Northwest Territories Window Tint Laws & Motor Vehicle Act Restrictions
Most drivers want to shade their car windows from the sun’s heat and glare, or for privacy reasons. However, before you decide to get your car windows tinted in the Northwest Territories, Canada, it’s essential to know the provincial laws governing window tints.
The laws ensure that vehicles are safe for drivers, passengers, and other road users. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Northwest Territories window tint laws and the Motor Vehicle Act restrictions.
Window Tinting Laws
The Northwest Territories have some of the most stringent window tinting laws in Canada. The restrictions are specific to each window on a vehicle, such as the windshield, front side windows, back side windows, and rear windows.
Windshield Tinting
Northwest Territories prohibit any form of tinting on the windshield, except for the top six inches above the driver’s head. This section may have a tint that allows 70% of light to pass through.
Windshields’ primary role is to provide clear visibility, especially at night, which may be compromised with a darker tint.
Front Side Window Tinting
The Northwest Territories prohibit the use of any tinting film or material on car front side windows. These windows refer to the driver’s and passenger’s front windows.
They must allow at least 70% of visible light transmission (VLT) through the glass. The intention behind this law is that drivers and passengers need maximum visibility when moving on the road.
A darker tint may reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents, especially at night.
Back Side Window Tinting
The Northwest Territories allow any level of tinting on the back side windows. Back side windows refer to the windows behind the driver’s and front passenger’s windows.
Because these windows have no bearing on the driver’s visibility, the law does not restrict the use of tinting materials. However, drivers should note that heavily tinted windows may interfere with the rearview mirror’s function, which may lead to poor visibility.
Rear Window Tinting
The laws on rear window tinting in the Northwest Territories are the same as back side windows. The back and rear windows may have any level of tinting allowed by the manufacturer.
Again, remember that heavily tinted windows may diminish the driver’s visibility, especially when reversing. What is VLT?
VLT refers to the amount of light a tinted window allows to pass through the glass. It’s measured as a percentage of the total amount of light shining on the glass.
For example, a 70% VLT means that 70% of the total light shining on the glass will pass through the window, while 30% will not. Motor Vehicle Act:
Windshield Tinting
Motor Vehicle Act in the Northwest Territories does not allow the application of any type of film or spray on windshields.
The only exception is a transparent band of up to six inches on the windshield’s top. It’s illegal to tint the windshield with any other material that would reduce the windshield’s transparency.
Motor Vehicle Act:
Front Side Window Tinting
The Motor Vehicle Act prohibits the use of tinting film or material on the driver’s and front passenger’s windows. The law mandates that these windows should have a VLT of at least 70%.
The Act also prohibits any material that would reduce the driver’s or passenger’s visibility or clarity of the window.
Fines and Penalties
Drivers who violate window tinting laws or Motor Vehicle Act restrictions in the Northwest Territories risk fines and penalties. Authorities may issue a ticket, confiscate the vehicle’s registration, or seize the license plate.
For instance, a driver caught with illegal windshield tints in the Northwest Territories can be fined up to $172.50.
Summary
In summary, Northwest Territories window tint laws and Motor Vehicle Act restrictions prohibit the use of tinting materials on the front side windows and the windshield. The law allows any level of tinting on the back side windows and rear windows.
The window tinting laws aim to promote safety on the road by ensuring that drivers have maximum visibility under varying conditions. Failure to adhere to these laws can lead to fines, penalties, or even criminal charges.
Before installing a window tint in your vehicle, make sure to check with the local regulations to avoid getting yourself into trouble with the law. Apart from the window tinting and Motor Vehicle Act restrictions for window tinting in the Northwest Territories, there are other laws that drivers should be aware of when it comes to tinting their car windows.
Reflective Tinting
Reflective tinting is the use of a special type of window tint that reflects light away from the car. Some drivers use reflective tinting to achieve a mirror-like appearance on their vehicle’s windows.
In the Northwest Territories, there are no specific laws prohibiting the use of reflective window tints. However, drivers should note that too much reflectivity may distract other drivers on the road, leading to accidents.
Therefore, it is advisable for the driver to avoid heavily reflective tints.
Side Mirrors
The Northwest Territories do not have any specific requirements for car side mirrors. However, it is recommended that drivers maintain functional and properly adjusted side mirrors for maximum visibility on the road.
For instance, each vehicle must have at least one mirror that provides the driver with a clear view behind them.
Medical Exemptions
Currently, there are no provisions in the Northwest Territories for medical exemptions to the window tinting laws. However, drivers who think they qualify for a medical exemption can make an application to the Department of Justice and Schedule 1 Medical Examination Report from a qualified medical professional.
The Schedule 1 Medical Examination report should verify the medical condition of the driver and how it affects their ability to tolerate sunlight. It must also state the degree of tinting that would be appropriate for the driver’s medical condition.
Certificate Requirements
The Northwest Territories do not have any requirements for certification for installing tinting materials on car windows. However, drivers should ensure that they use reputable and knowledgeable professionals to ensure the installation meets the legal requirements.
That said, drivers who move in and out of different provinces should note that each province in Canada has their own laws governing window tinting. Not only do these laws differ across different regions, but the level of permissible tinting varies as well.
General Overview of Car Window Tint Laws in Canada
In Canada, each province has its own laws governing window tinting, with slight variations in the level of allowable tinting levels. For instance, the laws allow a 50% VLT for front side and back side windows in Ontario, while Manitoba allows up to 30% VLT on them.
It is essential that drivers check and adhere to the window tinting laws of the province they are driving in to ensure that they operate their vehicles legally and safely while avoiding fines. Some provinces, like British Columbia and Quebec, require a certification from licensed technicians before installing window tints.
Such training assures drivers that the job is done professionally, and the tint can meet regional regulations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Northwest Territories’ window tint laws and Motor Vehicle Act restrictions are strict and specific, as are the requirements in other provinces across Canada. Drivers must adhere to these laws to avoid consequences and ensure safety on the roads.
Before installing any window tinting material, it is advisable to check with the local regulation authorities to ensure that one does not flout the laws. Aside from tinting laws, drivers should also ensure that their vehicles have well-catered side mirrors for maximum visibility while driving.
In summary, car window tint laws in Canada, including the Northwest Territories, are specific to each province and vary in terms of allowable tinting levels and requirements. In the Northwest Territories, there are strict laws governing window tinting and Motor Vehicle Act restrictions that drivers must adhere to avoid consequences and ensure safety on the roads.
Aside from these rules, drivers should also maintain well-functioning side mirrors for maximum visibility while driving. To stay safe and legal on Canadian roads, it is essential for drivers to check and stick to the window tinting laws of the province they are driving in.