Tinted windows provide a beautiful image of your car. Tinting also provides privacy and protection. Professional window tinting specialists like Auto Boss Vaughan make your car appear sleek and beautiful.
Why were window tinting laws introduced?
According to Canadian police, the major cause of road violence is poor driving. While driving, people continue to read directions or texts. People need to be more careful, even answering emails while driving their vehicles. The addiction to personal devices and iPhones has added to road violence. However, charging and prosecuting careless individuals all the time can be difficult. Tinted windows can give a cool appearance to your car; it provides protection, as well as they can hide bad or even criminal behaviors.
Hence, to reduce car accidents and road violence, regulations regarding tints were introduced. An Ontario law for vehicle manufacturers came into effect after January 1, 2017. According to this law, you are bound not to apply any tint on the windshield. The allowable window tinting limits on the front right and left windows must be maximum of 30%. However, there are no restrictions for the rear and back side windows.
Why does tinted windows law matter?
Window tinting obstructs law enforcement from watching inside the vehicle. Tints also limit cyclists’ and pedestrians’ ability to see the vehicle’s driver. Limited eye contact is a risk during road crossing or driving. Ensuring that the vehicle driver is aware of their passage. If the driver’s car windows are too dark, the cyclists or pedestrians will have no knowledge that the driver is seeing them or not.
If you own a vehicle and want to get it registered in Ontario, ensure meeting Ontario’s standard vehicle requirements. Vehicle drivers whose car windows are tinted beyond the legal limit; may lead to penalties.
The Law
During the last decade, window tinting became a common add-on norm in Ontario. Legal limits for standard window tinting involve a thin lamination film to the car windows. Tints add security and color to the windows. However, you must know about the tinted windows laws before paying for purchasing tints or installing them.
Tinted windows are legal in Ontario, but it has limitations. According to the tinting law section 73(3)
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 spray or other colored or reflective material.”
Later on, in January 2017, the new law prohibits window tinting on the front windshields. However, it allows 30% tint on the front right and left windows.
Why there is window tinting law in Ontario
The major reason for the rules and regulations is the safety of drivers and pedestrians on the road. It is also helpful for law enforcement institutions so that they can easily check what’s happening inside the car.
Benefits of Auto window tinting
Tinted windows have a lot of benefits, such as :
- Tints protect the driver’s and passenger’s skin from UV rays as they reduce the quantity of sunlight entering the car.
- Reduces the glare produced by other vehicles while driving at night. It reduces the risk of accidents and collisions with other vehicles.
- Improvement in car safety because roadside thieves are unable to see the valuables inside the vehicle.
- It reduces the chances of glass breakage. If, due to an accident, the glass window breaks up, it prevents it from breaking into small pieces. Hence, protecting the people inside the car.
- Tinted windows can also reduce the heating level of the glass up to 60%, maintaining a pleasant temperature in the car.
Window tinting and insurance
Insurance rates cannot change as the vehicle has a legal window tinting percentage. However, if you are traveling to other provinces, especially in which the tinting laws are different from Ontario, you may get fined. If some accident happens in different jurisdictions, the penalties will be higher. Auto Boss Vaughan recommends you check tinting laws before traveling to other provinces.
Cost of tinting films and installation
The cost of tinted windows is calculated according to the size per window. The cost of each window may range from $25 and may range to $150. For example, SUV’s window tinting is more expensive than other midsize or small-size cars. However, tinting costs may differ according to the area.
Legal Percentages of tinted windows in Ontario
Remember! The lower percentage of window tinting means the tint is darker in color.
50% tint blocks UV rays and lessens the glare. The said percentage is good for the backside, rear left or right windows/
20% is good to keep your car interior safe. It is good for the front left and right windows.
5% is a tempting tint percentage. It gives your car a stylish look, but it can be illegal and risky. Only private cars and limousines have this tint percentage on their windows. Remember! If you apply this percentage to your front windows, you will be fined in Ontario.
Conclusion
Tinted windows are a safe and cool add-on for your vehicle. However, you must ensure keeping the tinting level within legal limits in Ontario and the provinces you wish to travel to. Contact Auto Boss Vaughan for complete guidelines and information about the window tinting percentages, colors, film qualities, and tinting laws in Canada.
FAQs
Is more than 35% tinted windows legal in Ontario?
Window tinting is legal in Ontario. However, there are some legal bindings to it. For example, a tinted windshield is not allowed at all. However, you can choose any tint percentage for rear windows, and only 30% of front window tinting is allowed.
Which tinting percentage is legal in Canada?
Window tinting laws in Canada are a bit complicated. These laws are different for different car windows.
Windshield: No tint is allowed at all.
Front side: 70% VLT (visual light transmission)
Rear side: Any tint percentage
Back side: any tint percentage is allowed.
Which percentage is legal in Ontario?
30% of tinted windows are allowed in Ontario for front windows. However, only backseat window tinting is allowed.
