Ottawa looking to push for an actual tint regulation law.

[soccerboy1491]

http://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/mobile/video?clipId=567504

They have a machine that can actually tell you how much light can get through the window. They want to say you can only go as dark as factory tint which lets 70% light through. Any less & it's a $110 & no more officer discretion. Would suck for sure.

[staax]

I saw this article this morning. I'll be some upset if it passes... Only a short time before it will be province wide.

[$lickology]

Yeah this is totally not good, I would sign a petition against this passing.

[ottoyu34]

Can they come up with some regulations that makes the road safer than some BS waste of police force.

ie. regulations on left lane hogging, cell-phone/distracted driving, no lights at night, etc.

[midnightfxgt]

I think its great. IMHO - Having a law in effect (like tint) that is based solely on officer discretion is stupid. Having it clear cut is much much better.

This will FINALLY put a rest to everyone spouting off about a magical tint limit, as one will finally exist.

[midnightfxgt]

Can they come up with some regulations that makes the road safer than some BS waste of police force.

ie. regulations on left lane hogging, cell-phone/distracted driving, no lights at night, etc.

What are you talking about?! These things have "regulations" in place. Do you really think you can use your cell phone and drive??

[staax]

Except the tint limit is 70%.

A man in Quebec was tested for tint and his vehicle didn't have any... Passed at 72%.... With no tint.

Factory glass without tint blocked out 28% of light. Figure that one out.

[ottoyu34]

What are you talking about?! These things have "regulations" in place. Do you really think you can use your cell phone and drive??

Relax, what I am saying is, police force should concentrate on those items which have higher effect on road safety.

[midnightfxgt]

Relax, what I am saying is, police force should concentrate on those items which have higher effect on road safety.

That is not what you said. I also don't think the police are going to stop enforcing those items. This law is nothing new.... with the exception of an actual number, instead of discretion.

[JonsMazda]

Another quick cash grab...

[aZuMi]

I don't mind them putting a specific tint regulation, but 70% is ridiculous. I would be fine if it was 35% just to block the sun a bit...and I will have 2 cars to re-tint if that happens.

They're also going to kill the tint shop businesses because of 70%.

[Flagrum_3]

I think like with many things they seem to go overboard....70%?

I can understand to a point, too dark a tint can be a safety issue due mainly for the driver being able to see pedestrians at night (Usually wearing all black lol). The one comment about seeing the drivers eyes is ridiculous as you can't at night, nor if they are wearing sunglasses.

The reference to officers stating it is a safety issue for them is ridiculous also; "when we approach a vehicle"...They can simply demand the windows be rolled down before approaching the vehicle (this is actually practiced by many law enforcement agencies in certain states in the U.S) and even then, if someone has a concealed weapon would the officer be able to see it even with the windows down?

I agree an actual number should be in place as leaving it to discretion is garbage, but 70% is simply retarded.

People have a right to privacy and yes even in their own cars on municipal roads.


_3

[m_bisson]

Why do you guys tint in the first place? Because it looks cool? Blocks the sun?

There are people out there who tints for privacy, meaning they don't want people outside to see what's going on inside their vehicle. If you're a police officer who has just pulled someone over, how do you know if people are aiming a gun at you or something as you walk up to the car?

A lot of criminals do tint their windows for that exact purpose: hide from police. You could be at a red light beside a police car with a beer bottle in your hand and the can't see it.

[Slade]

My eyes are super sensitive to bright light, I would just go get a optometrist/Dr's note and be done with it. I'm sure you can get around it.

Ive thought about that if I ever tinted the front window.

I agree they need a set # though.

[Hyperion]

What happens to pre existing tint?

[staax]

What happens to pre existing tint?

Peel it off on the spot or $110.

I have even heard stories of both happening at the same time.

[XTOTHEL]

I wonder how they would deal with these :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa7flFOBrG8

[Flagrum_3]

Why do you guys tint in the first place? Because it looks cool? Blocks the sun?

There are people out there who tints for privacy, meaning they don't want people outside to see what's going on inside their vehicle. If you're a police officer who has just pulled someone over, how do you know if people are aiming a gun at you or something as you walk up to the car?

A lot of criminals do tint their windows for that exact purpose: hide from police. You could be at a red light beside a police car with a beer bottle in your hand and the can't see it.

