Tint Law Chart Canada
Canada Window Tint Laws:
|
Province |
Front |
Front Side |
Back Side |
Rear |
Medical |
Certificate |
Sticker |
|
Alberta |
None |
None |
Any |
Any |
None |
None |
None |
|
British Columbia |
7.5 cm |
None |
Any |
Any |
None |
None |
None |
|
Manitoba |
12.7 cm |
50% |
35% |
30% |
None |
None |
None |
|
New Brunswick |
70% |
70% |
Any |
Any |
None |
None |
None |
|
Newfoundland |
None |
None |
Any |
Any |
None |
None |
None |
|
NW Territories |
None |
None |
Any |
Any |
None |
None |
None |
|
Nova Scotia |
None |
None |
Any |
Any |
None |
None |
None |
|
Nunavut |
None |
None |
Any |
Any |
None |
None |
None |
|
Ontario |
None |
None |
Any |
Any |
None |
None |
None |
|
Prince Edward |
None |
None |
Any |
Any |
None |
None |
None |
|
Quebec |
15 cm |
70% |
Any |
Any |
None |
None |
None |
|
Saskatchewan |
None |
None |
Any |
Any |
None |
None |
None |
|
Yukon |
None* |
None* |
None* |
None* |
None* |
None* |
None* |
|
|
- # cm – only specified top centimetres on the windshield may be tinted.
- % – refers to VLT – Visible Light Transmission (lower VLT percentage equals darker tint, for example, 30% VLT blocks 70% of light; see an example or our tint calculator).
- * – more details available below Table above only provides a quick overview of window tint laws in Canada.
There are more rules and regulations for each province in CA, therefore we highly recommend reading more details below or clicking on each province name for additional information.
Alberta Tint Laws
|
Front Windshield |
No Tint allowed |
|
Front Side Windows |
No Tint allowed |
|
Back Side Windows |
Any darkness can be used |
|
Rear Windshield |
Any darkness can be used only if the vehicle has both left and right side rearview mirrors |
|
Medical Exemptions |
None |
|
Certificate Requirements |
None |
|
Tint Sticker Requirements |
None |
|
Reflective Tint |
Reflective Tint is Not Allowed |
|
Side Mirrors |
Mandatory if the rear windshield is tinted |
Alberta vehicle equipment laws prohibit installing window tint on the windshield and front side windows. Any level of darkness can be used on the backside and rear windows. On windshields only glazing installed by the car manufacturer is allowed, as are clear non-tinted frost shields or window stickers which do not impair the driver’s vision.
Source: Alberta Vehicle Equipment Regulation, Section 69 – Window glazing (.pdf file, scroll to page 35;
British Columbia Tint Laws
|
Front Windshield |
No Tint allowed |
|
Front Side Windows |
No Tint allowed |
|
Back Side Windows |
Any darkness can be used |
|
Rear Windshield |
Any darkness can be used only if the vehicle has both left and right side rearview mirrors |
|
Medical Exemptions |
None |
|
Certificate Requirements |
None |
|
Tint Sticker Requirements |
None |
|
Reflective Tint |
Reflective Tint is Not Allowed |
|
Side Mirrors |
Mandatory if the rear windshield is tinted |
In British Columbia, you are allowed to tint only the top portion of the windshield up to 7.5 centimetres. Front side windows may not be tinted, but any level of darkness can be used on windows behind the driver.
The rear window can be tinted with any level of darkness, however in that case in BC and most of Canada your vehicle must have exterior rearview mirrors.
Note: installing a clear UV filter film is not prohibited and does not require special medical exemptions (source).
Source: British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act Regulations, Division 7 – Other Equipment, section 7.05 – Windshields and windows.
Manitoba Tint Laws
|
Front Windshield |
12.7 cm (5 Inches) may be tinted with no less than 25% VLT |
|
Front Side Windows |
Must have 50% VLT (blocks less than 50% of total light) |
|
Back Side Windows |
Must have 35% VLT or more (blocks 65% of light or less) |
|
Rear Windshield |
Any darkness can be used only if the vehicle has both left and right side rearview mirrors |
|
Medical Exemptions |
None |
|
Certificate Requirements |
None |
|
Tint Sticker Requirements |
None |
|
Reflective Tint |
No refection or reflective tint permitted |
|
Side Mirrors |
Mandatory if rear side windows block over 50% of light |
In Manitoba, you are allowed to tint only the top portion of the windshield up to 12.7 centimetres, exactly 5 inches. If the tint is in a uniform shade (same darkness over the whole 5″ area) the tint may not block more than 75% of light. In the case of a gradual gradient, the light transmission may not be reduced below 5% in top 64mm, and 25% in the area between 64mm and 127mm from the top of the windshield.
