Thinking about tinting your car windows in Ontario?
Good idea—it blocks heat, adds privacy, and protects your interior.
But before you visit a tint shop, you should know this:
Ontario has strict window tint laws, and breaking them can get you ticketed or even fail your vehicle inspection.
This guide explains everything you need to know about Ontario’s window tint percentage laws in 2025—plain and simple.
Why Window Tint Laws Exist in Ontario
Window tint laws aren’t just there to annoy drivers.
They’re about safety—for you, pedestrians, and police officers.
Too-dark tints can:
- Block your vision at night
- Make it harder for law enforcement to see inside your vehicle
- Create risks during accidents or traffic stops
So Ontario passed specific laws on how dark your tint can be.
What Is VLT?
Before we dive into the numbers, let’s get clear on this term:
VLT = Visible Light Transmission.
It’s the percentage of light that passes through your tinted window.
- 70% VLT = very light tint (70% of light still comes in)
- 35% VLT = medium tint
- 5% VLT = very dark (almost like sunglasses)
Lower VLT = darker window
Higher VLT = more light allowed in
Ontario Window Tint Laws in 2025
Here’s what you can and can’t do when it comes to tinting in Ontario:
| Window | Legal Tint |
|---|---|
| Windshield | No tint allowed (except 3″ sun strip) |
| Front Side Windows | Must allow 70% or more of light |
| Rear Side Windows | No specific VLT limit |
| Rear Windshield | No specific VLT limit (must have dual mirrors) |
Let’s break that down.
Windshield Tint Rules in Ontario
You cannot tint your entire windshield.
However, a sun strip (up to 3 inches at the top) is allowed.
This is helpful for reducing glare—just don’t go beyond 75 mm.
Front Side Windows
This is where most people get it wrong.
Ontario law requires that front side windows must allow 70% or more light in.
So any tint darker than 30% is not legal on those windows.
Tint that’s too dark?
👉 You might get pulled over or fail a safety inspection.
Rear Side and Rear Windows
Good news—there are no specific VLT limits on the rear side windows or back windshield.
You can go darker here, but there’s a condition:
If your rear window is tinted, your car must have dual side mirrors for rear visibility.
Can You Get Pulled Over for Tint in Ontario?
Yes.
Police officers have the right to:
- Stop you if they believe your tint is illegal
- Issue a ticket
- Order a vehicle safety inspection
And under Ontario Regulation 611, a car can fail its safety test if:
- The front window tint is too dark
- The windshield is tinted beyond 75 mm
- The film is reflective or bubbled
Fines for Illegal Tint in Ontario
Driving with illegal tint in Ontario can result in fines of $85 to $500, depending on the situation.
If it leads to a failed safety test, you’ll have to:
- Remove the tint
- Pay for a retest
- Delay your vehicle registration or resale
So yeah—it’s not worth risking it.
Medical Exemptions
Ontario doesn’t officially recognize tint exemptions for medical reasons in the Highway Traffic Act.
If you have a legitimate light sensitivity condition, your doctor may recommend tinting, but you should:
- Keep documentation in your car
- Avoid going darker than 30% on front windows
Police still have the authority to assess and issue a ticket if they believe the tint impairs safety.
Reflective & Colored Tints
You cannot use mirrored, metallic, or reflective tints on any window.
They pose a risk by blinding other drivers.
Also, colored tints (red, yellow, blue) are not legal in Ontario.
Stick to neutral or factory shades.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Is 20% tint legal in Ontario?
No. 20% VLT is too dark for front side windows. Ontario requires 70% or more. But you can use 20% on rear windows if your car has dual mirrors.
❓ Can you tint your windshield in Ontario?
Only the top 3 inches (75 mm) as a sun strip.
The rest of the windshield must stay clear.
❓ Will illegal tint fail my safety inspection?
Yes. Front windows with low VLT or any windshield film beyond 75 mm will fail your Ontario Safety Standard Certificate (SSC) test.
❓ Are there different rules for sedans and SUVs?
Nope. Ontario tint laws apply the same rules to all passenger vehicles, regardless of type.
❓ Can I remove my tint if I get ticketed?
Yes. You can remove the film and provide proof during a court appearance or reinspection.
But you’ll still be responsible for fines unless waived by the court.
Tips Before Tinting in Ontario
- Always ask for VLT% confirmation from your tint shop
- Get a receipt and tint specs for future inspections
- Avoid reflective, mirror, or colored tints
- Stay above 70% VLT on front side windows
- Don’t tint beyond 75 mm on the windshield
Bonus tip: Stick to certified tint shops that know Ontario laws.
Summary: Keep Your Tint Legal in Ontario
Tinting your car adds value, protection, and privacy—but it must be within the legal limits.
Ontario’s rules are clear:
- Front windows? 70%+ VLT
- Windshield? Top 3 inches only
- Rear windows? You can go dark, just have side mirrors
- No reflective or colored film
Know the rules. Ask questions at the shop. And avoid fines or safety test failures.
Key Takeaways
- Front side windows must allow 70% or more light in Ontario
- Windshield tint is only allowed on the top 3 inches
- Rear windows can be darker, if you have dual mirrors
- Reflective or colored tints are not permitted
- Breaking the rules can mean tickets or failed inspections
