British Columbia Window Tint Laws: Complete Guide
British Columbia has some of the strictest front window tint rules in North America. Under section 7.05 of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations, you can’t put any material that reduces light on the windshield or the side windows beside the driver, apart from a strip in the top 75 mm of the windshield. Side windows behind the driver can be as dark as you like, and so can the rear window, as long as the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
Front side windows
No aftermarket tint or film of any shade
Windshield
Tint allowed only in a strip at the top, no deeper than 75 mm (about 3 in)
Rear side and rear windows
Any darkness behind the driver. A tinted rear window needs outside mirrors on both sides
SUVs, vans, and trucks
Same rules as cars
Medical exemptions
No medical exemption process for front window tint
Penalties
$109 ticket, plus a Notice and Order to remove the film and pass an inspection
Darkest Legal Tint by Vehicle Type in British Columbia
Windshield
Top strip only, max 75 mm (about 3 in)
Front side windows
No aftermarket film
Rear side windows
No limit
Rear window
No limit, with outside mirrors on both sides
Windshield
Top strip only, max 75 mm (about 3 in)
Front side windows
No aftermarket film
Rear side windows
No limit
Rear window
No limit, with outside mirrors on both sides
BC sets its rules by window position, so a pickup’s front doors follow the same no-film rule as a sedan’s.
Windshield tint rules and the 75 mm strip
BC allows aftermarket tint on the windshield only as a band across the very top, no deeper than 75 mm (about 3 inches) from the top edge. Everything below that strip must stay free of film.
Unlike Ontario, BC measures the strip by distance, not by the AS-1 mark etched on many windshields. Tint built into the glass at the factory is fine, as long as it meets the federal light transmission standard.
- A sun strip that dips below 75 mm is enough for a ticket, even if the rest of the windshield is clear.
Reflectivity and Color Restrictions
On the front windows, the question never comes up: no film of any kind is allowed, so mirrored and coloured films are out along with everything else. BC does not set a separate reflectivity percentage for the rear glass. If you use a reflective film on the rear windows, make sure it doesn’t create glare for other drivers.
Understanding VLT
VLT (visible light transmission) is the share of visible light that passes through a window. Most provinces set a VLT minimum for the front windows. BC doesn’t need one, because aftermarket film simply isn’t allowed there.
- Factory glass is fine. Tint built into the glass by the manufacturer is legal, as long as it meets the federal Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The rule targets film and treatments added afterwards.
- Even light films count. The rule covers any material that reduces the light coming through, and nearly every film, including so-called clear UV and ceramic films, blocks at least a little. Check with the installer before putting anything on those windows.
- Rear glass has no minimum. Any VLT is legal on the rear side and rear windows, including limo-dark 5% film.
Certification, Stickers, and Inspection
Film certification and stickers
BC doesn't require film certification or a compliance sticker.
Using a professional shop doesn't protect you
The offence falls on the driver, whoever installed the film.
Bringing a vehicle into BC
Most vehicles brought in from outside BC must pass an inspection at a designated facility before ICBC will register them, and front window film will need to come off.
Notice and order
Police can issue a "Box 2" Notice and Order requiring you to remove the film and pass an inspection at a designated facility.
Medical Exemptions
BC’s rules don’t include a medical exemption process for tint on the windshield or front side windows.
Penalties
Situation
Fine
Ticket for illegal window tint
$109
“Box 2” Notice and Order
typically run $150 to $250
(inspection fees)
Remove the film and pass an inspection at a designated facility.
How a Notice and Order Works
1
You're stopped and the officer sees film on the front glass
You can receive a ticket and a notice and order for the vehicle.
2
You remove the film
A “Box 2” Notice and Order requires you to remove the illegal tint and have the vehicle inspected at a designated inspection facility to confirm it complies.
3
If you don't comply
If you don’t comply, you can face further tickets, and police can require the vehicle to go for inspection.
Choosing Legal Film in British Columbia
Maximum legal privacy
Go as dark as you want on the rear side windows and rear window, and leave the front side windows untouched.
Heat rejection
Put high-performance ceramic or IR film on the rear glass, where any shade is legal.
Windshield sun glare
A strip in the top 75 mm is the only legal option.
FAQ
What is the legal tint percentage in BC?
BC doesn’t use a percentage for the front windows: no aftermarket film is allowed on the windshield (below the top strip) or the side windows beside the driver. Side windows behind the driver have no limit, and neither does the rear window, as long as you have outside mirrors on both sides.
Is 70% tint legal on front windows in BC?
No. Unlike Ontario and Quebec, BC doesn’t allow any film on the front side windows, even a light 70% film.
Is limo (5%) tint legal in BC?
Only on the rear side windows and rear window.
Can you tint your windshield in BC?
Only with a strip across the top, no deeper than 75 mm (about 3 inches).
How much is a tint ticket in BC?
The fine is typically $109. Police can also issue a Notice and Order requiring you to remove the film and have the vehicle inspected, which usually costs $150 to $250.
Are SUVs subject to different tint laws in BC?
No. The same rules apply to cars, SUVs, vans, and pickups.
Do I need a tint sticker in BC?
No. BC does not use tint compliance stickers.
Can I get a medical tint exemption in BC?
BC has no medical exemption process for front window tint. Contact ICBC or RoadSafetyBC if you have a medical concern.
If a tint shop installed my film, am I still liable?
Yes. The offence falls on the person driving.
Can I drive in BC with tint that's legal in another province?
The regulation applies to anyone driving on BC roads, so front window film that’s legal in Alberta or Ontario can still be ticketed here.
Sources
Disclaimer
Please be aware that the accuracy, completeness, adequacy, or timeliness of the US and Canadian window tint law information provided on these pages is not guaranteed. The information provided on this webpage is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Window tint rules and fines can change, so confirm current requirements with ICBC or the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations before installing film. Users are solely responsible for determining which laws apply to their specific circumstances. Window Film Pros assumes no responsibility or liability for any decisions or actions taken based on this information.