That may be true. But how many people with tints are criminals? Should we continue to effect the majority because of a few? Anyway that's why a limit should be set. I have 23% all around and have had no issues, if looking from outside directly into the drivers window you can see pretty well, I can't hide anything. But with that said, I can also see the argument against tints that allow no vision whatsoever, like a limo tint.


_3

[tweak_s]

I am thrilled that there is an actual number now and a tool to measure. It was stupid how the rules were always dictated by officers. Now, for the exhaust and DB measure.

With regards to the number though, I think 70% allowable light in is way too high. I mean that's basically no tint at all! Some factory tints on the rears for SUVs and MiniVan's are much darker than that already.

Unless I'm reading it correctly and the 70% = 30%? If so, IMO, that's more acceptable. I'm not currently tinted but my Mazda3 was and 30% all around seemed like a good compromise between light and visibility IMO.

[tcnumba10]

70%?? That's way too high, like another poster said, that's like no tint at all! I have my fronts at 35% and back 25% Which I can see perfectly outwards at night too.

[staax]

I am thrilled that there is an actual number now and a tool to measure. It was stupid how the rules were always dictated by officers. Now, for the exhaust and DB measure.

With regards to the number though, I think 70% allowable light in is way too high. I mean that's basically no tint at all! Some factory tints on the rears for SUVs and MiniVan's are much darker than that already.

Unless I'm reading it correctly and the 70% = 30%? If so, IMO, that's more acceptable. I'm not currently tinted but my Mazda3 was and 30% all around seemed like a good compromise between light and visibility IMO.

70% VLT (visual or visible light transmittance) means that only 30% of the light may be reduced... So to put that in perspective most factory tint is between 30-40% VLT.

So if the limit is 70% the factory tint is illegal. On some trucks you can see the VLT written on the window.

My buddies stock 2012 Sierra with no tint in the front, but tint on the rear glass and backseat reads 18%.

I posted earlier about a QC driver who had no tint... IIRC he drove a ford explorer and the device read that 72% of the light was shining through... NO TINT AT ALL and barely passed by 2%.

As someone who visits QC weekly, I can safely say they are strict about their 70% law.

[Stathakos]

Why do you guys tint in the first place? Because it looks cool? Blocks the sun?

There are people out there who tints for privacy, meaning they don't want people outside to see what's going on inside their vehicle. If you're a police officer who has just pulled someone over, how do you know if people are aiming a gun at you or something as you walk up to the car?

A lot of criminals do tint their windows for that exact purpose: hide from police. You could be at a red light beside a police car with a beer bottle in your hand and the can't see it.

People tint for a variety of reasons, but none of these reasons matter. Stop being so ignorant, if a cop really felt threatened that the tints were too dark he could just instruct the driver to roll down all the windows via the megaphone from his cruiser. During traffic stops, Cops worry about people with guns even if they have tint or not.

[staax]

People tint for a variety of reasons, but none of these reasons matter. Stop being so ignorant, if a cop really felt threatened that the tints were too dark he could just instruct the driver to roll down all the windows via the megaphone from his cruiser. During traffic stops, Cops worry about people with guns even if they have tint or not.

Very well said.

[Stathakos]

I am thrilled that there is an actual number now and a tool to measure. It was stupid how the rules were always dictated by officers. Now, for the exhaust and DB measure.

With regards to the number though, I think 70% allowable light in is way too high. I mean that's basically no tint at all! Some factory tints on the rears for SUVs and MiniVan's are much darker than that already.

Unless I'm reading it correctly and the 70% = 30%? If so, IMO, that's more acceptable. I'm not currently tinted but my Mazda3 was and 30% all around seemed like a good compromise between light and visibility IMO.

I dont think this law will apply to anything on the rear windows. just the 2 front ones.

[crxgsr]

The cops said it's for Safety as they approach the car. Why don't they just make it law that you have to roll down your windows as the cop approaches.

[m_bisson]

The cops said it's for Safety as they approach the car. Why don't they just make it law that you have to roll down your windows as the cop approaches.

What if your window is broken, or frozen shut, or you don't have power windows?

[SomeGuy]

What if your window is broken, or frozen shut, or you don't have power windows?

Heaven forbid you can't use your arm to roll down a window.

[Raxor]

Heaven forbid you can't use your arm to roll down a window.

Passenger side with no passenger in the car? That can't be safe.

[tweak_s]

70% VLT (visual or visible light transmittance) means that only 30% of the light may be reduced... So to put that in perspective most factory tint is between 30-40% VLT.

