Manitoba Window Tint Laws: What You Need to Know
When it comes to vehicle window tinting, each province in Canada has its own regulations. In Manitoba, there are specific rules that drivers must adhere to in order to avoid getting ticketed or failing a safety inspection.
If you’re thinking about tinting your car windows, it’s important to understand what’s allowed and what’s not. This article will break down all the relevant information about Manitoba’s window tint laws and regulations.
Windshield Tinting
Manitoba law prohibits any tinting on the lower portion of the windshield. However, a strip of tinting along the top edge is permitted as long as it does not extend more than five inches (12.7 cm) below the top of the windshield.
Additionally, the tinted strip must allow at least 75% visible light transmission (VLT) through it. This means that the top strip of tinting cannot be too dark, or it will not meet the legal requirements.
Front Side Window Tinting
The front side windows of vehicles in Manitoba may be tinted up to 50% VLT. This means that the tint must allow at least 50% of visible light to pass through it.
If you’re not sure what percentage tint you have, it’s best to have it measured so you can ensure compliance. Back Side Window and Rear
Windshield Tinting
Unlike the front side windows, there are no restrictions on how dark the tint can be when it comes to the back side windows and rear windshield.
This means that you can go as dark as you want, but it’s important to keep in mind that darker tints can affect your visibility while driving at night.
Variance Allowance
Manitoba law allows for a variance of up to 5% in VLT measurement. This means that the measured VLT of your window tint can be up to 5% lower than the legal limit and still be considered legal.
Other Manitoba Tint Laws
Reflective Tinting: While tinting film with a reflective quality is allowed in Manitoba, there are restrictions on the amount of tinting and placement. Reflective tinting film should not exceed 35% VLT and should not be applied to the entire windshield or rear window.
Additionally, reflective tinting film is not allowed on the front side windows. Side Mirrors: If your rear side windows are tinted and block more than 50% of the light, it is mandatory to have side mirrors installed on your vehicle.
This is to ensure that you have adequate visibility while driving. Medical Exemptions: In Manitoba, there are no medical exemptions to the window tint laws.
Certificate Requirements: Unlike some provinces, Manitoba does not require a certificate of compliance for window tinting. However, it’s still important to ensure that your tint is compliant with Manitoba laws.
Tint Sticker Requirements: Manitoba does not require a tint sticker to be displayed on vehicles with tinted windows.
Windshield Tinting Regulations
In addition to the legal requirements mentioned above, there are specific regulations that apply only to windshield tinting in Manitoba. All windshield tinting must be uniform and not show any visible gradient.
The top strip of tinting on the windshield must allow at least 75% VLT, while the area within the top 64mm must be no darker than 5% VLT. The area between 64mm and 127mm below the top strip of tinting can have a VLT no lower than 25%.
In conclusion, Manitoba has specific guidelines regarding window tinting that must be followed to avoid penalties such as fines or failing a safety inspection. It’s important to understand these laws and regulations before tinting your vehicle’s windows.
If you’re unsure about the legality of your vehicle’s window tinting, it’s best to have it measured and inspected by a professional.
Front Side Window Tinting Regulations
In Manitoba, drivers are allowed to have their front side windows tinted, but there are specific rules that must be followed. The primary keyword related to front side window tinting is VLT, or visible light transmission.
VLT refers to the amount of visible light that is allowed to pass through the tinting material. In Manitoba, the VLT requirement for front side window tinting is over 50%.
This means that the tinting film must allow at least 50% of visible light to pass through it. Any tinting film that measures below this standard is illegal and can result in a ticket or a safety inspection failure.
It’s also important to note that reflective tinting film is not allowed on front side windows in Manitoba. This is because reflective tinting film can cause a distracting glare for drivers, especially at night.
Another important consideration for front side window tinting is the light reflection limitation. In Manitoba, the maximum amount of light reflection allowed for front side window tinting is 35%.
This means that any tinting material used on front side windows must have a reflective quality of 35% or less. Reflective films that exceed this limit can also result in a ticket or a failed safety inspection.
Back Side Window and Rear
Windshield Tinting Regulations
Unlike front side window tinting, there are no restrictions when it comes to back side window and rear windshield tinting darkness in Manitoba. Drivers are free to choose any level of darkness they wish.
However, it’s important to note that with darker tinting comes reduced visibility, especially at night. This can be dangerous for both the driver and other motorists.
Additionally, if the tinting on the back side windows is too dark, it may be necessary to install exterior rear view mirrors on the left and right side of the vehicle. This is because when the tinting is too dark, it can obscur the view of the driver, making it difficult to see other vehicles on the road.
By law, drivers in Manitoba are required to have a clear and unobstructed view through their back side windows and rear windshield when driving. It’s also worth noting that while there are no restrictions on the darkness of rear tinting, reflective tinting is limited to 35% VLT, just like front side window tinting.
This means that if you choose to have reflective tinting film applied to your back side windows and rear windshield, it must meet the same 35% VLT reflective quality limit. Overall, Manitoba’s regulations on window tinting are designed to ensure that drivers have adequate visibility and that other motorists are not put at risk due to obscured views.
If you’re considering tinting your car’s windows, make sure to research the relevant regulations and standards for your province, and ensure that any tinting material you use is legal and safe. In Manitoba, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations regarding vehicle window tinting to avoid penalties such as fines or safety inspection failures.
Windshield tinting is limited to a five-inch strip on the top and must allow at least 75% visible light transmission, while front side window tinting must have a visible light transmission of over 50% and reflect no more than 35% of light. Back side window and rear windshield tinting are less restricted, but if too dark, drivers may need to install exterior rear view mirrors.
Remember that dark tints can affect visibility, especially while driving at night. By following Manitoba’s regulations and standards, drivers can stay safe and legally compliant while enjoying the benefits of window tinting.