Since 2003, Oregon has enforced laws regulating car window tinting. To ensure compliance with the state’s regulations, it’s essential to understand how dark or reflective the tint on your car windows can be. Fortunately, I have provided all the information and necessary documents about your car’s window tinting, so you can be informed and avoid any potential fines.
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Visible Light Reflection (VLR) are two essential things to consider for auto window tinting. In this discussion, I’ll explain both concepts, starting with VLT.
1. Window Tint Darkness in Oregon (VLT)
Window Tint Darkness or Visible light transmission (VLT) is a measure of the amount of light that passes through a film. It’s measured in percentages and can range from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted through the film.
Every state has specific legal limitations. In Oregon, the amount of light that can penetrate through your tinted windows may differ from that of other states, making it unique to the region. Additionally, the regulations governing tinting for passenger and multi-purpose vehicles in Oregon are quite different, so it’s crucial to study the laws carefully to avoid any legal issues.
Tint darkness laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Oregon:
Windshield: You can use non-reflective tint on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use maximum up to 35% tint darkness.
Back Side windows: You can use a maximum 35% tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use maximum 35% tint darkness for rear windows.
Tint darkness laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) in Oregon:
Windshield: You can use non-reflective tint on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 35% tint darkness for front side windows.
Back Side windows: You can use any darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use any darkness for rear windows.
2. Window Tint Reflection in Oregon (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that a window film reflects. This measurement, which ranges from 0% to 100%, determines how much visible light is reflected into your vehicle. A lower VLR percentage shows that less light will enter the car, resulting in increased sun protection.
It’s essential to keep in mind that Oregon has specific regulations regarding the allowable percentage of VLR for tinted windows. To avoid any legal complications, make sure you adhere to these guidelines and pay close attention to the VLR percentage of your chosen tint. By doing so, you can stay within the legal limits while enjoying the benefits of window tinting in Oregon.
Tint reflection laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Oregon:
Front Side windows: Window tint installed on the front side windows of a passenger vehicle must not be more than 13% reflective.
Back Side windows: Window tint installed on the back side windows of a passenger vehicle must not be more than 13% reflective.
Tint reflection laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and Vans) in Oregon:
Front Side windows: Window tint installed on the front side windows of a multipurpose vehicle must not be more than 13% reflective.
Back Side windows: Window tint installed on the backside windows of a multipurpose vehicle must not be more than 13% reflective.
Other Oregon Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
If you’re thinking about tinting the windows of your vehicle in Oregon, it’s essential to take the regulations seriously. Oregon has strict guidelines in place, and failing to comply with them can cause hefty fines and legal trouble. Besides maintaining a specific level of darkness and glare on each window, there are several other rules and regulations you’ll need to follow.
Side Mirrors: In Oregon, if any window behind the driver is tinted, dual side mirrors are required by law. This is to ensure that the driver has an adequate view of the surrounding area while driving. Without dual side mirrors, the driver may not see other vehicles or pedestrians in their blind spots, which can lead to accidents.
Restricted Colors: Certain tint colors are not permitted by law in Oregon. These include red, gold, yellow, amber, and black. These colors are considered too dark and can obstruct the driver’s view, making it difficult to see the road and other vehicles. Therefore, it is important to choose a tint color that is within the legal limits.
Certificates: Tint installers are required by law to provide you with a certificate stating the light transmittance and reflectance of the tint. This certificate will include the percentage of light that the tint allows to pass through, as well as the percentage of light that is reflected by the tint. This information is important because it will help you understand how much visibility you will have through the tinted windows.
Stickers: Oregon law does not require any stickers to identify legal tinting. However, the installer may put a sticker on the window to show that the tint has been installed under the law. This is not a requirement, but it can be helpful for the driver to have a visible sign the tint is legal.
Medical Exceptions: Oregon allows for medical exemptions for darker tints. If a person has a medical condition that requires them to have darker tints, they can apply for a medical exemption. This exemption allows the person to have darker tints than what is typically allowed by law. The person will need to provide a letter from their doctor stating the medical condition and why darker tints are necessary.
Penalties: If a person is found to have an illegal tint on their vehicle, they will be cited for a Class B traffic violation. This violation carries a fine of $360. It is important to note that the fine may vary depending on the circumstances of the violation. Repeat offenders may face higher fines. Additionally, it is important to note that if you are caught with an illegal tint, the police will make you remove it.
Conclusion
In Oregon, the laws regarding tint darkness vary depending on the type of vehicle. For passenger vehicles (sedans), the laws permit a non-reflective tint on the top 6 inches of the windshield and a maximum of 35% tint darkness on the front and back side windows, as well as the rear window. For multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans), the laws permit a non-reflective tint on the top 6 inches of the windshield and a maximum of 35% tint darkness on the front side windows, but any darkness is allowed on the back side windows and rear window. It is important to note that restricted colors such as red, gold, yellow, amber or black tint colors are not permitted by law and Tint installers must provide you with a certificate stating light transmittance and reflectance. Additionally, Oregon allows medical exemptions for darker tints. If a person is found to have illegal tint on their vehicle, they will be cited for a Class B traffic violation with a $360 fine.
Disclaimer
The information on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or as a substitute for the advice of an attorney. No user of this site, or any other person or entity that may have received this information, shall rely upon the information contained as creating an attorney-client relationship between such user and Car Glass Advisor. The rules and regulations pertaining to car window tint in Oregon may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.