In Alberta, the legal window tint for the front side windows and windshield is 100% VLT (Visible Light Transmission), meaning no tint is allowed on these windows.
For the back side and rear windows, any percentage of tint is permitted as long as the vehicle has both left and right side rearview mirrors.
Reflective and mirrored tints are not allowed on any windows.
What Percentage of Tint is Legal in Alberta?
Alberta’s window tinting laws are designed to balance the benefits of tinting, such as UV protection and privacy, with safety and law enforcement considerations.
Understanding these regulations is crucial for vehicle owners to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
Legal Tint Limits in Alberta
- Windshield: No tint is allowed.
- Front Side Windows: Must remain untinted, allowing 100% light transmission.
- Back Side Windows: Any level of tint darkness is allowed.
- Rear Window: Any level of tint darkness is allowed if the vehicle is equipped with both left and right side rearview mirrors.
Reflective and Mirrored Tints
Reflective and mirrored tints are prohibited on any window in Alberta. These types of tints can create hazards by reflecting sunlight or headlights into other drivers’ eyes and obscuring the driver’s view from outside the vehicle.
FAQs on Window Tinting in Alberta
Why are there restrictions on window tinting in Alberta? Restrictions are in place to ensure driver visibility and safety, as well as to allow law enforcement to see inside vehicles for security purposes.
Can I receive a fine for illegal window tint in Alberta? Yes, drivers with window tint that does not comply with Alberta’s regulations can receive fines. It’s important to adhere to legal tint limits to avoid penalties.
Is 35% tint legal in Alberta? 35% tint is not legal for the windshield and front side windows in Alberta. This level of tint is only permissible on the back side and rear windows.
How are tint percentages measured in Alberta? Tint percentages in Alberta are measured by Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage, which indicates the amount of light that can pass through the window film.
In Summary
- Alberta’s window tint laws specify that no tint is allowed on the windshield and front side windows, while any darkness of tint is permitted on back side and rear windows, provided the vehicle has proper rearview mirrors.
- Reflective and mirrored tints are banned to ensure safety and visibility.
- Understanding and complying with these regulations is essential for all vehicle owners in Alberta to avoid fines and ensure safe driving conditions.
Sources
- Protex Canada: Discusses Alberta’s window tinting laws and provides a general overview of legal tint percentages for different windows. Protex Canada on Alberta Window Tinting Laws.
- Pro Window Tinting: Offers detailed information on legal window tint in Alberta, emphasizing the importance of following provincial regulations. Pro Window Tinting on Alberta Window Tint Laws.
- Tinting Laws: Provides a comprehensive guide to window tint laws in Alberta, including specifics on allowable tint percentages for each window. Tinting Laws in Alberta.
- First Detailing Studio: Explores the legality of tinted windows in Alberta, highlighting the restrictions and implications of non-compliance. Are Tinted Windows Legal in Alberta? – First Detailing Studio.
- Alberta Government: Official source for vehicle window tint exemptions and legal requirements in Alberta. Vehicle Window Tint Exemption – Alberta Government.
