In Alberta, you cannot put any aftermarket tint film on the windshield or the front driver and passenger windows. This includes clear film. You can tint the rear side windows and the rear window to any darkness, as long as the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides. Alberta does not set a legal tint percentage. It simply bans film on the front glass, and the only exception is a medical exemption permit.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Check the current law with Alberta Transportation or a lawyer if you have a specific case.
Alberta Window Tint Laws at a Glance
| Window | Film allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | No | No aftermarket film, not even clear film. Factory glass and clear frost shields are fine. |
| Front side windows (driver and front passenger) | No | No shade is legal, however light. A medical exemption permit is the only exception. |
| Rear side windows | Yes | No darkness limit, as long as the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides. |
| Rear window | Yes | No darkness limit, with the same mirror condition. |
| Reflective or mirrored film | Restricted | Film cannot reflect headlights or sunlight into other drivers’ eyes. |
What Does the Law Say?
Window tint in Alberta is covered by the Vehicle Equipment Regulation under the Traffic Safety Act (Alberta Regulation 122/2009). Three parts matter most:
- Section 70(1) says no one may install, replace, or cover the glass in the windshield, or in the left and right side windows beside or forward of the driver, with a transparent, translucent, or opaque material.
- Section 71 says window glazing cannot reflect headlights or sunlight into the eyes of other drivers.
- Section 72(3) says you cannot drive on a highway unless the windshield and window glazing meet sections 70 and 71.
That last point matters. The offence is not only installing film. Driving with illegal film on the front glass is also an offence, so a car you bought used with front tint is still your problem once you drive it.
Is There a Legal Tint Percentage in Alberta?
No. This is the most common point of confusion. Many provinces and US states set a visible light transmission (VLT) number, such as 35% or 70%. Alberta does not. The rule is based on which windows can be covered at all, not how dark the film is.
So if someone tells you “70% film is legal on the front windows in Alberta,” that is not correct. Any aftermarket film on the front side windows breaks the rule, whether it is dark or nearly clear.
Windshield Tint Rules
No aftermarket film is allowed on the windshield. That covers dark film, light film, and clear UV or heat rejection film.
What about the dark strip across the top of the windshield? You may see shops offer a “sun strip” or “visor strip.” The regulation does not include an exception for it. A factory shade band that came on the glass from the manufacturer is fine. A strip added after the fact is a risk, so we do not recommend relying on it.
Front Side Window Rules
The driver and front passenger windows must stay as the manufacturer made them. There is no legal shade, no legal percentage, and no “just a little” allowance. Alberta is one of the stricter provinces on this point.
Why the rule exists:
- Drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists need to see the driver’s face and make eye contact.
- Police need to see inside the vehicle during a stop.
- Film can reduce visibility at night, in rain, and in winter dusk.
- Film changes how glass behaves, which can matter in a collision or when someone has to be removed from a vehicle.
Rear Side Windows and Rear Window Rules
This is where you have freedom. Alberta sets no darkness limit for the rear side windows or the rear window. The one condition is that your vehicle has outside mirrors on both the left and right sides, so you can still see behind you.
Most Calgary drivers choose a mid-range shade on the rear glass for privacy and heat control. Ceramic film is a popular pick because it rejects infrared heat without needing to be very dark. See our comparison of ceramic window tint vs regular tint in Calgary to understand the difference.
Reflective and Mirrored Tint
Even on the rear windows, film that throws glare is a problem. Alberta bans glazing material that reflects headlights or sunlight into other drivers’ eyes. Heavy mirror-finish films are the main risk. Most quality dyed, carbon, and ceramic films are not reflective, so this rarely affects normal installs.
Can You Get a Medical Exemption for Window Tint?
Yes. Alberta has a medical exemption process for people who need protection from sunlight because of a medical or physical condition. The rules from the Government of Alberta include:
- You must hold a valid Alberta driver’s licence.
- You must submit a letter from your physician that shows you need window film on the front driver side window, the passenger side window, or both.
- There is a $55 permit fee.
- If approved, you can install clear UV film with a combined visible light transmittance of 50% or more.
- You must carry the permit in the vehicle and show it to law enforcement or the courts when asked.
Requests for passengers may not be approved, since passengers can usually sit in the back, where tint is allowed. Fees and rules can change, so confirm everything on the Alberta government window tint exemption page before you apply.
Do not install front film first and apply later. Get the permit approved before the work is done.
What Happens If Your Tint Is Illegal?
