The Ultimate Guide to Car Window Tinting in Canada

If you love the look of tinted car windows and want to give it a try, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will cover everything you need to know about car window tinting in Canada, including the provincial regulations, cost and more. From the benefits of tinting to the legal consequences of non-compliant tinting, we’ll take you through it all.

Understanding Car Window Tinting

Simply put, tinting arises from applying a thin film to the windows of your car. This film reduces the amount of visible light that passes through the glass. As a result, it reduces the amount of heat that enters your car. You’ll find many benefits of car window tinting beyond just lowering the temperature. Let’s explore some of those pluses.

Car window tinting has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Not only does it add a sleek and stylish look to your vehicle, but it also provides numerous practical benefits. By reducing the heat that enters your car, window tinting can keep you and your passengers cool and comfortable, even on the hottest of days. This matters more if you live in an area with a hot climate or frequently take long road trips.

Benefits of Car Window Tinting

Above all, car window tinting diminishes the level of UV rays that enter your car. This can protect your skin from harmful rays and can even help reduce the risk of skin cancer. Additionally, car window tinting can reduce glare, making it easier to see while driving. It can also shield your upholstery from fading from sun exposure.

As a bonus, you also get increased privacy. Tinted windows make it more difficult for people to see inside your car. This can become especially important if you frequently carry valuable items or if you have young children in the backseat.

Car window tinting can also help improve the overall safety of your vehicle. In a collision, the tinted film can hold shattered glass together, reducing the risk of injury from flying glass shards.

Types of Window Tinting Films

When it comes to choosing a window tinting film, you have many options available. Some films arise from dyes, which means manufacturers simply add colours to reduce the amount of light entering your car. Others contain tiny metallic particles that reflect sunlight. Meanwhile, ceramic films have particles embedded in a clear polyester film.

Dyed films typically offer the most affordable option, but they may not reduce heat as effectively as other types of films. Meanwhile, metalized films do this better, but they can interfere with GPS signals and other electronic devices. Finally, ceramic films cost the most, but they also block UV rays most effectively.

How to Choose the Right Tint for Your Car

The right tint for your car depends on a few factors, like your personal preference and regulations in your province. Keep in mind that you cannot drive with darker tints in some provinces. Additionally, some films more effectively lower heat, while others cut back glare. Consider what is most important for you and your driving needs.

When choosing a tint, always invest in a high-quality installation. A poorly installed tint can bubble or peel over time, which looks unsightly and becomes less effective. Seek out a reputable installer who uses high-quality films and offers a warranty on their work.

Do tinted windows affect my car insurance premiums in Canada?

Tinted windows themselves typically do not directly affect your car insurance premiums in Canada. Instead, insurance providers generally focus on factors like your driving record, vehicle make and model, usage, location and age. Overall, they consider many factors when setting your insurance premiums.

However, if your tinted windows violate provincial regulations, and you get ticketed for this offence, it could impact your insurance premiums. Insurers may see the infraction as indicative of risky behavior, which could potentially lead to a rise in your premiums. Therefore, always ensure any modifications made to your vehicle, including window tinting, adhere to the regulations set by your province.

Provincial Regulations for Window Tinting in Canada

Now that we understand the benefits and types of window tinting films, let’s dive into relevant regulations in each province. 

British Columbia

In British Columbia, regulations state that the front windshield and front side windows must allow at least 70% of visible light to pass through.This ensures that drivers have a clear view of the road and any potential hazards. Reflective tints are not allowed at all and tinting contained within the glass must meet the minimum light transmittance requirements under the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

The back side windows and rear window can have tints, but they must allow at least half of visible light to penetrate. As a result, drivers have adequate visibility when backing up or changing lanes.

Alberta

Alberta has similar regulations to British Columbia. The front windshield and front side windows must allow at least 70% of visible light to pass through. The back side windows and rear window can be tinted, but they must allow at least half of visible light to infiltrate. 

However, you can apply for an exemption – with a doctor’s note – if you have recurring skin cancer or a rare rash known as Bullous Pemphigus.

Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan, you cannot add tinting to the front windshield and front side windows after buying a car. However, you can add any level of tinting to the back side windows and rear window. 

