Tinting Tail Lights.... legal in Ontario?

[roguechameleon]

Hey all

I'm thinking of having the tails of my car tinted, but am unsure as to legality of it. Can anyone with experience with this weigh in here?

Is it even permissible to have the tails tinted? If yes, where could I get it done?

[sshe11]

It is illegal to tint your taillights .. BUT just like the window tinting law you can get away with a little bit of tint .. don't go too dark, others wont be able to see you brake ...

[onecoolloser]

Is it even permissible to have the tails tinted? If yes, where could I get it done?

You can get it done at most auto tint places. You can also buy the can and spray-tint it yourself.

Here is a spray can (http://www.autotoys.com/x/catalog/VHT_SPRAY_TINT_SP171_p_3465.html). I don't know the quality of it, I just googled it up for your reference.

[MrDisco]

please don't. aside from the complete absurdity of being less visible on the road (particularly at night) the last thing we need is another rice modification on the streets. help keep ontario beautiful.

but yeah it's illegal.

[sshe11]

You can get it done at most auto tint places. You can also buy the can and spray-tint it yourself.

Here is a spray can (http://www.autotoys.com/x/catalog/VHT_SPRAY_TINT_SP171_p_3465.html). I don't know the quality of it, I just googled it up for your reference.

Thats tint spray for the Windows .. He needs this http://www.aplusperformance.com/catalog/images/vht-nightshades.jpg .. you can find these at most local auto performance shops ..

[roguechameleon]

So, it doesn't look tinting your tails is really on the up-n-up... so be it. I'll stick with the stock red.

[MacGyver]

Read the HTA

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/90h08_e.htm

section 64.7 says you're not allowed to cover or obscure the front lights of your vehicle in any way. But it doesn't explictly say anything about the back. Just make sure you don't put yourself in danger by obscuring your brake lights to the point where other drivers have trouble seeing them!

[ShadowVlican]

if forced between the two, i'd rather see ricer taillights than NO taillights ;)

[actng]

you guys are being real scaredy cats.
tinting tail lights doesn't mean you can't see them, WHEN THEY'RE ON.

I sawthis guy who had COLOUR MATCHED tail lights and when he hits the brakes, it's still as bright.

chill out and relax.

[onecoolloser]

Read the HTA

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/90h08_e.htm

section 64.7 says you're not allowed to cover or obscure the front lights of your vehicle in any way. But it doesn't explictly say anything about the back. Just make sure you don't put yourself in danger by obscuring your brake lights to the point where other drivers have trouble seeing them!

I've seen cars on the road with their headlights tinted. So those must be illegal?

BTW OP, what car is it going on? Is the car black?

[akide]

i see lots of mazda 3's both sport and sedan version with tinted or dark taillights, do they come like that?

[onecoolloser]

i see lots of mazda 3's both sport and sedan version with tinted or dark taillights, do they come like that?

Yes, they come like that, they are black housed taillights, not tinted. See pic.
http://www.agedstock.com/images/newvehicles/mazda/2007/3-sport/car3.JPG

These are tinted or "smoked" taillights. See pic.
http://www.audiworld.com/tech/pics/ext37-tail1.jpg

[roguechameleon]

BTW OP, what car is it going on? Is the car black?

Yup... it'll be going on a 2007 G6 GTP Coupe... black with tinted windows.

[roguechameleon]

Here is a link to a thread that has pictures of what it would look like on a G6 Coupe:

http://www.g6performance.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9795

[onecoolloser]

I'm sorry, but I'm just not feeling that tint on that G6 Coupe. Dark tint on taillights don't look good. You should smoke them just a bit, just to get rid of a little redness, but don't go crazy and black black them out:).

Just my .02

[roguechameleon]

Fair enough... I appreciate your opinion. The more I think about the more I'm leaning away from the complete black-out. However, I think it would nice if I could darken the bright red a bit.

I'd rather not just pick up a can spray paint and do it myself, but rather have someone do it professionally.

[bembol]

if forced between the two, i'd rather see ricer taillights than NO taillights ;)


LOL

I mostly see this stupid Tinting on Domestic cars, the most is Pontiac Grand AM/Prix. Please if you want to do this just stick with Euros, they're both ugly but at least you can see them.

[roguechameleon]

LOL

I mostly see this stupid Tinting on Domestic cars, the most is Pontiac Grand AM/Prix. Please if you want to do this just stick with Euros, they're both ugly but at least you can see them.

