Police targeting illegal window tint after pedestrian collisions linked to reduced visibility

The Lethbridge Police Service is reminding motorists and local auto detailers that tinting the front windshield or driver and passenger side windows is illegal, and offenders will face fines.

LPS traffic officers consistently enforce window tint violations, but after observing an increase in vehicles with illegal tint and two serious pedestrian collisions in the past two years – one of them fatal – where illegal tint was a direct contributing factor, police will be conducting a targeted enforcement initiative over the next two months.

Motorists with illegally tinted windows are advised to have the tint removed and anyone thinking about tinting their front side windows or windshield should reconsider. Further, reflective or mirrored tint is prohibited on all vehicle windows. Only rear side windows and windshields can legally be tinted.

In limited circumstances, drivers may qualify for a medical exemption to tint front windows but only specific conditions are eligible and applications must be submitted and approved by the Government of Alberta.

 “We’ve had one pedestrian seriously injured and another lose their life in collisions that may have been prevented had the offending vehicles not had deeply tinted windows that significantly impaired the drivers’ ability see the pedestrians crossing,” said Sgt. Tony Ramotowski, Traffic Response Unit.

The most recent incident occurred November 8 at approximately 11 p.m. after a 44-year-old male was struck by an SUV along the 1100 block of Mayor Magrath Drive South. The victim sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to Calgary. The subject vehicle had illegal tint on both front side windows and a heavily tinted windshield. A collision reconstruction determined the illegal tint significantly impaired the driver’s view – particularly in the darkness of night – and was a factor in the crash. A 20-year-old Lethbridge male was charged under the Traffic Safety Act.

In 2024, following a fatal collision that claimed the life of a 35-year-old woman, a 17-year-old male was also charged with multiple window tint violations.

Aftermarket tinting on front side windows and front windshield reduces a driver’s ability to see pedestrians, cyclists, other vehicles and obstacles – especially at night or in poor weather conditions. Dark tint also reduces the ability of others to see the driver inside, making eye contact and communication with pedestrians and other motorists more difficult.

Illegal tint creates safety challenges for emergency responders. During traffic stops, dark tint limits police visibility into a vehicle, making it harder to assess potential threats, identify occupants or observe driver movements. Some types of window film also alter how glass breaks, slowing rescue efforts when rapid extrication is required.

LPS Traffic Response officers will actively be on the lookout for illegal tint and drivers will be fined. Repeat offenders may have their licence plate and registration seized, their vehicle towed and be required to remove illegal tint under Section 66 of the Traffic Safety Act before the vehicle will be permitted back on the road and their plate and registration returned. Businesses installing illegal tint may also face charges.

There will be zero tolerance for violations. Tickets range from $81 to $224, may require a court appearance and convictions can impact insurance premiums or claim settlements if tint contributed to a collision.