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How Legal Are Tints in Ontario? What You Need to Know

  • July 11, 2025
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Window tint can instantly upgrade your vehicle’s style, privacy, and comfort—but if you live in Ontario, you’ve probably heard mixed messages about how legal tinting actually is. So, what’s the real deal?

Can you legally tint your windows in Ontario?
Yes—but there are rules, and it’s important to follow them.

In this blog, we’ll break down the current Ontario tint laws, what’s allowed (and what’s not), and help you make the right choices to stay stylish and street legal.

Why Tint Laws Exist

First, let’s talk about why tint laws exist in the first place.

Window tint improves privacy and blocks heat and UV rays—but it can also impact visibility for both drivers and law enforcement. For example, police officers need to be able to see into vehicles during traffic stops for safety reasons. Excessively dark tints can also make night driving more dangerous due to limited outward visibility.

That’s why the province of Ontario, like many others, has specific limits when it comes to window tinting.

Ontario Tint Laws: The Basics

As of now, the Ontario Highway Traffic Act regulates window tint under section 73(3) and related updates. Here’s what you need to know:

Front Side Windows (Driver & Passenger)

  • Legal limit: There is no specific percentage listed in the law.

  • However, the general rule is: you must not have window tint that significantly obscures visibility into the vehicle.

  • Most shops follow a 35% VLT (Visible Light Transmission) guideline to be safe.

If the tint is too dark for an officer to see inside, you may be fined or required to remove it.

Windshield

  • Top portion (sun strip): You can tint the top 75mm (3 inches) of the windshield.

  • Full windshield tinting is illegal.
    Tint on the main viewing area of the windshield is prohibited—no exceptions.

Rear Side Windows & Rear Windshield

  • No tint limit for rear windows as long as you have proper side mirrors.

  • You can go as dark as you like on the rear half of the vehicle.

This makes it easier to get that sleek, private look on the back end of your car without running into trouble with the law.

Are There Fines for Illegal Tint in Ontario?

Yes. If your tint is deemed too dark, especially on the front windows or windshield, you can face:

  • Fines starting at $85

  • Failed safety inspection (when selling or certifying a vehicle)

  • Mandatory tint removal

In some cases, officers may even issue an order to have your vehicle inspected or the tint stripped within a certain time frame.

Can You Pass a Safety Inspection with Tinted Windows?

It depends. For a vehicle to pass a safety inspection in Ontario:

  • The windshield must be clear (aside from the legal sun strip).

  • The driver and front passenger windows must allow enough light in to ensure the driver has a clear view.

  • If the tint is too dark, the vehicle will fail the safety check.

This is especially important if you’re selling a car or registering an out-of-province vehicle in Ontario.

How to Choose the Right Tint in Ontario

If you want to stay legal and avoid fines or failed inspections, here are a few tips when getting your windows tinted:

Go with 35% VLT or lighter on the front side windows

This strikes a good balance between privacy, heat rejection, and legality. It also keeps the interior cool while letting enough light through to avoid police attention.

Only tint the top 3 inches of your windshield

Anything below that can result in fines or failed inspections.

Feel free to go darker on the rear windows

Many car owners opt for 20% or even 5% on rear windows for maximum privacy—it’s fully legal as long as your side mirrors give you clear rear visibility.

Use a reputable tint shop

Professional installers understand the legal limits and can help you choose the right film to stay compliant. They’ll also ensure a clean, bubble-free install that looks great and lasts.

Legal Doesn’t Mean Boring

Just because there are limits doesn’t mean your tint has to be boring. Today’s high-performance films offer incredible heat rejection and UV protection—even at lighter shades.

Ceramic tint is a great example: it blocks infrared heat and harmful rays while maintaining a lighter, more transparent look—perfect for staying within legal boundaries and getting real performance.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can absolutely tint your windows in Ontario—but it’s important to know the rules so you can enjoy the benefits without the risk of fines, failed inspections, or police stops.

As a general rule:

  • Windshield? Keep it clear (except for a 3-inch sun strip).

  • Front windows? Stay light (35% VLT or higher is safest).

  • Back windows? Tint as dark as you like.

When in doubt, ask your tint shop or check with your local MTO office to make sure you’re compliant.

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