What Are the Tinted Windows Rules in Ontario?
Ontario law requires that the front windshield must be completely clear with no tint. Front side windows must allow at least 70% light transmission. Rear side windows and the rear windshield can have any level of tint. Violations can make your vehicle unfit for the road.
In this article
Ontario Tint Rules by Window
The rules in Ontario differ depending on which window you are tinting.
| Window | Rule |
|---|---|
| Front windshield | Must be completely clear. No tint permitted except for the factory-applied sun visor strip at the top |
| Front driver side window | Minimum 70% Visible Light Transmission (VLT). Must allow at least 70% of light through |
| Front passenger side window | Minimum 70% VLT |
| Rear side windows | No restriction. Any level of tint is permitted |
| Rear windshield | No restriction. Any level of tint is permitted, but a rear-view mirror is required if the back is obscured |
What Is Visible Light Transmission (VLT)?
VLT is a percentage that describes how much light passes through a window. A higher percentage means more light gets through and the tint is lighter. A lower percentage means the tint is darker. Ontario requires front side windows to have at least 70% VLT, meaning only 30% of light can be blocked. Most legal tints appear very light; significant darkening on front windows is generally not legal.
Factory Tint vs. Aftermarket Tint
Many vehicles come from the factory with a light tint on rear windows. This is generally within legal limits. Aftermarket tint applied by a shop or peel-and-stick film is where violations typically occur. Shops are required to follow Ontario's rules, but not all do. If you are buying a used vehicle, it is worth measuring the VLT on front windows to ensure any tint applied by a previous owner is compliant.
Enforcement and Consequences
Police can stop a vehicle if they believe the tint is too dark on the front windows. Officers carry light-measuring tools to check VLT on site. A vehicle with non-compliant tint can be declared unfit to be driven on the road, which results in a mandatory repair order. The fine for non-compliant tint varies but can exceed $200, and the tint must be removed before the vehicle can be driven again.
Medical Exemptions
Drivers with documented medical conditions that require protection from sunlight (such as certain skin conditions or medication-related photosensitivity) may apply for a medical exemption permitting darker front window tint. This exemption requires documentation from a licensed physician and must be carried in the vehicle. The exemption is not automatic and does not apply to the windshield.
Related Questions
Can You Drive With a Cracked Windshield in Ontario?
You can drive with a cracked windshield in Ontario as long as the crack does not impair the driver's vision. However, a police officer can issue a notice requiring repair, and a cracked windshield may fail a vehicle safety standards inspection.
Read answerWhat Is Careless Driving in Ontario?
Careless driving in Ontario is a catch-all offence under the Highway Traffic Act for driving without due care and attention. The fine ranges from $400 to $2,000 and carries six demerit points. If careless driving causes bodily harm, it can result in jail time of up to two years.
Read answerWhat Are the Seat Belt Laws in Ontario?
Ontario law requires every occupant of a vehicle to wear a seat belt that is properly adjusted and fastened. The driver is responsible for ensuring that all passengers under 16 are buckled. Failure to comply results in a fine of $200 to $1,000 per unbelted occupant, plus 2 demerit points for the driver.
Read answerReady to Start Driving?
Book a lesson with Nadi and join 5,000+ students who passed with SafePass.