Window Tint Laws in Newfoundland and Labrador: An Overview
Driving a vehicle during the summer can be a challenge due to the hot sun. Window tinting can make a significant difference in how comfortable and safe you are on the road.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the government regulates the degree of tinting permitted on vehicle windows to ensure safety for all drivers and passengers. In this article, we will provide you with all the necessary information to help you prepare for a window tint installation and avoid legal penalties.
Prohibited Tint on Windshield and Front Side Windows
According to the law, you may not apply window tint on the windshield and front side windows of your vehicle. The reason behind this ban is to ensure maximum visibility from these windows for the driver.
Impaired visibility while driving can decrease safety and increase the likelihood of accidents. This law applies to both personal and commercial vehicles, and there are no exemptions.
70% VLT Allowance for Front Tint (Not Recommended)
Vehicle owners looking to add some tinting to their front-side windows can do so to a limited extent. The law allows a Visible Light Transmission (VLT) of 70% on the front side windows.
VLT stands for the percentage of light transmitted through the glass. This 70% VLT allowance means that the tinting film must allow at least 70% of the light to pass through, which can be seen as very light or almost clear to most people.
While the law allows this degree of tinting, it’s worth noting that it may not make much of a difference in blocking heat or glare. So, you may want to opt for a darker shade than 70%.
No Tinting Restrictions on Back Side and Rear Windows
Unlike the windshield and front windows, there are no restrictions on how much tint can be applied to the back side and rear windows. You can apply any shade of tinting provided it is not reflective.
This means you can go as dark as you want but keep in mind that extreme tinting may attract law enforcement officers’ attention and reduce visibility at night. Therefore, ensure that you maintain visibility by only applying a reasonable degree of tinting.
Allowance for Clear Frost Shields and Window Stickers
You can apply a clear frost shield on the windshield during winter months as long as it does not impair visibility. When it comes to window stickers, ensure that they do not cover more than 7% of the total window area.
The law also allows stickers on both the front and rear side windows, provided they do not put into jeopardy the driver’s visibility or cause a distraction. You must place the stickers on the lower half of the windows, leaving enough space above them to ensure a clear line of sight.
No External Rear-View Mirror Requirement
The law does not require you to install an external rear-view mirror on your vehicle, but it is essential that you have a functioning inside mirror. The inside mirror’s sole purpose is to give you a view of the road behind you, allowing you to see other vehicles and road users.
Reflective Tint Not Allowed
Reflective window tinting is not allowed in Newfoundland and Labrador. The law deems reflective window tinting a safety hazard as it reflects more sunlight, thus putting other drivers and pedestrians into danger.
Tinting companies can face legal penalties for installing reflective window tint on vehicles, while drivers can also face fines.
No Medical Exemptions or Certificate Requirements
Unlike some US states and provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador law does not allow for medical exemption for window tinting. This means that even if you have a medical condition that would benefit from the protection window tinting offers, you still need to adhere to the law on window tinting.
Penalties for Unlawful Car Tint
If a police officer violates your vehicle’s window tinting, you will be required to pay a fine ranging from $23 to $52. This fine may seem small, but it can increase based on any additional charges, such as court fees.
Additionally, the police may issue a violation ticket that requires you to remove the tint and have your vehicle inspected by a professional within two days. Failure to comply may lead to more fines and legal penalties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as a driver, you must follow the window tinting laws in Newfoundland and Labrador to avoid the legal and financial penalties associated with violating any of the rules. Understanding these rules will help you make reasonable decisions when choosing shades and thickness.
Remember, safety is paramount, so ensure your vehicle’s visibility is always top-notch. Newfoundland and Labrador Window Tint Laws: Sources
The Newfoundland and Labrador window tint laws are in place to ensure safety on the road and to regulate visibility for drivers and passengers in vehicles.
The laws that govern vehicle window tinting in Newfoundland and Labrador are drawn from multiple sources, the most notable being the
Consolidated Newfoundland and Labrador Regulation and the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. These sources provide guidelines for window tinting, outlining the degree of tinting allowed and those portions of the vehicle that may or may not have tinting.
In this article expansion, we will cover the two main sources of the Newfoundland and Labrador window tint laws in more detail.
Consolidated Newfoundland and Labrador Regulation
The
Consolidated Newfoundland and Labrador Regulation sets out the guidelines for the degree of tinting allowed in vehicles in the province. According to the regulations, motor vehicle windows are expected to comply with safety standards that dictate the degree of window tinting allowed.
Specifically, the regulation prohibits the application of window tinting on the windshield and the front side windows of vehicles. The exception to this rule is the allowance of 70% VLT (Visible Light Transmission) window tinting on the front side windows, which is usually not recommended.
Moreover, the regulation permits the application of clear frost shields on the windshield during winter months. This act helps in reducing the amount of ice or snow on the windshield during winter driving conditions.
The regulation also allows window stickers on the front and rear side windows, as long as they do not cover more than 7% of the window area. Furthermore, the law requires that any sticker be located on the bottom half of the window to facilitate an unobstructed view of the road for the driver.
Regarding the rear side and rear windows, there are no restrictions on the degree of tinting that may be applied. However, the tint must not be reflective, and the driver must maintain an unobstructed view of the road while driving.
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
The
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) are a set of federal regulations in the United States that provide safety guidelines for vehicles. They apply to all vehicles manufactured or imported to the U.S. These regulations are significant because they have an impact on vehicles manufactured for Canadian markets, including those in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Consequently, the regulations have some relevance to the Newfoundland and Labrador window tinting laws. FMVSS 205 is the federal regulation that governs car windows’ safety requirements for a motor vehicle.
The regulation requires a certain degree of light transmission through motor vehicle windows, including mirrors, windshields, and other transparency. The regulation calls for a minimum amount of light transmission through the front side window to ensure maximum visibility for the driver.
This requirement aligns with the Newfoundland and Labrador regulation that allows a 70% VLT for front side windows. Moreover, the federal regulation encourages the use of tinting films that reduce the amount of ultra-violet (UV) radiation from the sun.
The regulation applies to all vehicles’ forward-facing windows, including sunroofs, and highlights that caution must be observed when choosing the degree of tinting for the driver’s safety. Vehicles with heavily tinted windows tend to have poor visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.
The FMVSS regulates the transmission of light entering vehicle windows to enhance driver visibility while ensuring vehicles’ safety and comfort. The light transmission level is calculated based on the amount of light that the window allows through it penetrated.
FMVSS 205 lays down the minimum amount of light transmission, and vehicles that do not conform to FMVSS 205 safety standards face legal penalties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the sources of the Newfoundland and Labrador window tint laws is essential when considering window tinting for your vehicle. It is important to comply with the applicable regulation to avoid legal penalties that may result from non-compliance.
The
Consolidated Newfoundland and Labrador Regulation and the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards are the primary sources of the window tint laws. By following the guidelines provided by these sources, you can ensure that you are compliant with the law and enjoy a safe driving experience.
In summary, adherence to the Newfoundland and Labrador window tint laws is imperative for every driver, as it ensures visibility and safety on the road. The law prohibits the application of window tinting on the front windshield and front side windows.
However, it permits a 70% VLT on the front side windows. Motorists can install clear frost shields and apply window stickers, provided they do not exceed 7% of the window area.
The FMVSS outlines the minimum light transmission required for windows to meet safety standards, while the regulation emphasizes the importance of maintaining visibility. It is crucial to follow these laws, as non-compliance may result in legal penalties and unsafe driving conditions.