Front side windows may be tinted but must pass through 50% or more light. Light reflection on front passenger windows may not be over 35%. Backside windows may not block more than 65% or light. In case back side windows block over 50% of light you must use dual external rearview mirrors, which isn’t the case in other provinces.
Rear window may not block more than 30% of light. However, if any tint is applied to Manitoba as well as the rest of Canada requires your vehicle to have exterior rearview mirrors on the left and right side.
Manitoba window tint laws also permit a 5% variance when testing windows with a light transmission meter device.
Our Manitoba tint laws are always up to date! We noticed many other websites and even local tinting businesses have inaccurate information, so please be careful and verify it yourself.
Source: Consolidated Regulations of Manitoba, The Highway Traffic Act (C.C.S.M. c. H60): Vehicle Equipment, Safety and Inspection Regulation, Part 3: Prohibited and Restricted Equipment, Other Equipment – Tinted windows (.PDF file, see page 72 – Tinted windows 3.22(1),
New Brunswick Tint Laws
|
Front Windshield |
70% VLT tint is permitted (blocks no more than 30% of total light |
|
Front Side Windows |
70% VLT tint is permitted |
|
Back Side Windows |
Any darkness can be used |
|
Rear Windshield |
Any darkness can be used |
|
Medical Exemptions |
None |
|
Certificate Requirements |
None |
|
Tint Sticker Requirements |
None |
|
Reflective Tint |
No refection or reflective tint permitted |
|
Side Mirrors |
Not Required |
In New Brunswick, you are allowed to tint your entire windshield but your window film must block less than 30% of light. Front side windows may also be tinted with the same light transmission level.
You can use any level of darkness on your backside windows and rear window. In New Brunswick, the law does not specifically require external rear view mirrors (“side wings”), whereas in most of Canada’s provinces these are required.
Fine for illegally tinted windows in New Brunswick is $172.50 or more.
Source: New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act (Chapter M-17; Miscellaneous Equipment; scroll to section 238)
Newfoundland and Labrador Tint Laws
|
Front Windshield |
No Tint allowed |
|
Front Side Windows |
No Tint allowed |
|
Back Side Windows |
Any darkness can be used |
|
Rear Windshield |
Any darkness can be used |
|
Medical Exemptions |
None |
|
Certificate Requirements |
None |
|
Tint Sticker Requirements |
None |
|
Reflective Tint |
Reflective Tint is Not Allowed |
|
Side Mirrors |
Not Required |
Newfoundland vehicle equipment laws prohibit installing window tint on the windshield and front side windows that do not conform to the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This Act may technically allow up to 70% VLT (block no more than 30% of light), but we do not recommend tinting front side windows or windshields.
Backside and rear windows do not have any tinting restrictions. Furthermore, Newfoundland and Labrador laws allow clear non-tinted frost shields or window stickers which do not impair the driver’s vision.
Newfoundland & Labrador law does not specifically require external rearview mirrors, however, in most of Canada’s provinces, these are required if the rear window is glazed with tinting film.
Penalties for unlawful car tint involve a fine of $23 – $52, but you may also incur additional costs.
Source: Consolidated Newfoundland and Labrador Regulation (Highway Traffic Act, Licensing and Equipment Regulations, 38. Window Glazing).
Northwest Territories Tint Laws
|
Front Windshield |
No Tint allowed |
|
Front Side Windows |
No Tint allowed |
|
Back Side Windows |
Any darkness can be used |
|
Rear Windshield |
Any darkness can be used |
|
Medical Exemptions |
None |
|
Certificate Requirements |
None |
|
Tint Sticker Requirements |
None |
|
Reflective Tint |
No specific restrictions for Back Side and Rear Windshield Not Advisable |
|
Side Mirrors |
No specific requirements but recommended |
Northwest Territories Motor Vehicle Act prohibits using any sunscreen material on windshield and passenger front side windows.
