Ontario tint laws do not allow tinting front windshield or front side windows. Back side windows and rear windshield can have any darkness.
Front Windshield
No tint allowed
Front Side Windows
No tint recommended
Back Side Windows
Any darkness
Rear Windshield
Any darkness
Ontario restricts windshield tinting to top 75 millimeters (3″) with 70% VLT, but only if windows were manufactured as such. Aftermarket tint is not allowed.
Ontario’s vehicle inspection regulations state that vehicles will pass if front side windows have over 70% VLT. However, Ontario tint laws are very vague on this, and state that these windows must not “substantially obscure the interior of the motor vehicle when viewed from outside the motor vehicle“. Tinting front side windows is not explicitly prohibited, therefore 70% VLT should be within legal limits.
There are no restrictions for tinting windows behind driver. You may use any darkness on these windows.
Last update: February 20, 2024.
Ontario Window Tint FAQ:
Ontario tint laws expressly prohibit using window tint that has higher than normal reflection.
VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission, a measurement to determine how much light is blocked from passing through. For example 70% VLT blocks 30% of light from coming through tint foil.
Side mirrors are required on vehicles only if rear windshield is tinted.
There are no medical exemptions for any kind of conditions that would allow using darker than normal window tint.
By Ontario laws there are no special certificates or stickers required on tint film.
Violating Ontario window tint laws carries an $85 – $500 fine. There can be other costs and surcharges as well.
VLT Preview:
Tint darkness preview is for illustrative purposes only. Actual results can vary. Tool courtesy of Car Tint Laws.
Sources & References:
You can double-check our information about legal Ontario tinting on the following:
- Ontario Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER H.8, Equipment obstructing view (see sections 73 and 74)
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90h08#BK145 - Ontario Vehicle Inspection Standard – See page 76
https://canadatintlaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Ontario-Vehicle-Inspection-Standard_2023-11.pdf
Our information is continuously kept up to date through our local solicitors. However, we always recommend verifying data through official sources. All info on our website is for informational purposes, and should not be taken as substitute for professional legal advice.
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