Friday, November 14, 2003

CAN YOU BE SEEN BEHIND THAT WHEEL?
(North Bay, ON)
A popular practice when spicing up your wheels, is to tint the side and rear windows.
Although this may make your vehicle look impressive when you tint or colour coat, you may be violating the Highway Traffic Act (H.T.A.).
A police officer has to be able to identify who is driving the vehicle no matter what time of day it is. Thus the question: “Can you be seen behind that wheel?”

Here is the section under section 73(3) of the H.T.A. that officer’s use:

No person shall drive on a highway a motor vehicle on which the surface of the windshield or of any window to the direct left or right of the driver's seat has been coated with any coloured spray or other coloured or reflective material that substantially obscures the interior of the motor vehicle when viewed from outside the motor vehicle.

It is the discretion of a police officer whether or not to pursue this charge.
An officer will have to determine if the driver and front passenger can be identified. If the officer cannot see them because of tinting on the front or side windows, then an officer will stop the vehicle and may charge the driver or owner with this violation.
The set fine is $110.00 including surcharges.

A question is often asked: “What degree of tinting can I have on my vehicle?”

The answer is: “There is no limit.” Some degree of tints are darker than others.
Some may appear darker depending on the time of day or how dark the interior of the vehicle is.

The reason this is a concern for police is your safety. Tinted windows may reduce your visibility when driving.

The North Bay OPP would like you to consider this when you decide to detail your ride.