As entertaining as your post was, it is irrelevant to this thread. I am not asking for opinions on tinting tails... but rather the legality and availability of having it done.

[Madrid2k]

[QUOTE=onecoolloser;5341693]I'm sorry, but I'm just not feeling that tint on that G6 Coupe. Dark tint on taillights don't look good. You should smoke them just a bit, just to get rid of a little redness, but don't go crazy and black black them out:).

Just my .02[/QUOTE

I agree with 1coolloser. I think a slight darkening of the tail lights would really look nice.

If you totally black them out, I think it would become a safety issue, and as a result, would definitely attract unwanted police attention.

Apart from the safety issue, who cares what other people think! Do what makes you feel good. It's your ride, not anyone else's.

I plan on doing something similar with my all black Solara. It's tinted 20% all around, has black 18" drag wheels, and will soon have darkened tail lights ... once I find a store that stocks this tint in a can.

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/324/p1010005hn4.th.jpg (http://img187.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010005hn4.jpg)

Good luck.

[lesnar]

i'm interested in the same thing....please let me know where i can get this done professionally in GTA, thanks!

[roguechameleon]

If you totally black them out, I think it would become a safety issue, and as a result, would definitely attract unwanted police attention.

Apart from the safety issue, who cares what other people think! Do what makes you feel good. It's your ride, not anyone else's.

I plan on doing something similar with my all black Solara. It's tinted 20% all around, has black 18" drag wheels, and will soon have darkened tail lights ... once I find a store that stocks this tint in a can.


Thanks Madrid... you're right about the safety aspect of this. I probably won't black out the tail entirely. However, I'm wondering if "tint in a can" is really the best option.

Is that what the "professionals" use?

[kleptodathief]

altho, tinted or blacked out tail lites do look pretty nice/aggressive on dark cars...

example
7th gen accords:

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j292/ephyouckay/PICT0156.jpg

the POPOs will b on ur A55!!! :evil:

[onecoolloser]

kleptodatheif, is that car yours? If it is...have you gotten pulled over for blacked out tails?

[Narci]

I heard about this scenerio once.

Someone with a civic with those non DOT approved 'Altezza' rear lights was rear ended by someone on the highway. Obviosly the rear ender is at fault but the rear ender argued that they could not distinguish between a braking light and a regualr light being on and therefore rear ended the civic. The insurance turned around and made the civic at fault. Anyone hear about this? (Yes I know there's a third brake light but lets just say all the moons and planets aligned and the third brake light was out).

[onecoolloser]

I heard about this scenerio once.

Someone with a civic with those non DOT approved 'Altezza' rear lights was rear ended by someone on the highway. Obviosly the rear ender is at fault but the rear ender argued that they could not distinguish between a braking light and a regualr light being on and therefore rear ended the civic. The insurance turned around and made the civic at fault. Anyone hear about this? (Yes I know there's a third brake light but lets just say all the moons and planets aligned and the third brake light was out).

LOL, but what does this have to do with tinting tails? Altezza's are clear, and no one would want to tint those.

These are Altezza's for those who don't know.
http://images.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/normal/098/Altezza_Lighting_96_Civic_2Dr__6556098.jpg

[actng]

i think this thing had tinted tail lights too right?
http://cache.jalopnik.com/cars/assets/resources/2006/08/Transformers-MustangBarricade.jpg

[Atomic Chip]

altho, tinted or blacked out tail lites do look pretty nice/aggressive on dark cars...

"Pretty" and "aggressive". Hmmmm ... :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Major geek factor! Definitely uncool.

[Narci]

LOL, but what does this have to do with tinting tails? Altezza's are clear, and no one would want to tint those.

Because blacked out rear lights can make them unreadable.

Blacked out rear lights with the brake lights on aren't too bright and look like it's just daytime lights. The car behind the person with blacked out lights might not think that the person is braking and slam into the back of him/her.

The main point is how readable are the rear brake lights when your braking or not braking.

[Madrid2k]

Thanks Madrid... you're right about the safety aspect of this. I probably won't black out the tail entirely. However, I'm wondering if "tint in a can" is really the best option.

Is that what the "professionals" use?

I'm not sure if its the best option, but definitely the cheapest. If done properly, the results look great.

Just doing a quick web search, I think the most popular tint spray is VHT Night Shades.

