Oregon tint laws in a nutshell
Window tinting laws in Oregon are aimed at ensuring a safe and legal driving environment for everyone on the road. With all the unpredictable drivers in the Portland area, you don’t want to be following one with illegal window film that makes it more difficult than it needs to be to see the vehicle. Additionally, law enforcement asks that commercial and personal driver’s comply with Oregon’s window tint laws, so it is best for everyone in Oregon that you follow these regulations.
Oregon Tint Requirements:
Tint darkness is measured by a percentage of visible light that is allowed in through the combined film and the window. So, lower percentages allow less light in and are thus "darker" than higher percentages.
The following list details the allowable tint darkness for passenger vehicles, SUV’s and vans in Oregon:
The terms "front", "back", "windshield" and other description refer to the windows on vehicles where tint is being applied. The percentage estimated here only applies when measurement of the tint is done with a photometer, which measures the amount of light that passes through the tinted window. If you want to be completely legal, make sure that you keep the tint above the percentages estimated below or you could be pulled over and face a fix-it ticket .
The following list details the allowable tint darkness for multi-purpose vehicles (SUV’s and vans) for the front, back and windshield when measurements are taken with a photometer.
Though the tint on your windshield can’t be darker than thirty-five percent (35%) if you are pulled over by law enforcement you likely won’t get a ticket if your tint darkness is above the allowable percentage. Instead, you would be told to remove the tint from the windshield and you may be ticketed for. Can I Have Tints on My Front Windshield?
Oregon tint law states that you can have a non-reflective tint on your front windshield and that no part of that tint can be more than five (5) inches down from the top of the windshield. There is a major exception to this rule however, because many of today’s vehicles already come with a factory tint that is five inches down from the top of the windshield and tinted fully to thirty-five percent (35).
Even though you technically have to remove this tint so that you are fully complying with both Oregon tint law and the regulations of the law enforcement agencies, it is doubtful that you would be pulled over, fined and/or asked to remove the factory tint layered on your vehicle by the manufacturer.
The current legal limit for tint in Oregon
The Oregon legal limit for window tinting on passenger vehicles has varied over the years. In 1973 there were no known restrictions on window tint. In 1987, the law allowed tint up to 35% on sedans and SUVs and up to 35% on trucks. In 1999, the vehicle tinting law was amended to allow tint up to 35% on sedans and SUVs, but the tinting on SUVs had to additionally meet the VLT standard of 24% in the rear windows and 14% VLT on the rear most windows. While no changes have been made to the tint standard since the change in 1999, the Oregon Legislature has added two new classifications of vehicles, defined by the Oregon Administrative Rules for law enforcement purposes as Sedans and Trucks/SUVs, that affect the tint law going forward. The difference between the two classifications is based on the VLT measured for only the front seat. Under OAR 735-121-0040(3), a sedan of five windows or less is determined based on the tint of the two front windows. Under OAR 735-121-0040(4), a truck or SUV of more than five windows is determined based on whether the tint on one of the windows on the driver’s side has a VLT of more than 24%; if so, it is classified as an SUV versus a sedan. With respect to SUVs, tint can be applied to up to 35% on the windshield, and up to the same on the front side windows and other windows, such as the rear.
For trucks and SUVs, tint can be applied up to 35% on the windshield and limited to a tint that allows at least 24% VLT on the front windows, to 14% VLT on the rear windows and to 6% VLT on the rear most windows.
Legal but special exemptions
There are certain exemptions for vehicles that are required by law to have tinted windows, such as vans or other vehicles used by transport services for medically fragile persons or children. Those who may transport persons within this group may be issued permits authorizing them to carry those children in a vehicle with tinted windows or with an exemption for the tint on the windows that may otherwise be banned. These permits are valid for the duration of their purpose if the tint adheres to Oregon’s legal tint limits. Members of the armed forces may also apply for exemptions for the tint of their vehicle’s windows, and the same legal tint limits apply to them that apply to the above mentioned transport services. There are some legal tint limit exemptions for vans manufactured without windows in the rear and side per the definition of "van" as an enclosed motor vehicle with a maximum cargo area height of at least 56 inches as measured from the rigid floor and with a maximum cargo area interior width of at least 48 inches as measured across the back at right angles to the centerline of the vehicle. This means that many miner’s rigs, utility and service vehicles, delivery and cargo vans and other commercial vehicles will probably meet this definition.
