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Dear Readers,

My name is Benjamin Wanono, and I have deep roots in Vancouver. I am passionate about championing for the health and well-being of British Columbians by advocating for front car window tinting to a minimum visible light transmission of 70%. After 12 years of experience in the tinting industry, I have witnessed firsthand the health risks posed by UV rays penetrating front car windows, leading to life-threatening diseases such as skin cancer. It is high time that we stand up for those in need and push for a change!

The advantages of window tinting far outweigh the concerns raised against it. In this research, I delve into the world of window tinting and highlight the reasons why front car window tinting should be legalized in British Columbia.

Introduction

While many people consider tinting their windows for privacy, it is not the sole benefit associated with window tinting. Tinting can provide a multitude of health benefits as well. For instance, it can effectively reduce the transmission of harmful UV rays, thereby protecting passengers from the risk of skin cancer and promoting eye health.

Window tinting involves applying a film to windows in order to keep solar heat transmission through the glass to a minimum. This film is also capable of improving solar reflection and absorption.

Car window tinting, in particular, pertains to the application of window film on car windows.

Standard Car Window Tinting Policy

The visible light transmission percentage (VLT%) determines the darkness of the tint. There is no universally accepted international policy on car window tinting; it varies from one country to another, and from one province to another. Let's delve into Canada's tinting policy.

Car Window Tinting Policy in Canada

The legal policies on car window tinting differ across Canadian provinces and are determined by the placement of the windows and the required level of light penetration into the car. While some provinces have set permissible limits on the degree of tinting allowed, others have banned the practice entirely.

Most provinces allow tinting on the rear windows and rear windshield, although the laws concerning the amount of required VLT differ. While some provinces permit a minimum of 30%-35% VLT, others do not allow any tinting at all.

Yet, the debate over tinting the front windows and windshield has remained ongoing, with some provinces still outlawing it. There are some provinces that permit tinting up to 70% VLT, such as New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec. Manitoba Province allows 50% VLT. Ontario Province, for instance, has no set limit on the amount of light that should enter a car window but only mandates that police officers be able to visibly make out the driver's face. However, most drivers in Ontario opt for 70% VLT films, thereby making the tint almost unnoticeable.

In contrast, one province where tinting the front car windows is not permissible is British Columbia.

Car Window Tinting in British Columbia

According to Section 7.05 (8) of the Motor Vehicle Regulations Act, any motor vehicle operating on a highway that has any material that reduces light transmission through the windshield or the window affixed to or placed on the window is illegal, with a fine of CAD 109 plus a directive to remove the tint immediately. The only exceptions are if the tint is affixed to the windshield but not more than 75mm below the top, or to the driver's-side window or rear window if the vehicle has outside rearview mirrors on both sides.

British Columbia residents should have the opportunity to enjoy both the aesthetic and health benefits of front car window tinting, just like in other provinces. It is time for a reform that understands the need to preserve optimal health as much as possible. Join me in the fight for this change!

Sincerely,

Benjamin Wanono

For years, both residents and tourists visiting British Columbia have expressed complaints about the law that prohibits front car window tinting of up to 70% VLT. Despite their grievances, this law remains unaltered.

The primary reasons often cited for prohibiting front car window tinting include the potential for accidents during nighttime or stormy weather, the inability of tinted glass to shatter into small pieces to protect passengers during accidents, and the potential for tinted windows to promote criminal activity.

However, a deeper examination reveals that these justifications are not convincing enough to warrant the prohibition of front window tinting. In fact, there are strong arguments in favor of legalizing front car window tinting.

Firstly, window tinting can have health benefits, including preventing cancer. The reduction of solar heat penetration into the car restricts the harmful impact of UV rays, which cause skin cancer. Research shows that a majority of drivers and passengers are at risk of developing skin cancer, particularly on the left side of the body, which receives the most UV radiation during prolonged exposure. Clear auto glass offers only moderate protection against UV rays, so applying a quality window film that blocks up to 99% of UV rays A, B & C is effective in reducing the risk of skin cancer.

Moreover, UV filtering films have shown a 93% reduction in skin cancer deaths. Doctors recommend window tinting as a precaution against the harmful effects of sun exposure. Since window tinting prevents penetration of up to 70% VLT, it has minimal impact on the level of light entering the car.