Here's a link to a pretty thorough description of a guy tinting the tail lights on his Corrado:

http://www.corrado-club.ca/mods/tailtints.html

It's pretty basic:

- clean the exterior of the tail lights thoroughly
- sand them down
- apply light, multiple coats of the tint
- let dry
- lightly scuff
- then clear coat them

I've checked Crappy Tire and Parts Source, but no luck with the tint spray. I haven't checked any specialty stores yet.

[daftfunk]

instead of spray tint, pay a little more and get a precut tint covers off ebay.

http://i5.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/a8/75/4dd7_1.JPG

[Madrid2k]

instead of spray tint, pay a little more and get a precut tint covers off ebay.

http://i5.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/a8/75/4dd7_1.JPG


This is a good, viable option. It's quick on, and quick off, in case you get hassled by the cops.

However, I've read in other forumsthat the film quality is pretty poor, and that they start to fade and curl at the edges over time.

IMHO, the tint spray w/ clear coat is a little bit more professional looking - if done well. It should also last longer than the film.

I've checked Crappy Tire, Parts Source and Napa Auto, but haven't found the VHT Nightshades yet. I'll try some tint shops over the next couple of days.

[roguechameleon]

Failing tinting the tails... what about something like this?

http://images.andale.com/f2/118/126/16262723/2007/4/11/TL_G6_05UP_2D_BK_G5__FANTASY_.jpg

[onecoolloser]

Failing tinting the tails... what about something like this?

http://images.andale.com/f2/118/126/16262723/2007/4/11/TL_G6_05UP_2D_BK_G5__FANTASY_.jpg

Black Housed Taillights...PERFECT!

Make sure they are street legal. Saves you the money of tint, and you have a spare set if needed. No need to worry about the cops.

I think you should go this route. How much are they? ~$200?

[roguechameleon]

I think you should go this route. How much are they? ~$200?

Yeah, on eBay they are being sold for about $130, plus $40 for shipping from California... so less than $200 :)

[Madrid2k]

Failing tinting the tails... what about something like this?

http://images.andale.com/f2/118/126/16262723/2007/4/11/TL_G6_05UP_2D_BK_G5__FANTASY_.jpg

Yeah, those are beautiful.

I'll probably grab a set of those in a couple of years.

[preshans]

[QUOTE=daftfunk;5354791]instead of spray tint, pay a little more and get a precut tint covers off ebay.

Those precut tint covers, are worse as spray painting it or better?

[auto-links]

Hi,
Hope I can help with my 2 cents,

There are 3 ways that lights can be tinted, 1) tint spray , 2) light covers GTS used to make them I don't think they are still around, 3) vinyl 'tint' film.

Tail light tinting is not illegal as long as it does not modify the colour or output of the bulbs. The 3 above methods will not affect colour or output. we offer the vinyl tint, it has many benefits over the spray (althought it is more expensive:
- even distribution (spray you may get some drips, etc)
- looks more professional and gauranteed not to fade like sprays
- easy to remove
- will protect your lights against chips, scratches, fading
- available in black or red, light or dark shade
- OEM lights are BETTER than cheap aftermarket lights (which commonly fade, crack, leak, and usually look cheap)

the spray is much cheaper though, for those who want to change the look without spending a lot the spray is the better way to go, and is an easy DIY.

Hope that helps

[--StayFly--]

Hi,
Hope I can help with my 2 cents,

There are 3 ways that lights can be tinted, 1) tint spray , 2) light covers GTS used to make them I don't think they are still around, 3) vinyl 'tint' film.

Tail light tinting is not illegal as long as it does not modify the colour or output of the bulbs. The 3 above methods will not affect colour or output. we offer the vinyl tint, it has many benefits over the spray (althought it is more expensive:
- even distribution (spray you may get some drips, etc)
- looks more professional and gauranteed not to fade like sprays
- easy to remove
- will protect your lights against chips, scratches, fading
- available in black or red, light or dark shade
- OEM lights are BETTER than cheap aftermarket lights (which commonly fade, crack, leak, and usually look cheap)

the spray is much cheaper though, for those who want to change the look without spending a lot the spray is the better way to go, and is an easy DIY.

Hope that helps

how much do you charge for tail light tinting?

[auto-links]

Hi it depends on the vehicle, starting from 50$ to 200$.

[01maxima]

hi does any body know where i can get my tail lights tinted in the gta? 04 maxima thanks