of the windshield, provided it does not extend more than 75 mm (3 inches) from the top edge. Furthermore, rear windows can only be tinted to any degree if the vehicle is equipped with both left and right external rearview mirrors to compensate for reduced visibility.
What are the legal Tint Percentages in Ontario?
You should remember that the lower the percentage number, the darker the tint.
- 50% tint is usually used to block UV rays and diminish glare.
- 20% tint is ideal to keep your car’s interior out of sight from thieves.
- 5% is very tempting if you want your car to look very stylish, but it could be very risky and illegal too because it’s the darkest tint a vehicle can have. Usually, only limousines and private cars use this percentage of tint in their windows. Always remember that these tint percentages are only for the rear and back windows if you want keep it legal in Ontario.
How to Check the Tint Levels in Your Car?
While mobile apps can provide a rough estimate for informal use, they are not legally valid and vary wildly in accuracy depending on your phone’s sensor. Only a calibrated digital VLT meter, the same kind used by police and inspection stations, provides a reliable reading for legal compliance.
Why Is There a Tinting Windows Law in Ontario?
The primary reason for this law is safety. Police use handheld VLT meters (photometers) to instantly measure the transparency of the windows. Beyond roadside tickets, illegal tint will cause a vehicle to fail a safety inspection, which is required to register or sell a used vehicle in Ontario.
What Are the Benefits of Tinted Windows?
Window tinting is not only about rules and laws, it also comes with some benefits, like:
- It protects your skin from UV radiation by reducing the amount of sunlight that comes into the interior of the vehicle.
- It reduces glare produced by other cars when driving at night, reducing as well the possibility of a car crash.
- It improves vehicle safety by preventing thieves from seeing valuables inside the car.
- The window tint prevents objects from shattering the glass and prevents it from breaking into small pieces that could cut passengers.
- The vehicle will not be heated inside as much, and the tint can reduce heat between 30% and 60% and 60%, keeping it cooler and more comfortable.
How Can Window Tinting Affect My Insurance?
As long as the vehicle maintains the legal tint window percentage in Ontario, you won’t have any changes in your insurance rate.
While the modification itself may not change your rate, receiving a ticket for illegal tint is a Highway Traffic Act conviction. Like a speeding ticket, this conviction appears on your 3-year driving abstract and can be used by insurance companies to increase your premiums at renewal.
How Much Does Tinting Windows Cost?
Window tinting is usually calculated per window. The cost per window is approximately between $25 to $150.
This varies depending on the total number of windows, the type of tint and the type of car. For example, SUVs are typically more expensive to tint than small or midsize cars, so make sure to compare prices across locations before making a decision.
How to Clean Tinted Windows?
Tinted car windows are an investment you make in your vehicle. Try your best to take care of the tint so it lasts as long as possible. Tint is a plastic and thin film that can be spoiled when using incompatible chemicals on it. You can use the following materials to clean your tinted windows:
- Water
- Microfiber cloths, paper towels or a soft sponge
- Glass cleaner, avoid using cleaners that contain ammonia
- Dishwashing soap
Key Advice from MyChoice
- To stay safe and avoid police attention, we recommend a 35% VLT or lower for front-side windows. This accounts for the factory tint, often ensuring you stay above the 70% VLT inspection threshold.
- Check interprovincial laws regarding window tinting. If you drive into Quebec, be aware that their tint laws are among the strictest in Canada. A 30% tint that is legal in Ontario may result in an immediate fine in Quebec, as they strictly enforce the 70% VLT rule for front windows.
- When taking your car for a professional cleaning, specify that your windows are tinted. Professional detailers use pH-balanced, ammonia-free cleaners to preserve the adhesive and clarity of the film.