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Part of Vehicle and helmet exemptions

Vehicle window tint exemption

Drivers and passengers with medical or physical conditions seeking an exemption from vehicle window tinting restrictions.

Overview

Tinting material is not allowed to be attached to the windshield and the windows to the left and right of the driver unless you get an exemption because of a medical or physical condition.

If your condition requires your body to be protected from sunlight exposure, you can apply to receive an exemption permit from these restrictions. This exemption permit must be shown to law enforcement or the courts when asked.

How to apply

Step 1. Determine your eligibility

To be eligible for an exemption:

  • you must have a valid Alberta driver’s license 
  • you must provide a letter from your physician that proves you require window tinting film on your front driver side and/or passenger side windows

The following conditions will be considered for drivers:

  • diagnosed or have had recurrent skin cancer (melanoma, basal or squamous cell) 
  • diagnosed with Bullous Pemphigus 

Window tinting will not be considered for photophobia, migraine, cataracts, or rosacea, as these conditions can be mitigated by other treatment measures.

Exemption requests for passengers may be rejected because a passenger can sit in the back of most vehicles, where window tinting is permitted.

Step 2. Submit your application

Once you have determined your eligibility, you may submit a request for an exemption by email to [email protected]. Requests should include your full name, a copy of your physician’s note which clearly indicates the medical reasons for your request and any other relevant information.

Step 3. Review

After you submit your request, we will review it. Depending on the complexity of your file, the Medical Review Committee may also review it. We might reach out to you if we require further information. It may take several weeks for a decision to be made.

Step 4. Decision

Once your formal request has been reviewed, you will be notified of our decision. If your request is approved, you will be issued a permit which you must carry in the modified vehicle. There is a $55 permit fee.

Step 5. Installation

Window tinting reduces your ability to see the road and other road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, especially in darkness or inclement weather. If you are approved for a window tinting exemption, you can install clear ultraviolet (UV) window tinting film with a combined visible light transmittance of 50% or more.

If your vehicle already has tinted side windows, you can contact the business which installed your tinting film to find out the combined visible light transmittance of your current window glass and tinting film. If the combined visible light transmittance is less than 50%, you must replace it with a clear UV tinting film.

Contact

Connect with Vehicle Safety:

Hours: 8:15 am to 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-8901
Fax: 780-988-7628
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

Address:
Main Floor, Twin Atria Building
4999 98 Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta  T6B 2X3