Oregon Window Tint Laws
Oregon requires 35% VLT (with the film itself at 50% or more) and no more than 13% reflectance on all side and rear windows of cars; SUVs and vans may go darker behind the driver with side mirrors.
Oregon Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Oregon Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Oregon vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | Top 6 in. | Top 6 in. |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 35% | No limit |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | 35% | Any darkness |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 35% | Any darkness |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in Oregon
Operating a vehicle with tint darker than statutory limits is classified as a misdemeanor. Citations escalate significantly upon repeat violations:
First Conviction
Classified as a misdemeanor with a fine up to $100 and/or up to 10 days in jail.
Second Conviction
Fine of up to $200 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
Third Conviction
Criminal citation with a fine up to $300 and/or up to 3 months in jail (within 1 year).
Oregon Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
Required on both sides for the rear windows of a multipurpose vehicle to go below the limit (ORS 815.221(4)).
Prohibited Tint Colors
Red, gold, yellow, amber or black films are banned (ORS 815.221(8)(b)).
Compliance Certificate Sticker
The installer gives a certificate with their name and address, the film's transmission and reflectance, and confirmation that each window is at 35% or more. It must be kept in the car and shown to police.
Medical Tint Exemptions
A sworn statement, prescription or letterhead letter from a physician or optometrist saying the owner or someone in their household needs darker tint is enough. It is kept in the vehicle; there is no state permit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Oregon? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Oregon, front side windows must allow at least 35% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow 35%, and the rear window requires 35%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow Any darkness.
Can you tint the front windshield in Oregon? +
Under Oregon law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: Top 6 in. (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Oregon? +
While law enforcement in Oregon enforces the state vehicle code (ORS 815.221 and 815.222), officers generally extend interstate reciprocity to visiting motorists whose vehicles comply with the legal tint statutes of their home registration state. However, if the tint is excessively dark and prevents officers from seeing the driver, you can still be stopped for safety verification.
Is 20% or 5% (limo tint) legal in Oregon? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Oregon because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 35% VLT. On SUVs, trucks, and vans, 20% or 5% limo tint is legally permissible only on the windows behind the driver (rear sides and back window).
How do police test window tint in Oregon, and is there an official tolerance? +
Police officers and state troopers use handheld, certified light meters that slide over the roll-down window to measure total net light transmission. Oregon statutes recognize a Not specified. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Oregon allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Oregon permits medical tint waivers for individuals with certified photosensitivity or UV-reactive conditions (such as lupus or porphyria). An official affidavit signed by a licensed physician must be approved and carried in the vehicle at all times.
Do I need a compliance certification sticker on my windows in Oregon? +
A compliance label between the glass is not legally mandated in Oregon, but the vehicle must be capable of passing an optical light meter test during routine traffic stops or state inspections.
What are the penalties and fines for illegal window tint in Oregon? +
Driving with non-compliant tint is classified as a traffic infraction or misdemeanor. First convictions carry fines starting around $100 plus court costs, typically accompanied by a 'fix-it' compliance order requiring removal or replacement of the illegal film.
Top-Rated Window Tint Shops in Oregon
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