Truth about window tint laws in Ontario? 35% is not Legal!
Many Ontarians assume 35% window tint is legal—but it’s not. This blog unpacks the exact tint laws in Ontario, why enforcement is lax, and why shops continue to offer illegal tints anyway.
Think 35% window tint is legal in Ontario? Think again. Walk into any auto shop, and chances are they'll offer it without blinking. But despite what your buddy at the car meet says—or what your installer shrugs off—a 35% tint on your front side windows is illegal in Ontario. Here's the truth behind the law, the loopholes, and why so many still ride with it anyway.
What the Law Actually Says
Under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, your front driver and passenger windows must allow at least 70% of visible light to pass through—a standard known as 70% VLT (Visible Light Transmission). That means only light tints are legal on those front windows.
A 35% tint? That only lets in 35% of the light. Sounds sleek, but it's a full-on violation when applied to the front sides.
Let’s break it down:
Front Windshield: No tint allowed—except for a narrow 3-inch visor strip at the top.
Front Side Windows: Must be ≥70% VLT.
Rear Side Windows: No restrictions, as long as your car has both side mirrors.
Rear Windshield: Also unrestricted with dual mirrors.
So yes—35% is perfectly legal for the rear half of your ride. But slap that tint on the front, and you’re technically breaking the law.
Why 35% Feels Legal Anyway
So why do so many people think it’s fine? Simple—it looks just legal enough.
A 35% tint strikes a balance between visibility and privacy. It darkens your windows noticeably without making them look limo-black. On paper, it’s illegal—but on the road, it blends in. That’s why it's a go-to for car owners who want style without looking sketchy.
Why Shops Still Offer 35% (Or Darker) Tints
You’d think auto shops would stick to the legal stuff, right? Not quite. Here’s why that 35% tint is still a bestseller:
1. Police Rarely Enforce It Strictly
Enforcement is spotty. Many police officers don’t carry VLT meters, and unless your windows are pitch black or you're pulled over for something else, your tint often flies under the radar.
As long as it doesn't scream illegal, many drivers get a pass.
2. It’s Not a Criminal Offense
Breaking the tint law in Ontario isn’t a criminal act—it’s a provincial offense. That means:
No demerit points
No criminal record
Usually just a fine ($85–$500) and maybe a notice to remove the tint
So even if you get caught, it's more of a slap on the wrist than a legal nightmare.
3. 35% Tint Has the Look People Want
Let’s be real: legal 70% tints barely change how your windows look. That’s a hard sell for someone spending money on aesthetics. Installers know this—and they offer 35% because it gives customers what they actually want.
4. Rear Windows? Anything Goes
Ontario law doesn’t care how dark your rear side windows or rear windshield are—as long as your car has side mirrors. That means a full limo tint on the back half of your car is perfectly fine, which further muddies the perception of what’s legal.
What’s the Risk, Really?
Here’s the gamble you’re taking with 35% on the front:
Fines from $85 to $500
Mandatory removal of the tint
Failed safety inspection if you’re selling or re-registering the vehicle
Possible insurance complications if your tint is deemed non-compliant in a claim
It’s not the end of the world—but it’s not nothing either.
So... Should You Do It?
That’s your call. Many drivers knowingly choose 35% front tints and roll the dice. The odds of getting ticketed are relatively low, especially if you keep your car clean and don’t draw attention. But make no mistake—it’s still illegal, and it can come back to bite you during inspections, insurance claims, or a roadside stop.
If you're someone who plays it safe or wants to avoid even minor legal friction, stick with 70% VLT on the front and go as dark as you want on the rear.
Final Word: Know the Law, Own the Choice
Window tint laws in Ontario aren’t a mystery—they’re just widely misunderstood. A 35% tint on your front windows might look sharp, but it's not compliant with provincial regulations.
Now you know the truth. Whether you play it safe or take the risk—that’s on you.