So if the limit is 70% the factory tint is illegal. On some trucks you can see the VLT written on the window.

My buddies stock 2012 Sierra with no tint in the front, but tint on the rear glass and backseat reads 18%.

I posted earlier about a QC driver who had no tint... IIRC he drove a ford explorer and the device read that 72% of the light was shining through... NO TINT AT ALL and barely passed by 2%.

As someone who visits QC weekly, I can safely say they are strict about their 70% law.

I feel so ignorant but I had no idea QC even had these. Then again, that would probably be for the best since I'd probably have been much more paranoid when I was there with a tinted car.

[CarLadyLisa]

I have 35% all around my car. Went with a dark consistent look. After driving for almost 3 years...35% in the front is too dark. I have trouble seeing house numbers at night and have to roll my window down. My eyes are super sensitive (as another member mentioned as well) and it helps block bright lights from reflecting in the driver side mirror. It keeps the cabin WAYYYY cooler in summer, especially with leather and the blinding lights out of the rearview. Next time I'll just do the 25% & 35%. I will always tint my vehicles.

It could be medical as well. One of my clients is allergic to the sun. She needed a heavy tint.

[staax]

I feel so ignorant but I had no idea QC even had these. Then again, that would probably be for the best since I'd probably have been much more paranoid when I was there with a tinted car.

I've yet to be burned in QC yet, but I travel the speed limits as to not draw attention to myself. My uncle and friend have been caught though.

In the summer I always drive with my front two windows down and my gf hates it Lol.

My hope is that if for whatever reason I get pulled over I can say that I am aware of the law and respect it which is why I drive with my windows down... In winter that's a little hard Lol.

[staax]

I have 35% all around my car. Went with a dark consistent look. After driving for almost 3 years...35% in the front is too dark. I have trouble seeing house numbers at night and have to roll my window down. My eyes are super sensitive (as another member mentioned as well) and it helps block bright lights from reflecting in the driver side mirror. It keeps the cabin WAYYYY cooler in summer, especially with leather and the blinding lights out of the rearview. Next time I'll just do the 25% & 35%. I will always tint my vehicles.

It could be medical as well. One of my clients is allergic to the sun. She needed a heavy tint.

You would want %50 in the front, not 25%. Tint is measured in percentage of light shining through.

25% is darker than 35%.

[Jenuine]

I have 35% all around my car. Went with a dark consistent look. After driving for almost 3 years...35% in the front is too dark. I have trouble seeing house numbers at night and have to roll my window down. My eyes are super sensitive (as another member mentioned as well) and it helps block bright lights from reflecting in the driver side mirror. It keeps the cabin WAYYYY cooler in summer, especially with leather and the blinding lights out of the rearview. Next time I'll just do the 25% & 35%. I will always tint my vehicles.

It could be medical as well. One of my clients is allergic to the sun. She needed a heavy tint.

I have 35% all around as well but I find it way too light. I wish I went with a darker tint :(

[genericmoniker]

25 rear, 35 up front. Wish the front was as dark as the rear though......

[Stathakos]

The cops said it's for Safety as they approach the car. Why don't they just make it law that you have to roll down your windows as the cop approaches.

They do this at border crossings.. Im surprised it hasn't caught on more.

[Stathakos]

What if your window is broken, or frozen shut, or you don't have power windows?

Cop might order you to step out of the vehicle with your hands up in the air if he feels you're a risk. Oh but wait, what about if the door handles are broken! damn should have thought of that

[geobur]

Passenger side with no passenger in the car? That can't be safe.

lol all they see is a guy lean across the car to get something (roll down window) shoot him thinking he was reaching for a gun

[SomeGuy]

Geeze...I'm 20% all around. I don't have trouble seeing in/out and haven't gotten hassled for it yet. I'd rather they not futz with the laws, and 70% is just retarded.

[asyed]

jokes on them... I have no tints. :P

[Jeff-TheBiz]

I have 20% on the fronts, and 35% over the existing 50%ish factory tint (CX-5) so the back looks a tiny darker than the 20% on the front.

No tickets yet...

I agree that something needs to be clarified in the HTA.

I don't think that it has much to do with safety of the officer, but more to an individual being identified with the window up.

[HappyJappy]

Instead of giving a ticket for tints, should be a law where you have to roll your windows down when getting pulled over, if not, you get a ticket.