Skin allergies are another health concern that front car window tinting can help alleviate. Sunburns, premature skin aging, and sun allergies such as Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) and photoallergic eruption can damage the skin when exposed to sunlight. Applying sunscreen on the skin does not guarantee protection, as the sun can trigger an allergic reaction to the chemicals present in the sunscreen. Tinting the front car windows is a simple solution that minimizes the risk of sunburn and the impact of allergy-causing chemicals.

In conclusion, front car window tinting should be legalized, primarily due to its health-related benefits, such as preventing cancer and reducing the risk of skin allergies. The common reasons cited for prohibiting window tinting, such as accidents, glass damage, and criminal activity promotion, are not convincing enough to override scientific evidence for the merits of front window tinting.

Ensuring Optimal Eye Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that prolonged sun exposure can have adverse effects on the eyes. Exposure to the sun can cause an inflammatory reaction, resulting in a painful "sunburn" of the delicate tissues and eyelids of the eyeball. The WHO also notes that cataracts are a prevalent effect of prolonged sun exposure and are a leading cause of worldwide blindness—approximately 12 to 15 million people annually. The WHO released a report indicating “sun exposure appears to be a major risk factor for cataract development." Tinted windshields can prevent these harmful UV rays from negatively affecting motorists.

Snow blindness is another severe impact of sun exposure on eyesight. It occurs when the eyes are overexposed to harmful UV rays and results in temporary blindness accompanied by pain. If snow blindness occurs while driving, it could lead to an accident. Tinted windshields reduce the risk of snow blindness.

Preventing Accidents

A 70% visible light transmission (VLT) window auto film can protect drivers from harsh glares and sudden flashes of light. At night, drivers often encounter motorists who do not dim their headlights. The sharp lights can blind other drivers, potentially causing accidents. A tinted windshield neutralizes light from other vehicles, enabling drivers to see clearly even when exposed to high beam headlights. This cuts down the risk of accidents, especially during the night.

Motorists may also experience difficulties when driving in extremely sunny conditions. The glare from the sun and reflections coming from outside may cause visual impairment, reducing a driver's focus and increasing the risk of accidents. A 70% VLT tinted windshield cuts down the sun's glare, promoting better focus, and reducing the risk of accidents. Additionally, the tinted film helps hold shattered glass together during accidents, preventing injuries to both the driver and passengers.

Reducing Solar Heat Inside the Car

Excessive amounts of UV rays cause solar heat to accumulate inside a vehicle. Tinted windshields reduce the amount of UV rays entering the car, reducing the amount of accumulated solar heat. By so doing, drivers do not have to turn on the air conditioner, which incurs extra costs. Additionally, air conditioners may cause allergic reactions, especially in children, posing a safety risk. Tinted windshields also protect leather seats and other car interior surfaces from sun damage associated with harsh UV rays.

Conclusion

Claims that tinted front windows increase the risk of accidents at night, or promote criminal activities are unfounded. WHO reports show that tinted windshields can protect drivers from risks associated with sun exposure, such as eye health problems. A 70% VLT tinted windshield protects drivers from harsh glares, helping them stay focused on the road. Police officers can see vehicle occupants with tinted windows and are empowered to request drivers to lower mirrors or open car doors for inspection. Tinted windows, therefore, provide essential benefits for drivers and passengers alike.

Front window tinting can solve a multitude of problems. Diplomat Window Tinting offers top-quality Ultra-Nano-Ceramic window films that can make a difference. Installing these films can reduce heat by 80%, infrared heat by 90%, and increase SPF to 1000 minutes with 70% VLT.

Legalizing front window tinting in British Columbia up to 70% VLT would prevent various health risks. These risks cannot be solved through any other means, and outweigh any potential cons associated with window tinting. As such, it is essential to legalize front car window tinting for the safety of all passengers and drivers.

Diplomat Window Tinting has played a significant role in providing these quality Ultra-Nano-Ceramic window films. In speaking with clients from different provinces, it is clear that front car window tints are helpful. However, many in British Columbia are affected by the sun through the untinted front windows. Legalizing front window tinting is crucial, and we must call for it.

Failing to legalize front window tinting signals a failure in protecting individuals from the health effects of the sun. Only tinting the rear windows will offer a partial solution when the entire interior needs protection.

Join us in the fight to make front window tinting legal in British Columbia. Show your support by donating to our Go Fund Me campaign, https://www.gofundme.com/front-car-window-tinting-bc. For more information, feel free to contact us at [email protected].

Visit DiplomatWindowTinting.ca for additional information.