Lethbridge Police Crack Down on Illegally Tinted Vehicles

Lethbridge police are intensifying efforts to address the growing issue of illegally tinted vehicles in the southern Alberta city. The Lethbridge Police Service reported a notable increase in vehicles with non-compliant window tint, which has been linked to serious pedestrian accidents over the past two years. As part of a focused initiative, officers will be actively monitoring and enforcing window tint regulations for the next two months, warning violators that they will face fines.

Sgt. Tony Ramotowski, of the Lethbridge Police Service’s traffic response unit, stated, “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.” According to police, illegal window tint contributed to two significant pedestrian collisions, including one that was fatal. Ramotowski emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “We’ve seen these two collisions that were contributed by tint, and that’s two too many in my unit.”

Understanding Window Tint Regulations in Alberta

In Alberta, regulations surrounding aftermarket window tinting vary by province. The law prohibits tinting the front windshield and the front driver and passenger side windows. Reflective or mirrored tint is banned across all vehicle windows. However, back passenger side windows and rear windshields can be tinted to any percentage, provided the vehicle is equipped with both sets of rearview mirrors. There are exceptions for individuals with medical conditions that necessitate additional sun protection.

In contrast, British Columbia allows a 7.5-centimetre strip of window film on the front windshield. California regulations permit some degree of tint on the front windshield and allow a maximum of 30 percent tint on front-side windows. The California guidelines also do not limit the level of tint on rear side windows and rear windshields.

The Dangers of Illegal Tinting

Police officials highlight that aftermarket tinting of front and side windows can significantly hinder a driver’s ability to see pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles, particularly at night or during adverse weather conditions. “Looking through a tinted windshield is like having your sunglasses on at all times, basically, especially at night time. It’s very distracting,” Ramotowski noted. He added that dark tint can also obstruct visibility for other road users, making it difficult to establish eye contact and communication between drivers and pedestrians.

Illegal window tint poses additional risks for emergency responders. During traffic stops, dark tint can limit police visibility into a vehicle, complicating the assessment of potential threats and the identification of occupants. Furthermore, certain types of window film can alter the way glass breaks, which can impede rescue operations when immediate extrication is necessary.

Potential Penalties and Insurance Implications

Under Alberta law, drivers found with illegal tinting can face fines ranging from $81 to $224, with some cases requiring a court appearance. Repeat offenders may have their vehicle’s license plate and registration seized, and the vehicle could be towed until the illegal tint is removed. Once compliant, registration can be reinstated.

The Lethbridge Police Service is also targeting businesses that install illegal tinting. Aaron Sutherland from the Insurance Bureau of Canada warned that illegally tinted windows can affect drivers’ insurance rates, stating, “You’re more likely to get into an accident, and when you get into an accident, you’re going to pay more.” Sutherland added that driving habits have a significant impact on premium costs.

Recent Incidents Highlighting the Issue

In the last two years, Lethbridge emergency personnel have responded to two serious incidents where illegal tint was a direct contributing factor to pedestrian collisions, one of which resulted in a fatality. On November 8, 2022, a 44-year-old man was struck by an SUV on Mayor Magrath Drive South. The victim sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to Calgary, while the SUV was found to have illegal tint on both front-side windows and a heavily tinted windshield. According to Ramotowski, a collision reconstruction revealed that the illegal tint significantly impaired the driver’s visibility, especially at night.

Another case involved a 17-year-old male charged with multiple window tint violations after a collision that resulted in the death of a 35-year-old woman. The number of window tint-related tickets issued in Lethbridge has surged, with police issuing 542 tickets this year alone, compared to 402 tickets in 2024 and 217 tickets in 2023.

The Calgary Police Service has also noted an increase in illegal front windshields, indicating a broader concern regarding vehicle safety in Alberta. As part of their traffic safety plan, Calgary police aim to collaborate with city authorities to enhance enforcement of equipment violations, which may allow for better allocation of police resources.

The push by Lethbridge police to crack down on illegal tinting reflects a growing awareness of the potential dangers it poses and an effort to enhance road safety for all members of the community.