Window Tint Laws in Oregon

After purchasing or leasing a vehicle, it is common to get window tints. Tinted windows provide many benefits, including restricting the amount of light that comes into the vehicle, keeping the inside of the car cooler, and providing some privacy. 

However, while window tints offer advantages and make a car look better, window tint laws dictate how dark a car or SUV’s windows can be.

Like many other states, Oregon has laws concerning the darkness of window tints for vehicles. The state enacted these laws in 2003. 

Window tint laws exist for many reasons, but primarily because the darker the tint, the harder it can be for a person to see, especially at night. 

Oregon window tint laws dictate a tint’s VLT, or visible light transmission. This refers to how much light a tint allows through. A lower percentage means the tint is darker and allows less light to pass through.

The allowable VLT under Oregon window tint laws depends on whether you’re tinting a sedan or an SUV. Therefore, it’s important to do your research before tinting your vehicle to avoid potential trouble in the future. 

Window Tints for Cars

For sedans, window tinting laws are as follows:

• Front windshield: A non-reflective tint is permitted only on the six inches at the top of the windshield; the entire windshield cannot be tinted
• Front side windows: Window tint cannot be darker than 35%
• Back side windows: Window tint cannot be darker than 35%
• Rear window: Window tint cannot be darker than 35%

Staying within these parameters allows you to enjoy the benefits of tinted windows while respecting Oregon law. 

Window Tints for Trucks and SUVs

If you wish to tint a truck, van, or SUV, the following rules for tints apply:

• Front windshield: A non-reflective tint is permitted only on the top six inches of the windshield; the entire windshield cannot be tinted
• Front side windows: Window tint cannot be darker than 35%
• Back side windows: Any percentage of darkness is allowed
• Rear window: Any percentage of darkness is allowed

Like window tints for cars, larger vehicles must also follow Oregon laws regarding tinting to avoid legal repercussions. 

Other Rules and Regulations Regarding Window Tints in Oregon

Along with the allowable percentage of window tint, Oregon also provides additional rules concerning window tints, including the following:

• Reflectiveness: Like reflective sunglasses, window tints can be reflective. Under Oregon law, tints cannot be more than 13% reflective
• Restricted colors: Window tints do not only come in gray and black but also in other colors. In Oregon, tints cannot be yellow, green, red, or amber
• Side mirrors: If any windows behind the driver are tinted, like the rear window, dual-sided mirrors are required by law
• Certificate requirements: At the time of tinting, the party installing the tints must provide you with a certificate stating the VLT and reflectance
• Sticker requirements: You are not required to have a visible sticker to identify legal tinting
• Medical exemptions: Oregon does allow medical exemptions for darker tints

Failing to follow any of the above window tint laws in Oregon can result in fines.

Window Tints and Car Accidents

Legal window tints do not affect a driver’s ability to see and drive. However, illegal tints can make it harder to see, which could result in a car accident or other type of motor vehicle crash.

If you’re involved in a vehicle collision with an individual with illegal car window tints, this could impact your car accident claim. A knowledgeable Portland car accident attorney can provide guidance regarding your case and potential compensation. 

Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys in Portland, OR – Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers

If you were injured in an accident in Portland, OR, please contact our Portland car accident lawyers at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers
101 SW Main St. #1905
Portland, OR, 97204
(503) 272-8986