Tinted windows may be a desirable addition to your vehicle, however, it’s important to understand the laws Ontario has in place for them. We break down some of these restrictions, along with general pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision for your vehicle.
Are tinted windows legal?
In Ontario, tinted windows are legal, but only for the backseat windows. Additionally, it is illegal to tint more than 30% of the front windows and windshield of your car in Ontario. However, the back side of your vehicle can have any tinting you like. Any new, leased or purchased vehicle will be manufactured adhering to provincial laws, but if you’re planning on buying a used vehicle, it’s your responsibility to fix the windows, if needed.
Why are there laws for tinted windows?
You may be asking yourself, why are these laws for tinted windows in place? The main reason is that police need to have access to the front windows of cars to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of the things they look for include if the front-seat passengers are wearing their seatbelts. Additionally, the increased visibility is to ensure the driver isn’t texting while driving. This law is also in place to help Ontarian drivers drive more safely. For example, with a clear window, a driver can easily make eye contact with cyclists, pedestrians, and other drivers. This also goes the other way! Overall, clear front windows make the roads safer for everyone.
What happens if I’m pulled over by the police?
It is important to follow this law for so many reasons, including if you are pulled over by police. They will check your car’s tinted windows by using a photometer. A photometer will measure the amount of light that comes through your front windows, thus measuring how tinted the windows are. To prevent this from happening, you can use a tint metre or download an app to check the tints yourself.
How do tinted windows affect my insurance?
In regards to your insurance rates and tinted windows: if you keep the windows legally tinted, you won’t have any rate increases. However, if you get into an accident in another province, for example, and they have different laws on tinted windows, your insurance rates will likely increase.
What are the pros of having tinted windows?
There are also many pros to having tints on your car. Day or night, they will help block glare while driving, along with harsh UV rays on sunny days. They also increase security measures for your car, making it difficult for anyone to see the contents inside. The tinted film is protected against any attempts to shatter it.
What are my options when it comes to tints?
If you are ready to add tints to your car, we’ve got information on the tint percentages you can choose from. The most common choice is 50% tinted, which follows provincial laws, but also helps block out UV rays. If theft is your main concern regarding your vehicle, we would recommend going with a 20% tint. This is a darker option that still follows all provincial laws. And if you are looking for an even darker look, you can go with a 5% tint. However, this can be a risky choice, and is usually only used for private cars and limousines.
We hope this article cleared up any questions you may have had about tinted windows. Please reach out to a member of our isure team if you have any questions about tints and the effect it may have on your car insurance policy.