Manitoba

In Manitoba, front driver and passenger windows can have a tint level that allows 50 per cent of light to get through. For  passenger vehicles, the rear windows and the back window may have a maximum tint of 35 per cent. SUV, truck and van drivers face no legal requirements for rear and back windows. However, vehicles with tint applied before 1993 are grandfathered in and don’t need to comply.

Ontario

Ontario’s regulations for window tinting are a bit more murky. First, you cannot add aftermarket tint on any vehicle manufactured after January 1, 2017. That’s the easy part.

The law states that drivers cannot operate a vehicle of which the “surface of the windshield or of any window to the direct left or right of the driver’s seat has been coated with any coloured spray or other reflective material that substantially obscures the interior of the motor vehicle when viewed from outside.” 

Generally, that means the front windshield must allow at least 70% visibility. However, a police officer can issue a ticket if they feel the front windows’ tint “substantially obscures” the driver’s view. The back side windows and rear window can be tinted, but they must allow at least 35% of visible light through. 

Quebec

In Quebec, the front windshield and front side windows must allow at least 70% of visible through any tinting. Drivers can put tinting on the windows in the back half of the car and along the top six inches of the windshield.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick’s regulations state that a car will fail an inspection if any treatment coating or application of coloured spray or any opaque or reflective material gets applied to the windshield. That includes windows to the right or left of the driver.

Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, the RCMP state that drivers cannot add tint to the windshield or side windows of a car after buying it. You can, however, add it to the back windows.

Prince Edward Island

In Prince Edward Island, the rules echo those of Nova Scotia.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Lastly, in Newfoundland and Labrador, you cannot install any “non-transparent, translucent or opaque material” on a window beside or ahead of the driver. The law states the visibility must conform with the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Canada) CMVSS 205. However, the laws do allow  tinting already installed by the car’s manufacturer. 

Yukon

In the Yukon, a car can have a maximum of 30% tint on the windshield, front driver and passenger side windows and the rear window. “Long and short of it, drivers have to be able to see out, and other people have to be able to see the driver,” the RCMP say.

Northwest Territories and Nunavut

In Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, the laws are identical. Both say that drivers must have windshields and front passenger side windows “free from a coating of sunscreen or reflective material other than that applied by the vehicle manufacturer.”

No matter where you live, it is vital to follow all regulations to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.

The Cost of Car Window Tinting in Canada

Now that we understand the regulations for window tinting in Canada, let’s take a look at the cost. This will depend on a few factors, such as the type of film you choose and the size of your car.

Window tinting makes for a popular modification that many Canadians. Some may choose to do the job while others take it on themselves. However, you must comply with provincial laws if you do a DIY installation.

Factors Affecting the Cost

The biggest factor affecting the price of car window tinting relies on the type of film you choose. Ceramic films tend to cost more than dyed or metalized films. Car enthusiasts prefer ceramic films as they offer superior heat rejection and UV protection compared to other applications. Additionally, larger vehicles will cost more to tint than smaller vehicles, as they require more film to cover all the windows.

Further, the complexity of the installation can affect the cost of window tinting. If your car has curved windows or unique shapes, it may require more time and effort to install the film. In turn, this can increase the cost.

Average Prices by Province

Again, the prices for window tinting will vary depending on where you live. However, here are some average prices by province as guidelines (except for Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan and the territories):

• British Columbia: $150 – $500
• Alberta: $150 – $450
• Manitoba: $200 – $250
• Ontario: $25 – $150 per window or $500 to $600 overall
• Quebec: $150 – $500
• New Brunswick: $325 for cars and SUVs, $425 for minivans and $150 for trucks
• Nova Scotia: $150 and up
• Prince Edward Island: $200 – $300

Naturally, these prices represent averages and can vary depending on the type of film and the complexity of the installation.

How to Save Money on Window Tinting

If you seek to save money on window tinting, consider doing it yourself. You can buy DIY tinting kits online significantly cheaper than having a professional install the tinting film for you. However, keep in mind that the DIY option may not produce as high quality as a professionally installed tint.

