Understanding Oregon Window Tint Laws in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

Oregon Tint Laws Cheat Sheet:

Windshield: The top 6 inches can have a non-reflective tint.
Side Windows: Over 35% light allowance.
Rear Window (Sedans): Over 35% light allowance.
Back Side Windows (SUVs/Vans): No specific darkness restrictions.
Rear Window (SUVs/Vans): No specific darkness restrictions.

Oregon’s car window tinting laws have been shaping the way you can tint your vehicle’s windows since 2003. This guide provides all the necessary insights, from darkness and reflectivity regulations to additional rules you should be aware of.

What is Visible Light Transmission (VLT)?

Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is critical in comprehending window tint regulations and making informed choices for your vehicle. VLT refers to the percentage of visible light that can pass through your car’s windows, including the window tint film. This measurement determines how dark or light the tint appears, and it plays a central role in maintaining the balance between style, comfort, and safety in your vehicle.

Window Tint Darkness in Oregon

For sedan cars in Oregon, VLT regulations are:

Windshield: The top 6 inches can have a non-reflective tint. This allows sun protection without compromising visibility, especially at the sun’s peak when glare can be intense.
Front Side Windows: These windows must allow over 35% of light. This ensures a balance between style and safety, permitting adequate visibility and heat reduction.
Back Side Windows: Like the front side windows, rear windows must allow over 35% of light. This offers consistency in terms of aesthetics and heat management.
Rear Window: The rear window must also allow over 35% of light, ensuring that your vehicle remains visible from all angles, promoting road safety.

SUVs and vans in Oregon follow similar regulations:

Windshield: The top 6 inches can have a non-reflective tint, offering consistent sun protection.
Front Side Windows: These windows must allow over 35% light, balancing style, and safety.
Back Side Windows: Backside windows have no specific darkness restrictions, allowing more flexibility in the choice of tint.
Rear Window: The rear window of SUVs and vans is not subject to specific darkness restrictions, offering customization options.

Window Tint Reflection in Oregon

Window tint can reflect incoming light, reducing glare and heat. Oregon allows for a certain level of tint reflection when using a tint. Specifically:

For sedans and SUVs/vans, front side windows must not be more than 13% reflective.
The purpose of this regulation is to balance style with safety, allowing for some reflection to reduce glare and heat while maintaining visibility, especially during bright days.

Other Oregon Window Tint Rules and Regulations

Beyond darkness and reflection regulations, Oregon imposes several other crucial rules:

Side Mirrors: If any window behind the driver is tinted, dual side mirrors are required. This ensures the driver maintains full awareness of the surrounding environment, enhancing safety.
Restricted Colors: Oregon prohibits using certain tint colors, such as red, gold, yellow, amber, and black. This is to ensure that tints maintain a level of transparency and safety.
Certificates: Tint installers in Oregon are required to provide a certificate stating light transmittance and reflectance. This certificate serves as a clear record of the tint’s compliance with state regulations.
Stickers: Unlike some states, Oregon does not require a legal tint identification sticker, providing a minimalist approach to regulation.
Medical Exceptions: Oregon allows medical exemptions for darker tints to accommodate individuals with specific medical needs. This compassionate provision addresses medical conditions requiring UV protection.
Penalties: Violating Oregon’s window tint laws can result in a Class B traffic violation and a $ 360 fine. These penalties emphasize the importance of complying with tint regulations to avoid legal issues and fines.

Oregon’s Unique Window Tint Laws and Considerations

Local interpretations of Oregon’s tinting laws may vary. It’s crucial to acknowledge the potential differences and nuances within your specific county or place of residence. This highlights the importance of verifying local regulations with your DMV or law enforcement authorities, ensuring you adhere to current interpretations and enforcement practices.

Navigating Oregon’s Tinting Regulations With Elite Protective Films

Oregon’s window tint laws, enacted in 2003, aim to balance style and safety. Understanding the regulations for your vehicle type ensures that your window tint is stylish and compliant with the law. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, staying informed about local variations is essential to drive confidently and enjoy the benefits of window tint without legal issues.

If you have questions or need assistance with window tinting, contact Elite Protective Films.

Author
Recent Posts

Kenley Wallis

Owner/Founder at Elite Protective Films

Our owner, Kenley Wallis started window tinting in 2002 as a part-time job while in college in Kennewick, Washington. Later, he moved to the Portland, Oregon area and joined the Elite Window Tinting team, Elite Protective Films’ sister store, in 2007 and quickly distinguished himself as a great innovator of creative solutions to the numerous challenges in applying film.

He refined and developed his craft over the years, eventually taking the helm as Elite Window Tinting's owner in 2012 and continues to play a crucial role at Elite Protective Films. Since then, Kenley has been working hard to provide the highest level of customer service to each and every person he welcomes through Elite’s doors with a bright and smiling face. With an amicable and easy going demeanor, it’s no surprise Kenley’s so popular with our customers.

Kenley knows no shops and products are created equal and takes great pride in delivering an elevated quality of service by working with our customers to ensure they are receiving only the best products and services around.

Outside of Elite, Kenley’s interests go beyond the shop and into the great outdoors. When he’s not providing Elite’s customers with the best when it comes to automotive films, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and friends either camping or boating.