2022 Oregon Car Window Tinting Laws

There are many reasons why you may want to tint your car windows. It could be that they allow too much light into the cabin. Maybe you prefer some degree of privacy that your standard windows cannot provide. Still, you want to improve the exterior appearance of your vehicle. Regardless of the reason, window tinting can reinforce the comfort of your vehicle.

All car window tints are not the same. While some are subtle, others are darker. Different states have laws surrounding car window films. If you are a resident of Oregon, it is important to familiarize yourself with the state’s window tinting laws. Otherwise, you may get into legal trouble with some law enforcement agencies.

Before we delve further, here are reasons why some states prohibit some types of car window films.

Why Some Car Window Films are Illegal

States can forbid particular car window tint levels for two reasons; security and safety. For instance, dark car window films may interfere with driver visibility. This, in turn, increases the possibility of causing accidents.

Also, criminals may hide behind tinted windows when committing various crimes. A dark window film makes it difficult for the public and law enforcement officers to identify the culprits. Likewise, such tints obstruct the police and federal agents during an investigation.

Window Tinting Laws in Oregon

The state of Oregon has several window tinting rules and regulations. These directives apply to cars bought outside and inside the state borders. So, if you bring in a car from a different state, you need to check whether its tints meet the required legal standards. You can use a meter to determine the car tint transmittance. If its VLT falls lower than the set Oregon tint levels, you’ll have to remove it.

What Kind of Car Window Tints are Allowed in Oregon

Visible Light Transmission percentage is the criterion that the State of Oregon uses to measure the darkness of your window film. If your VLT is 40%, it means that your tint allows 40% of light into the cabin.

Oregon only permits window films that fall within specific VLT parameters. For example, your rear, back, and front window tints must let in at least 35% of light.

Some car window tints consist of metallic materials which reflect both heat and light. Oregon has reservations in regard to how reflective a window tint can be. Both of your backside and front side car windows should not be more than 13% reflective. This rule applies to both SUVs and sedans.

The law also requires motorists to have side mirrors if any window behind the driver has a film. Red, yellow, black, and gold tints are prohibited in Oregon. Apart from that, service providers who install tints must offer their clients certificates. These documents should accurately indicate the reflectance and VLT of your car film.

Oregon State also requires window tint sellers to be certified. Whenever you want a window film for your car, confirm that your dealer has the appropriate certification. Although some states may want you to have a recognition sticker for a legal tint, you don’t need one in Oregon.

Medical Exemption

If you have an eye condition that demands a dark car window film, the state of Oregon recognizes it. However, you’ll need to provide an affidavit from your optometrist or physician. In addition, the law will require you to carry the letter or prescription in your car at all times. Besides, it must indicate your particular eye condition that requires the darker window tint.

Are there any Fines for Violating Window Tint Laws in Oregon?

If you drive around Oregon with the wrong tint, that equals a Class B traffic violation. It attracts a $360 fine.

Benefits of Car Window Tint

The benefits of car window tinting are undeniable. The film protects you from harmful UV radiation. Direct exposure to sun rays can cause eye problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Furthermore, it may lead to sunburns and discomfort.

Window tinting protects your vehicle’s upholstery from the sun. The interior of cars with standard windows tends to deteriorate much faster than those with tints. If your main concern is fading leather and vinyl, investing in window film will alleviate your worries.

When an accident occurs, a standard car window can break and inflict serious injuries on the driver and passengers. Tinting prevents your window from shattering. As a result, you can escape the accident with minor injuries.

Window tinting can provide you with much-needed privacy and security. It hides your valuables from people with ill intentions. It implies that you can confidently park your car without worrying that somebody will try to peek inside and grab your items.

Driving the car when the sun is scorching is quite uncomfortable. The glare interferes with your visibility. On a bad day, it can lead to an accident. Window film limits the amount of sunlight that gets into your car. It lets you disregard the sun and drive safely. Most importantly, car window films keep your vehicle’s cabin cool and cozy.

More on Car Window Tints

There are more than 6 types of window tints. These are metalized, ceramic, hybrid, carbon, dyed windows, and so on. Their cost and level of protection vary. How much you pay for your tint depends on its quality and the dealer.

Get Your Car Window Tint Today

Are you in need of car window tinting services in Oregon? Elite Protective Films is your one-stop-shop window tinting Oregon service provider. We have a team of experts who understand clients’ needs and provide the best tinting solution.

If you want to give your car a sleek exterior look while protecting its interior, you can count on our professionals. Established in 2011, we have enough experience to provide long-lasting solutions for all our customers. Furthermore, we work on all types of cars, including trucks, RVs, vans, and even boats.

Contact us today, and we will be more than happy to provide more information on Oregon’s window tinting laws as well as transform your car windows.

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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.