Laws in NWT province do not specifically restrict tinting back side windows nor the rear window, therefore based on other regulations our interpretation is that any car tint darkness is permitted.
Source: Northwest Territories Motor Vehicle Equipment Regulations (Motor Vehicle Act) – .pdf file, 117kb, see section 58 on page 17;
Nova Scotia Tint Laws
|
Front Windshield |
No Tint allowed |
|
Front Side Windows |
No Tint allowed |
|
Back Side Windows |
Any darkness can be used |
|
Rear Windshield |
Any darkness can be used |
|
Medical Exemptions |
None |
|
Certificate Requirements |
None |
|
Tint Sticker Requirements |
None |
|
Reflective Tint |
No Specific Restriction but not advisable |
|
Side Mirrors |
No specific requirements but recommended |
In Nova Scotia, you may not use any tint on windshield and front side passenger windows. NS law does not restrict tinting back side windows nor is the rear window, therefore our interpretation that all tint darkness levels are permitted.
Violating Nova Scotia vehicle equipment laws and having unlawful car window tint typically results in a fine of $109 – $227. You will also receive an order to have it removed, and not complying with it can result in another $595 fine.
Source: Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act, Standards of Vehicle Equipment Regulations (Section 200).
Nunavut Tint Laws
|
Front Windshield |
No Tint allowed |
|
Front Side Windows |
No Tint allowed |
|
Back Side Windows |
Any darkness can be used |
|
Rear Windshield |
Any darkness can be used |
|
Medical Exemptions |
None |
|
Certificate Requirements |
None |
|
Tint Sticker Requirements |
None |
|
Reflective Tint |
No Specific Restriction but not advisable |
|
Side Mirrors |
No specific requirements but recommended |
Nunavut Motor Vehicle Equipment Regulations prohibit the use of any sunscreen material on windshield and passenger front side windows.
Nunavut law does not restrict tinting back side windows nor is the rear window, therefore our interpretation that any car tints darkness is permitted.
Source: Nunavut Consolidation of Motor Vehicles Act (.pdf file, 351kb, see section 141: Obstruction of view by windshield stickers on page 84;
Ontario Tint Laws
|
Front Windshield |
No Tint Recommended |
|
Front Side Windows |
No Tint Recommended |
|
Back Side Windows |
Any darkness can be used |
|
Rear Windshield |
Any darkness can be used |
|
Medical Exemptions |
None |
|
Certificate Requirements |
None |
|
Tint Sticker Requirements |
None |
|
Reflective Tint |
Reflective Tint is Not Allowed |
|
Side Mirrors |
Required if the rear window is tinted |
Ontario laws do not expressly specify whether front window tinting is legal or not. According to the Ontario Highway Safety Act (linked below), you may not drive a vehicle if:
[…] any window to the direct left or right of the driver’s seat […] substantially obscures the interior of the motor vehicle when viewed from outside the motor vehicle
We strongly suggest not installing window tint on the windshield or front side windows, as any percentage could technically result in a fine. It is up to each individual police officer to determine whether your tint “substantially” obscures vision in your car.
New Ontario vehicle inspection regulations state that vehicles manufactured after January 1st, 2017 may not have any aftermarket window tint applied to the windshield. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or factory-made cars can have 70% VLT (30% opacity/light block), and tinting may not extend more than 75mm from top of the windshield.
Ontario law does not restrict tinting and darkness on your backside windows and rear window. Ontario’s traffic law also requires having left and right external rear view mirrors in case the rear window is tinted (sec. 74.2).
Those of you who research Ontario window tint laws elsewhere please ensure you are reading up to date content. Ontario amended tinting laws in July 2016, and new regulations are in effect since January 1st, 2017. Our information is up to date, but please keep in mind many other unofficial sources still provide inaccurate and unlawful information! Trust but verify!
Penalties for unlawful car window tint in Ontario result in an $85 – $500 fine, and there may be additional surcharges and fees involved.