First, equip yourself with these tools:

• Spray bottle
• Water and baby shampoo
• Utility Knife, with blades
• Squeegees
• Scraper, with blades
• Paper Towels
• Heat gun (to shrink film)
• Tinters card to smooth out bubbles
• A Gila tint kit from Amazon for $36.99

In general, follow these steps:

1. Remove the window you want to tint. If that’s not possible, cover all electronics and surfaces to protect them from moisture. Spray the glass with a tint stripper. 
2. Steam the glass then scrape it with a fresh blade. Rinse off the debris and repeat until it’s clean. Go over it with five to ten drops of baby shampoo or dish soap, focusing on the corners where grime builds up.
3. Measure how much film you need and cut your piece  an inch larger all around. Next, lay the film on the exterior of the window and adhere it with your spray solution. Then, carefully cut off the extra inch of film. Use a heat gun to shrink away bubbles.
4. Now, remove the liner from the film. Grab two pieces of masking tape on each side of the film, then pull them in opposite directions.
5. Next, spray the sticky side with your slip solution and apply the film to the glass. Start at the top in the center, coming down then off to the side in both directions, moving horizontally all the way to the bottom. Use your squeegee or tinter’s card to work out all the bubbles and creases. Spray your slip solution over the tint again and squeeze out the excess water.
6. Work your heat gun over one section at a time until the bubbles all disappear. 

You can also save money on window tinting by shopping around for the best price. Don’t worry about asking for quotes from multiple shops and comparing them to find the best deal. Just make sure that you compare similar services, such as the same type of film and installation complexity.

The Process of Car Window Tinting

We’ve covered the benefits, types, regulations and cost of car window tinting. Now let’s dive into the process of getting your windows tinted.

Preparing Your Car for Tinting

Before applying tinting film to your car windows, the windows must be cleaned thoroughly. Any dirt, dust, or debris on the windows can cause bubbles to form in the film, which will look unsightly. Additionally, remove any old tinting film.

The Tinting Process

First, the technician will measure and cut the tinting film to the dimensions of your car windows. He or she will then apply it to the windows using a special adhesive. They will trim away any excess film and smooth the edges.

Caring for Your Tinted Windows

Once the tinting process is complete, you must care for your tinted windows properly. Avoid rolling down your windows for at least 48 hours to allow the film to fully adhere to the glass. Use only mild soap and water to clean your windows without using any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

Legal Consequences of Non-Compliant Window Tinting

Before you get your windows tinted, you need to understand the legal consequences of non-compliant tinting. If your window tint does not comply with the regulations in your province, you could face fines and penalties. Additionally, non-compliant tinting could affect your insurance coverage and safety while driving.

Fines and Penalties

The fines and penalties for non-compliant window tinting vary by province. Newfoundland and Labrador have the lowest fines at $52 with the level rising to $200 in Prince Edward Island. You may also accrue demerit points in PEI and Manitoba.

British Columbia	$109
Alberta	$81
Saskatchewan	$115 to $150
Manitoba	$175.30 and two demerit points
Ontario	$110
Quebec	$154 to $274 for passenger cars and $125 to $525 for heavy trucks
New Brunswick	$172.50
Nova Scotia	$180
Prince Edward Island	$200 and demerit points
Newfoundland and Labrador	Up to $52
Yukon	Traffic ticket and removal of your car from public roads; no fine specified

Impact on Insurance

Non-compliant window tinting can also impact your insurance coverage. If you collide with another car and your tinting plays a factor, your insurance company may refuse to cover any damages.

Safety Concerns

Lastly, window tinting can pose a safety risk while driving. After all, a dark tint can reduce your visibility and increase the chance of a collision. Additionally, if you get pulled over for illegal  tinting, the officer may have difficulty seeing into your car. At worst, this could cause safety concerns and escalate into additional hassles.

The Bottom Line

Car window tinting can provide many benefits, such as cooling your interior and protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. However, following the regulations in your province will help you avoid fines and penalties. 

Additionally, consider the cost and process of tinting before making a decision. If you do decide to get your windows tinted, properly care for them to ensure they last as long as possible. Happy tinting!