Window tinting is one of the most popular ways to enhance and customize a vehicle. Not only does it look great, but it also provides privacy and protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. However, window tinting laws vary greatly between different states and provinces. If you live in Alberta or are planning a road trip there, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the local window tinting laws before having your windows professionally tinted.
In this article, we explain what the window tinting laws are for Alberta, as well as provide tips to choose the right kind of window film for your vehicle. Keep reading to learn more about how you can stay safe and compliant while enjoying all the benefits of automotive window tinting!
What Is Window Tinting?
Window tinting is the process of adding an aftermarket tint to the windows of a vehicle. This is typically done by using a film or other opaque material that can be applied directly to the glass. The purpose of this type of modification is often for protection against ultraviolet rays, as well as for aesthetics. Window tints are also used to improve privacy and reduce heat in the car’s interior.
Are tinted Windows Legal In Alberta?
As with any other vehicle modification, the laws around window tints vary by province and are subject to change over time. In Alberta, there is a Vehicle Equipment Regulation under the Traffic Safety Act which outlines what types of aftermarket tinting are permitted on vehicles.
Below is a brief breakdown of the window tint laws that relate to each window on your vehicle, as they all have to adhere to different regulations:
- Windshield: No tint allowed
- Front side windows: No tint allowed
- Back passenger side windows: Any percentage of window tint allowed
- Rear windshield: Any percentage of window tint allowed as long as the vehicle has both sets of rearview mirrors.
You should also know that all reflective tint is banned.
Explore automotive window tint options
What Percent Tint Is Legal In Alberta?
When it comes to light tints, you can have up to 0% VLT (Visible Light Transmission) if you are applying it to your rear windows in Alberta. This means that no outside light is able to pass through the glass. However, for safety reasons, this is only allowed on rear windows. On the other end of the spectrum, you are not allowed to apply any kind of aftermarket tint to any of your front side windows or front windshield, so the legal percentage tint for front windows is 100% VLT, and nothing less.
If you’re considering having your windows tinted, make sure you familiarize yourself with local regulations beforehand so that you don’t risk running into an issue with law enforcement later down the line. Not adhering to these rules could result in fines or even confiscation of your vehicle.
Why Are Window Tint Laws Important?
Window tinting laws are extremely important for a number of factors. Although the appeal of applying window glazing to your car might be appealing for privacy or aesthetic factors, there are good reasons as to why there are regulations in place limiting the percentage of tint on your car’s windows.
Below are a few of the reasons why window tint laws are so important:
- Mitigate any potential safety and visibility hazards;
- Clear windows provide a better frame of sight, making all kinds of driving, especially night driving, safer;
- Illegal tint prevents police officers from reading a driver’s intentions or identifying certain drivers.
How Much Is A Window Tint Ticket In Alberta?
Alberta is strict when it comes to window tinting laws, and with good reason. If drivers fail to comply with these rules, they could incur a hefty ticket from Alberta Transportation.
Windows that are darker than specified by law are illegal and those caught will face fines up to $224 per illegally shaded window plus additional costs to have the vehicle fixed to adhere to regulation. To avoid getting stuck with this kind of penalty, drivers should ensure their vehicles meet the provincial standards before taking them out onto Albertan roads.
Is 35% Tint Legal In Alberta?
The answer to the question of whether 35% tint is legal in Alberta changes depending on what window you are referring to. The laws are the same for all motor vehicles but vary from window to window. For example, 35% tint is illegal for both the windshield of your vehicle as well as the front passenger window and driver window.
However, if you are referring to the rear passenger windows or rear window, 35% tint is legal as any level of light transmittance is permitted for the back windows. You need to be fully aware of all the regulations before installing tint to your windows as the rules differ depending on the window you are tinting.
Choose the best window tint for your car
Do I Need To Tell My Insurance If I Tint My Windows?
Adding window tint to your car can be a great way to easily change its aesthetics. However, when deciding whether or not to get window tint on your vehicle, it’s important to keep insurance considerations in mind. Specifically, some insurers require customers to notify them when they have their windows tinted beyond the approved limit according to provincial law. Depending on where you live in Alberta, you may need to tell your insurer about your new window tint before it is applied.
It’s essential for drivers in Alberta who plan on adding any kind of window tint onto their vehicles to understand all the relevant laws and let their insurer know so that they remain compliant with legislation and do not impact their coverage terms or premiums. As long as you are in compliance with provincial laws, adding tint to your vehicle should not affect your insurance.
Car Window Tinting Services
Car window tinting services provide an awesome way to customize your car and give it a unique look. Although Alberta laws regulate window tinting, they don’t completely ban it, meaning there is a lot that you can do to customize your vehicle with window tint.
At Protex Canada, we recognize how beneficial window tint can be to a vehicle, which is why specialize in high-quality vehicle window tint to completely transform your vehicle. We offer a range of different window tint products depending on your needs.
The different levels of window tint we sell are:
