While it's against regulations to have tinted windows on vehicles in Okotoks, there's a common misconception as to why.

Most think it has to do with vision, but Okotoks Municipal Enforcement Manager Tim Stobbs says it's actually a matter of safety.

"Window tint can be a very dangerous thing on glass," he says. "The glass is designed to shatter upon impact and, basically, when it has tint on it, it holds the glass together and it becomes like a dangerous weapon; it destroys the safety factor of the glass."

Stobbs says the regulation really only applies to the driver and passenger-side windows.

"The tinting beside the driver has to be at a different level than the rear," he says. "The rear, on the back, is not tinted like it would be at a glass shop. It's actually done within the glass, so the glass actually shatters correctly. You could actually put the tinting on the rear (windows) of a vehicle afterwards, but I would suggest not to, I would order it (when you're purchasing the vehicle.)"

Stobbs says tinting is allowed if it's inside the glass, which can only be done during the manufacturing of the vehicle, as the colouring is actually inside the glass, which doesn't affect the glass' safety feature.

Stobbs also says he commends the Okotokians who have been compliant with the regulations, and have removed tinting from their vehicles.

He says if motorists are caught with tinted windows that don't meet the regulations, it could result in a fine.

If you have any questions on window tinting regulations, you can visit Okotoks Municipal Enforcement's website, or call 403-938-8913.