Police can issue a ticket under the Vehicle Equipment Regulation. In many cases they also issue a defect notice, which means you must remove the film within a set time. Ignoring the notice can lead to additional penalties. Fine amounts change over time, so do not rely on a number from an old article.
There can also be a cost beyond the ticket. After a collision, an insurer or investigator may question an illegal modification. Removing film from a front window also costs money, and old film can leave adhesive behind.
Common Window Tint Myths in Alberta
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| “Clear film is fine on the front windows.” | No. The rule covers transparent material too, so clear film is also not allowed. |
| “70% film is the legal limit.” | Alberta has no VLT percentage for front windows. No aftermarket film is allowed. |
| “A sun strip on the windshield is allowed.” | The regulation has no exception for it. Factory bands are fine. Added strips are a risk. |
| “My car was tinted in BC, so it is legal here.” | Alberta law applies when you drive in Alberta. |
| “My installer said it is okay.” | The driver is responsible for operating a legal vehicle. Ask for the section of the regulation they are relying on. |
| “Tint is illegal in Alberta.” | Not true. Rear side windows and the rear window can be tinted to any darkness. |
How to Beat the Heat Legally in Calgary
You cannot film the front glass, but you still have good options:
- Ceramic film on the rear windows. It cuts infrared heat and UV for rear passengers, pets, and the cabin.
- Windshield sunshades when parked.
- Parking in shade and cracking the windows slightly in hot weather.
- Factory-tinted glass if you are buying a new vehicle.
For prices, see our guide to window tint cost in Calgary.
Saskatchewan Window Tint Rules (Regina and Saskatoon)
CHD17 Customs also serves Regina and Saskatoon, and the rules there are different from Alberta in some ways. Saskatchewan does not allow aftermarket tint on the windshield or the front side windows, and the SGI position is strict on this, including clear film. Always confirm current rules with SGI before you book. You can see local options on our window tinting in Saskatoon page. Your vehicle must follow the rules of the province you are driving in.
How to Choose a Legal Tint Installer in Calgary
A good installer protects you from tickets and wasted money. Ask these questions before you book:
- Will you decline to tint my front windows and windshield?
- Which film brand and type are you using on the rear glass?
- What warranty comes with the film and the installation?
- Do you have photos of rear tint jobs on a car like mine?
- How long should I wait before rolling down the windows?
Be careful with any shop that offers front tint without asking about a medical permit. It can put your licence record and your wallet at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is window tint legal in Alberta?
Yes, but only on the rear side windows and the rear window. The windshield and the front driver and passenger windows cannot have aftermarket film.
What is the legal tint percentage in Alberta?
There is none. Alberta does not set a VLT percentage. It bans film on the front glass and sets no darkness limit for the rear glass.
Can I tint my front windows in Alberta?
Not unless you hold an approved medical exemption permit. With a permit, you may use clear UV film with a combined visible light transmittance of 50% or more.
Is clear window film legal on the windshield in Alberta?
No. The regulation covers transparent material as well, so clear film is not allowed on the windshield.
How dark can I tint my back windows in Alberta?
As dark as you like, as long as your vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides and the film is not reflective in a way that blinds other drivers.
Can I get a ticket for window tint in Calgary?
Yes. Police can ticket illegal film and may issue a defect notice requiring you to remove it.
How do I apply for a window tint medical exemption in Alberta?
You need a valid Alberta driver’s licence and a letter from your physician. If approved, you pay a permit fee and carry the permit in your vehicle. Check the Government of Alberta page for current steps.
Is ceramic tint legal in Alberta?
Yes, on the rear side windows and rear window. It follows the same rules as any other film.
Can I drive in Alberta with tint from another province?
Alberta law applies once you drive here. Front side windows and the windshield must be free of aftermarket film.
Do I need a certificate or sticker for window tint in Alberta?
Alberta does not require a tint certificate or sticker for rear windows. Keep your film paperwork and warranty details for your records.
Get Legal Window Tint in Calgary
If you want rear window tint that looks good, rejects heat, and keeps you on the right side of Alberta law, CHD17 Customs can help. We will explain what can and cannot be done on your vehicle, show you film options, and give you a clear quote.
CHD17 Customs
3640 26 St NE Unit B, Calgary, AB T1Y 4T7
Phone: 403-478-2217
See window tint pricing in Calgary
Planning more than tint? Learn about ceramic coating packages, PPF pricing in Calgary, or read about CHD17 Customs.