Modes of Transportation

Tinted Windows

If you decide to tint your vehicle's windows, you must comply with certain technical requirements to avoid problems.

Applicable technical requirements

Front side windows and windshield

  • The front side windows of the vehicle must let in at least 70% of light when measured with a photometer.
  • A strip no more than 15 cm wide may be applied to the top part of the windshield. No material or substance may be applied or sprayed on the windshield.

Rear side windows and rear window

The rear side windows and rear window are not subject to these rules.

The inside of a vehicle and its occupants must be discernible

Windows that are too dark:

  • reduce the field of vision
  • make it difficult to see contrasts
  • reduce the driver's night vision

If you fail to comply with regulations, you could be fined!

Example 1

A police officer pulls your vehicle over and takes a photometric (light) reading of the front side windows. The windows let in less than 70% of light.

The fine varies as follows:

  • driver or owner of a passenger vehicle: $154 to $274
  • driver of a heavy vehicleVehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 4,500 kg or more, as indicated on the compliance label.: $125 to $344
  • owner of a heavy vehicle: $249 to $525

Example 2

A police officer pulls your vehicle over and issues a notice for inspection of the front side windows of your vehicle, which requires you to go to a road vehicle inspection agent.

Failure to undergo an inspection makes you liable to a $438 to $865 fine.

If the inspection agent finds that the windows are non-compliant

A notice is issued requiring the owner or driver to make the necessary changes within 48 hours. After this time limit, the inspection agent is again required to verify whether the windows meet standards.

If corrections are not made within the specified timeframe

The vehicle will no longer be authorized for road use. If you continue to drive the vehicle, you risk:

  • a $154 to $274 fine for each failure to comply
  • being required to store your vehicle at your expense until a photometric reading certifies that the windows meet standards

Tinted windows… You are responsible for understanding the law

Even if you do business with a specialized shop, you could be required to remove the tinted films and pay a fine if they do not comply with the law.

A vehicle's original windows are already tinted. You must take this into consideration when applying an additional film. Generally, the front side windows let in approximately 75% of light. Adding a film, even if it is transparent, reduces the light by about 5% (75 − 5 = 70%). In this case, no film or other substance to darken the window may be added.

When purchasing a used vehicle, pay special attention to tinted windows, since you will be responsible for ensuring that they meet standards.

Last update: May 27, 2022