Penalties for noncompliance
Consequences of Noncompliance
If you are found to have violated the tint laws, you could face a Class A violation under ORS 815.280 which is punishable by up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500. However, the typical sentence for such a violation is a fine of $250 (OR Rev Stat § 153.018). The fine or another malicious act can also result in the removal or re-tinting of the vehicle’s windows or windshield.
Note that you will only be pulled over for illegally tinted windows if an officer notices the tint while on patrol, or if you are pulled over for another traffic violation and the officer notices that your window tint may be too dark. If the police stop you and notice the tint, they will likely give you a ticket and ask you to document that you have had the tint legally removed after submit proof. You will not be arrested or charged with a criminal offense .
The main penalties for violating tint laws are:
Pay your fine
Removal or re-tinting of your tinted windows
Possible arrest for contempt of court if you do not follow orders
Oregon Resistance
If you feel that a police officer has inappropriately cited you for excessive window tint, you are expected to comply with the officer’s requests and later appeal to the court. If you resist an officer’s request to roll down your window, they will have no choice but to charge you with resisting arrest, and you will be charged with a criminal offense.
OTHER ISSUES: Drive Offenses
In addition to window tint, there are other reasons an officer would pull you over – such as failure to drive on the right side of the road. In Oregon, there are numerous "drive offenses" that could result in a citation, points on your license, or even criminal charges. Some common drive offenses include:
A few tips on getting legal tint
When selecting a tint for your vehicle, it is crucial to choose one that not only adheres to Oregon’s legal limits but also meets your preferences for privacy and looks. To make sure that your new tint follows the law, talk to an experienced window film dealer or tint specialist who is knowledgeable about Oregon’s laws regarding window tinting. For instance, some window tinting shops advertise a wide range of tint options available. However, since the shop is located in Oregon, the tint used on your vehicle must conform with the legal limits for Oregon. Even though there may be some tint options that can be considered to be dark, your dealer should only offer you the options that are right for Oregon.
Become Familiar with the Terms
You should also get to know some of the common terms used to describe window tints. These include:
• Visible Light Transmission (VLT) – the measurement of how much of the light that hits the tint can actually pass through it. For example, if the VLT is 50%, this means that 50% of the light manages to pass through.
• Solar Heat Rejection – the amount of solar energy that a tint keeps out of the vehicle.
• Total Solar Energy Rejection – the amount of total solar energy rejected by the tint.
• Ultraviolet Rejection – the amount of criminal UV rays that a tint can keep out of the vehicle.
• Optical Clarity – how clear the tint is. A tint with "optical clarity" has zero imperfections passed on from the manufacturer to the consumer.
This information will help you understand what is included on the label and discerning between which tint is more appropriate for you and your vehicle.
Do Your Research
Once you figure out which tint you like and can benefit from, you should research tint shops in your area. Some ways to select a reputable tint shop includes:
• Receiving a referral from a friend or family member.
• Visiting the dealer’s website to see completed projects.
• Checking to see if other consumers have left reviews about the store on the website or social media.
• Talking to each shop that you are considering to figure out if they are knowledgeable about auto window tinting.
• Ensuring that the dealer specializes in tinting for vehicles, and not only for home windows.
• Asking about warranties for the tint.
• Looking at the selection of tints offered by the shop.
Frequently asked questions
Below, we answer some of the most common questions we get from clients:
Can I be stopped if my window tint is too dark?
While it is not especially common, yes. The Oregon State Police are charged with enforcing the state’s tint law, and they are trained to measure darkness through window tint meters. As you would with any other aspect of vehicle code enforcement, you should be sure the tint on your vehicle adheres to the requirements in Oregon law. However, it is unlikely that you would be pulled over merely because a police officer thinks your tint might be too dark.
What can I do if my tint gets broken?
Generally speaking, any tinting film product that has been properly applied to a window surface using appropriate tools and products may be re-tinted .
How much does window tinting cost?
Window tinting costs depend on the size of the job being completed by a professional service. Vehicle owners who take their car or truck in for a professional tint job can generally expect a $200 to $400 dollar price range, but it is important to keep in mind that prices will vary from one location to another.
Can I tint my windows myself?
Yes, tinting your vehicle’s windows at home is possible and fairly simple to do.
How do I remove my tint?
When it comes to removing old tint, it is recommended that professionals be used.