Tint laws in Canada are different depending on province or territory. We have up to date information on all Canadian window tint laws, and you can trust us to always provide accurate data about legal tint limits.
Summary of current Canada window tint laws by province and territory is below. You should visit your local province/territory page linked below, as our individual pages include additional rules and regulations you must be aware of.
Alberta
Windshield: No tint allowed
Front side windows: No tint allowed.
Back side windows: Any tint allowed.
Rear windshield: Any tint allowed.
British Columbia
Front windshield: Only tint on top 7.5cm allowed.
Front side windows: No tint allowed.
Back side windows: Any tint allowed.
Rear windshield: Any tint allowed.
Manitoba
Front windshield: Only tint on top 12.7cm allowed.
Front side windows: 50% VLT tint allowed.
Back side windows: Any tint allowed.
Rear windshield: Any tint allowed.
New Brunswick
Front windshield: 70% VLT allowed.
Front side windows: 70% VLT allowed.
Back side windows: Any tint allowed.
Rear windshield: Any tint allowed.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Front windshield: No tint allowed.
Front side windows: No tint allowed.
Back side windows: Any tint allowed.
Rear windshield: Any tint allowed.
Northwest Territories
Front windshield: No tint allowed.
Front side windows: No tint allowed.
Back side windows: Any tint allowed.
Rear windshield: Any tint allowed.
Nova Scotia
Front windshield: No tint allowed.
Front side windows: No tint allowed.
Back side windows: Any tint allowed.
Rear windshield: Any tint allowed.
Nunavut
Front windshield: No tint allowed.
Front side windows: No tint allowed.
Back side windows: Any tint allowed.
Rear windshield: Any tint allowed.
Ontario
Front windshield: No tint allowed.
Front side windows: No tint allowed.
Back side windows: Any tint allowed.
Rear windshield: Any tint allowed.
Prince Edward Island
Front windshield: No tint allowed.
Front side windows: No tint allowed.
Back side windows: Any tint allowed.
Rear windshield: Any tint allowed.
Quebec
Front windshield: Top 15 cm can be tinted.
Front side windows: 70% VLT tint allowed.
Back side windows: Any tint allowed.
Rear windshield: Any tint allowed.
Saskatchewan
Front windshield: No tint allowed.
Front side windows: No tint allowed.
Back side windows: Any tint allowed.
Rear windshield: Any tint allowed.
Yukon
Front windshield: 70% VLT allowed.
Front side windows: 70% VLT allowed.
Back side windows: Any tint allowed.
Rear windshield: 70% VLT allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each Canadian province or territory can set its own laws. This includes traffic and vehicle equipment laws. Most Canadian provinces and territories have enacted tint laws which regulate the darkness of all vehicle windows. Jurisdictions without explicit laws for rear side windows and rear windshields are Nunavut, Yukon, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan.
Penalties for violating tint laws are different in each province. Fines range from $100 to $600. Your vehicle may also be deemed unworthy for safe driving, and you may be forced to undergo a vehicle inspection process, which can include additional costs.
Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Act regulates tinting windows in Canada. The Act permits 70% VLT on all windows. This only refers to vehicle windows manufactured as such. Aftermarket tinting film is also allowed, depending on local laws.
VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission. This is a method of determining how much light passes through the tinting foil. For example, 70% VLT will block 30% of light from coming through.
Laws for whichever province the vehicle is registered in apply. If you register a vehicle in your province, then your local laws are pertinent.
VLT is measured with a special device called a photometer, tint meter, or light transmission meter. This is an inexpensive device, which is why many police officers are nowadays equipped with them.
Most modern vehicle windows already have a certain amount of tint, thus preventing a small amount of light from coming in. A 90% VLT factory-made window plus a 70% VLT tint foil would equal VLT lower than 70%, which would be illegal on front side windows in Quebec, for example. Even transparent film such as UV filters or frost shields often reduce light transmission by 5%.
Why use tinted windows?
There are several main benefits to having tinted windows.
First and foremost, most drivers use aftermarket tint for additional privacy. It is important for other drivers and pedestrians to make eye contact with drivers for safety reasons, which is why front windshield and front side windows typically have higher VLT requirements.
Tinting windows behind driver can make it more difficult to see inside the vehicle. Drivers often leave bags or other belongings in the back seat, and tinted windows can be an easy way to prevent theft.
Another common reason for window tinting is UV protection. For instance, drivers who spend a lot of time on the road have learned the importance of avoiding exposure to the sun.
Quality tint film will not only reduce light coming in, but also reduce internal vehicle temperature. Sun and heat protection isn’t only beneficial for your eyes and skin, but also your vehicle interior, which can fade or crack in lengthy sun exposure.
Better visibility through reduced glare is frequently a factor to consider as well. But remember, tinted windows are not a replacement for good eye wear. You should always have spare sunglasses in your vehicle. But in case you don’t, a higher tint darkness level can make driving easier on your eyes.
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