Oregon State Window Tint Law

In this page, we’ve gathered all the key information that we could find surrounding Oregon State Window Tint Law, including all the basics and additional information about rules and regulations. Oregon was the 42nd State to implement window tint laws, so if you want to cooperate with them, follow this information. 

Oregon State Automotive Window Tinting Rules 

How dark can window tint be in Oregon?

Tint VLT: Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield. 

Tint VLT: Front Side Windows: The tint must allow in 35% of light, or more. 

Tint VLT: Back Side Windows: The tint must allow more than 35% of light in. 

Tint VLT: Rear Window: The tint must allow in 35% of light, or more. 

How reflective can window tint be in Oregon?

Tint Reflection: Front Side Windows: The tint must not be any more than 13% reflective. 

Tint Reflection: Rear Side Windows: Again, the reflection of the tint cannot exceed 13%.

Other Oregon automotive window tinting rules & regulations:

Restricted Colors: It is illegal to have a window tint in either red, green, or amber

Side Mirrors: If your back window is tinted, then your car must have dual side mirrors fitted. 

Certificate Requirements: Manufacturers must certify all the film that they sell in Oregon. 

Sticker Requirements: No legal requirement for a sticker. 

Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with Oregon State tinting laws will result in a fine of $360. 

Oregon Tint Law Reference 

Oregon Vehicle Code Section 815.221: Tinting: authorized and prohibited materials: certificate (.pdf file)

Oregon Department of Transportation: FAQs about Window Tinting

Oregon Department of Transportation: Vehicle Equipment Standards (see under FAQ – windows)

Exterior Window VLT Tint

How Much Does Car Window Tinting Cost in Oregon State

Window tinting costs vary greatly across the State of Oregon. This is a large State, so there are lots of different areas to consider. Prices will also differ depending on the type of vehicle that you own. But for a standard sedan vehicle, you should expect to spend $225 to $270 for this job. 

Window tint removal is usually set at a fee of around $140 to get the tint removed off of all 4 of your vehicle’s windows. 

How Does Car Window Tinting Work?

When you tint a window, a lightweight film is applied to the inside pane of the glass. It is not applied to the outside of the glass. This is to protect the tinting from wear and tear, flying debris, and harsh sunlight. 

The first layer will be a strong polyester laminate which should improve the performance of the windows. The polyester is a transparent film. 

The next film will have tinting agents like metals and dyes, which create the shading effect. This is the layer that blocks UV rays to protect your skin from overexposure to harsh sunlight.

What Is The Best DIY 35% Tinting Product?

With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to find a tint that will actually work well on your car, especially if you buy it online. We have done a lot of research to figure out the best tinting product to apply to your vehicle yourself, and we recommend using the MKBROTHER.

Why Is This The Best?

We praise MKBROTHER so highly because of their easy-to-apply directions, their 99% UV blocking, and their scratch-resistant materials.

The MKBROTHER has a strong tint which allows in visible light but rejects the heat of the sun and the UV rays up to 99% while still sticking to the 35% restriction. This blocking doesn’t create a glare which means you won’t be distracted by the moving sunlight. The lack of glare also means that your vehicle’s interior won’t be affected by the sun rays, allowing it to stay showroom-ready for longer.

As the film is not made from metal fragments, you don’t have to worry about the tinting blocking any of your technology which normally relies on signaling.

How To Apply To Your Car

The tint is made of an adhesive film, which means all you need to do is apply the tint to the car’s window, with no special equipment on hand. 

First, you need to clean the glass on your car to remove any impurities. Next, you want to cut the film to match your car’s window size. We would advise that you check their sizing section before buying, as you will want more than enough to cover your window.

After that, you can pull one corner of the tint’s protective layers to expose the adhesive. You will be given a spray solution. Spray this solution onto the adhesive side of the film and onto the inside of the window you are planning on tinting.  At this point, depending on your state, you would apply the legalization sticker.

Lastly, you should place the film onto the window with the adhesive sides connecting. Then flatten out any bubbles which may have occurred in the process. If you have left any film on the edge of the window, you can cut it off with an extractor knife. 

Pros & Cons Of DIY vs Professional Fitting

There is an obvious reason for doing a DIY fitting instead of hiring a professional, and that’s the price. DIY tinting is so much cheaper that it is definitely worth considering. This can help you either save money or allow you to buy better quality film without the higher charge that the professional will ask for.

However, there is a reason why professionals charge these higher prices. It’s because creating a seamless installation isn’t always easy. If you put the tinting on incorrectly, it won’t last as long, nor will it protect you as much as it should. 

Medical Exemption 

Oregon State Law permits medical exemptions for window tinting. These exemptions are referred to as ‘medical waivers’. To obtain one of these, an affidavit must be given by a licensed optometrist/physician. This letter must then be kept in the vehicle, and offered to the police when they request it. The medical condition must also be clearly stated. 

According to Oregon State Law, a lower light transmission window tint can be applied to the side and rear windows of a vehicle of someone who has this medical exemption. But, the vehicle must be registered in the name of that individual, or to a member of their family/household.