Police in Lethbridge, Alberta, have launched a targeted two-month campaign against vehicles with illegally tinted windows. This enforcement push comes in response to a noted increase in non-compliant vehicles and, more critically, because illegal tint was a contributing factor in two serious pedestrian collisions over the past two years.
Why Lethbridge Police Are Taking Action
The Lethbridge Police Service's traffic response unit is making this issue a priority. While enforcement of tint laws is ongoing, the recent collisions have brought the danger to the forefront. "We've always been enforcing the tint, but recently since two serious collisions that we've had, it's kind of come to the forefront of our unit," stated Sgt. Tony Ramotowski. He emphasized that "We've seen these two collisions that were contributed by tint, and that's two too many in my unit."
Officers will be on the lookout for offenders, who face fines ranging from $81 to $224, and a court appearance may also be required.
Understanding Alberta's Window Tinting Laws
The rules for aftermarket window tint vary across Canada. In Alberta, the regulations are specific:
- The front windshield and the front driver and passenger side windows cannot have any aftermarket tint applied.
- Reflective or mirrored tint is prohibited on all vehicle windows.
- The back passenger side windows and the rear windshield can be tinted to any darkness level, provided the vehicle is equipped with both side rearview mirrors.
There is an exemption available for Albertans with a medical or physical condition that necessitates protection from sunlight exposure, but this requires an official permit.
The Safety Risks of Illegal Tint
The primary concern for police is driver visibility. After-market tinting on the front and side windows significantly reduces a driver's ability to see pedestrians, cyclists, other vehicles, and obstacles. This risk is especially pronounced during night driving or in poor weather conditions like rain or fog, when visibility is already compromised.
For context, other regions have different rules. In British Columbia, a 7.5-centimetre strip of tint is allowed on the top of the front windshield. In sunny California, the front-side windows can be tinted to a maximum of 30% darkness, and a 10-centimetre strip is permitted on the windshield.