Sources: Ontario Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER H.8, Equipment obstructing the view (see sections 73 and 74); Ontario Vehicle Inspection Standard (.pdf file, 865kb, scroll to page 76)
Prince Edward Tint Laws
|
Front Windshield |
No Tint Recommended |
|
Front Side Windows |
No Tint Recommended |
|
Back Side Windows |
Any darkness can be used |
|
Rear Windshield |
Any darkness can be used when a car has left and right |
|
Medical Exemptions |
None |
|
Certificate Requirements |
None |
|
Tint Sticker Requirements |
None |
|
Reflective Tint |
Forbidden |
|
Side Mirrors |
Mandatory if the rear window is tinted |
On Prince Edward Island you are not permitted to install any aftermarket window tint on the windshield nor on front side windows. Prince Edward Island laws only allow clear non-tinted frost shields or window stickers which do not impair the driver’s vision.
There are no tinting restrictions and any level of darkness can be used on back side windows. You can use any tint percentage on your rear window as well, however, in that case, your car must have left and right exterior rearview mirrors.
Source: Prince Edward Island Highway Traffic Act, Part V: Equipment, Miscellaneous Equipment, 138. Window Glazing, front and side (.pdf file, 3MB, scroll to section 138 on page 72)
Quebec Tint Laws
|
Front Windshield |
Top 15 cm (6 Inches) may be tinted |
|
Front Side Windows |
Must have over 70% VLT (blocks less than 30% of light in) |
|
Back Side Windows |
Any darkness can be used |
|
Rear Windshield |
Any darkness can be used when the car has both left |
|
Medical Exemptions |
None |
|
Certificate Requirements |
None |
|
Tint Sticker Requirements |
None |
|
Reflective Tint |
Reflective Tint is not Allowed |
|
Side Mirrors |
Mandatory if the rear window is tinted |
In Quebec, you are allowed to tint only the top portion of the windshield up to 15 centimetres. Front side windows may be tinted but must pass through 70% or more light.
There are no tinting restrictions and any level of darkness can be used on back side windows. You can use any tint percentage on your rear window as well, however, in that case in Quebec and most other provinces in Canada your vehicle must have exterior rearview mirrors.
Source: Quebec Road Safety – Tinted Windows
Saskatchewan Tint Laws
|
Front Windshield |
No Tint Allowed |
|
Front Side Windows |
No Tint Allowed |
|
Back Side Windows |
Any darkness can be used |
|
Rear Windshield |
Any darkness can be used |
|
Medical Exemptions |
None |
|
Certificate Requirements |
None |
|
Tint Sticker Requirements |
None |
|
Reflective Tint |
Forbidden |
|
Side Mirrors |
Always required on non-vintage vehicles |
In Saskatchewan, you are not permitted to install any aftermarket window tint on the windshield nor on front side windows. There are no window tinting restrictions and any level of darkness can be used on back side windows and rear window.
Penalty for violating Saskatchewan vehicle equipment regulations results in a $115 – $150 fine.
Source: Saskatchewan Vehicle Equipment Regulations (.pdf file, 485kb, see section 64 and 66 on page 40 and 41)
Yukon Tint Laws
|
Front Windshield |
No Tint Allowed |
|
Front Side Windows |
No Tint Allowed |
|
Back Side Windows |
No Tint Recommended |
|
Rear Windshield |
No Tint Recommended |
|
Medical Exemptions |
None |
|
Certificate Requirements |
None |
|
Tint Sticker Requirements |
None |
|
Reflective Tint |
Forbidden |
|
Side Mirrors |
Dual exterior side mirrors required if the view of the rear window is obstructed or interfered with in any manner. |
* Tinting windows behind driver may be legal, however, due to ambiguous Yukon laws, we do not advise it.
Yukon province has no relevant regulations which specifically permit or restrict window tinting.
Only relevant regulations concerning vehicle windows relate to obscured windows (Motor Vehicles Act section 190), where no person shall drive a vehicle if the view is obscured in any way to make driving hazardous or dangerous.
This section may be interpreted differently depending on each individual police officer, therefore we do not recommend tinting car windows in Yukon.
Penalties for violating obscured windshield regulations is punishable by a fine up to $500.
We recommend contacting your local law enforcement and getting information from them first-hand, preferably in writing. Feel free to contact us with any additional info if you are able to provide, thank you!
Source: Equipment Regulations in Motor Vehicles Act of Yukon Consolidated Acts (sec. 24 – Windshield, and sec. 22 – Rearview mirror); Yukon Motor Vehicles Act (.pdf file, 2MB, see Part 12: Obscured Windshield, section 190 on page 169)
Source: https://www.tinting-laws.com/canada/
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