For car owners across Canada, there are many laws that need to be followed. Tints on the car windows are often in legal scrutiny. In this article, we will talk about Ontario window tinting laws that you need to know about. Whether you are a current car owner or a future car owner, this article will help you customize your car windows while staying within the legal framework.
The car laws in Ontario are different from other provinces while there may be some common laws canada-wide. If you are moving from another province and have your windows tinted, it is important for you to understand all Ontario tint laws.
Why Are There Laws for Car Tints?
While car tints provide protection and privacy to the car owner, police have found that a lot of road accidents, road rashes and criminal dealings happen due to these tints. Car tints are also known to hinder night-time vision which harm the safety of the driver and others on the road. If cars have clear windows, it allows the on-road police to track drivers and spot criminal behaviour relatively easily. Tinting your car windows can also pose potential threat to the pedestrians on the road. As a usual behaviour, pedestrians make eye contact with the driver before crossing the roads. This signals that the driver needs to stop and let the pedestrians cross the road first.
Ontario Window Tints Law
The most common question that many car owners have is whether car tinting is legal in Ontario? The answer is that car tinting, although popular, is not entirely legal in Ontario. There are many laws that car owners must follow before they head out to tint their cars.
Following are some of the laws that you should know and follow:
- Earlier window tints on the windshield were allowed. However, Ontario Window Tint Laws of 2017 changed that. Aftermarket cars since January 1st 2017 cannot have tinted windshields. This is a part of section 73(3) of Ontario Highway Traffic Act.
- The VLT rate or Visible Light Transmission rate of the vehicle’s front and side windows should be 70% or higher. This means that the darkness of the tint cannot be more than 30%.
- For the windows at the back, any tint is allowed by the Ontario Window Tint enforcements.
- For the rear screen, any tint is allowed as long as the vehicle has rear view mirrors on each of its sides.
What Are the Benefits of Car Tinting?
Most car owners consider aftermarket car tinting for a variety of reasons.
UV Protection
Since car tints come with thin reflective layers, they help block the harmful rays of the sun. These not only include UV but also Infrared.
Temperature Control
During the peak months of summer, the interior of the car is prone to heating up, especially when parked outside. The window tints block the sun which helps keep the interior of your car, relatively cooler.
Ensures Privacy
It is common for car owners to leave their valuables in their car. Tinting the back windows and keeping your valuables hidden under the back seat makes it difficult for thieves to spot these items and get enticed to break into the car. For those who own a compact RV, tinting the windows helps offer privacy for the time when you would like to camp in the car.
Improves the Look
Many car owners consider aftermarket tinting to enhance the look of the car. Tints usually make the car look sportier. This also enhances the overall value of the car for some.
Ensures that Broken Glass Does Not Scatter
In case of a break-in or a collision, the adhesives of the window tint ensure that broken glass does not scatter everywhere and add to injury. The tints also make it difficult for thieves to break into your car.
Tinting and Insurance
Just like any other car modifications, car window tints can also affect your insurance. These clauses differ for different insurance providers. While some make moderations to insurance premiums, the other void the insurance policy. You must check with your insurance provider before tinting your car.
It must be noted that tinting your cars may come with a variety of benefits provided it is under the legal framework. If you want to get your car windows tinted, you should go to a company that offers only legal car tints in Ontario. Knowing the laws is the first step to doing the right thing. Drive safe!
