Oregon 2025 Window Tint Law: Tint Darkness by Vehicle Type
Understanding Oregon’s window tint laws in 2025 is essential to stay compliant and avoid fines. The state’s tint regulations vary by vehicle type—sedans versus SUVs and vans—and apply specific VLT (Visible Light Transmission) percentages. Here’s a detailed breakdown.
Darkest Legal Tint for Sedans in Oregon (2025)
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is permitted only on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
- Front Side Windows: The tint must allow more than 35% of light in.
- Back Side Windows: The tint must allow more than 35% of light in.
- Rear Window: The tint must allow more than 35% of light in.
Darkest Legal Tint for SUVs and Vans in Oregon (2025)
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is permitted only on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
- Front Side Windows: The tint must allow more than 35% of light in.
- Back Side Windows: Any darkness can be used.
- Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.
Understanding Oregon Window Tint Law
Bright sun and glare can make driving in Oregon tough. Window tint offers relief but comes with rules. The Oregon window tint law 2025 sets limits on how dark your tint can be. Exceeding the legal window tint Oregon limits can lead to fines or traffic stops.
Insurance companies don’t ignore these rules either. Using tint beyond the Oregon car tint legal limits could result in denied claims or higher premiums. Staying within the law protects both your wallet and coverage.
Check the Oregon window tint percentage 2025 to pick the right tint and keep your vehicle legal on Oregon roads.
Why Compliance with Oregon Tint Laws Matters
Driving in Oregon means facing rain, fog, and sometimes bright sun. Window tint helps reduce glare and makes the car cooler. But too much tint can make it hard to see, especially at night. Following Oregon’s tint laws keeps me safe and helps me see clearly on the road.
Obeying tint laws also helps me avoid trouble with the law. Police in Oregon check for illegal window tint during traffic stops. If my windows are too dark, I could get a ticket or be asked to remove the tint. Staying legal saves time and stress.
Insurance is another reason to follow tint rules. If I get into a crash and my tint is too dark, my insurance company may not pay for the damage. Legal tint protects my coverage and keeps my driving record clean.
What Changed in Oregon Tinting Law 2025?
Oregon updated its tint laws in 2025 to be clearer and stricter in some areas.
First, police now use better tools to check if a window tint is too dark. They test the tint during roadside checks to make sure it follows the 35% VLT rule for sedans and front windows of SUVs and vans.
Second, Oregon now has stronger rules for tint colors. Red, amber, and mirrored tints are not allowed. The state also reminded drivers that the windshield can only have non-reflective tint on the top 6 inches.
Window Tinting Laws in Oregon
Oregon’s window tint laws were created in 2003 and updated in 2025. These rules help drivers stay safe and make sure they can see clearly. Tint laws are different for sedans and for SUVs or vans.
Passenger Cars (Sedans)
For sedans, you can use non-reflective tint on the top 6 inches of the windshield. The rest of the windshield must be clear. Front and back side windows, and the rear window, must let in more than 35% of light. This rule helps other drivers and police see inside your car.
Mirrored or shiny tint is not allowed on any windows. If your rear window is tinted, your car must have two side mirrors to see behind you.
Multi-Purpose Vehicles (SUVs and Vans)
SUVs and vans follow the same rules for the windshield and front side windows—only the top 6 inches of the windshield may be tinted, and the front windows must let in over 35% of light.
The rear side windows and the rear windshield can have any tint darkness. Just like sedans, if the rear window is tinted, your vehicle must have two side mirrors.
To know which tint laws apply to your vehicle, check the label on the driver’s side door. It will say if your vehicle is a sedan or a multi-purpose vehicle.
Oregon Tint Law 2025: Sedans, SUVs, Trucks Compared
| Vehicle Type | Front Windshield | Front Side Windows | Rear Side Windows | Rear Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans | Top 6 inches only (non-reflective) | ≥35% VLT | ≥35% VLT | ≥35% VLT |
| SUVs/Vans | Top 6 inches only (non-reflective) | ≥35% VLT | No limit | No limit |
| Trucks | Top 6 inches only (non-reflective) | ≥35% VLT | No limit* | No limit* |
Note: Trucks with tinted rear windows must have dual side mirrors.
Window Tint Reflection in Oregon
In Oregon, window tint helps reduce heat and glare, but there are strict limits on how reflective your tint can be. Tints that reflect too much light can cause visibility problems for both drivers and others on the road. Oregon law sets clear rules for reflectivity to keep driving safe.
Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front Side Windows: Must not be more than 13% reflective.
- Back Side Windows: Must also be 13% reflective or less.
Tint Reflection for SUVs and Vans
- Front Side Windows: Can be tinted, but the reflectivity must stay below 13%.
- Back Side Windows: Same rule applies—no more than 13% reflective.
Other Oregon Window Tint Rules and Regulations
- Side Mirrors: If any window behind the driver is tinted, the vehicle must have dual side mirrors for rear visibility.
- Restricted Colors: Oregon bans red, gold, yellow, amber, and black window tint colors.
- Certificates: Tint installers must give you a certificate showing the film’s light transmittance and reflectance. Keep it in case law enforcement asks.
- Stickers: Oregon does not require stickers to show that tint is legal.
Legal Window Tint Certificates in Oregon
In Oregon, drivers are not required to display stickers on their tinted windows to prove compliance with tint laws. However, it is your responsibility to ensure your tint meets state guidelines. The best way to do that is to ask your installer if the film is certified and legal for use in Oregon.
While stickers aren’t necessary, choosing a legal and properly tested tint can save you from costly citations and unwanted attention from law enforcement.
Medical Exemptions for Window Tint in Oregon
Oregon allows medical exemptions for drivers who need darker tint for health reasons. Conditions like light sensitivity, skin conditions, or eye disorders may qualify you for this exemption. If you believe you need special tinting, consult your doctor. Once approved, you can have darker window film installed legally on areas like the front side windows or rear windows.
Keep proof of your exemption in your vehicle at all times. This protects you from fines and ensures you’re covered during traffic stops or inspections.
Window Tint Violation Penalties in Oregon
Violating Oregon’s tint laws can be costly. Although it’s not a criminal offense, an illegal tint is treated as a Class B traffic violation. A single citation can come with a fine of up to $360—often more than the cost of replacing the tint with legal film.
Repeat violations can lead to even more fines and attention from enforcement officers. Fixing your tint early is a simple way to avoid unnecessary legal trouble.
Risks of Illegal Window Tint
Illegal tint can cause failed inspections, insurance complications, and expensive penalties. Law enforcement can test your window tint using specialized tools during traffic stops. If the tint doesn’t meet the law, you’ll be cited and required to fix it.
By following Oregon’s tint laws, you protect your safety, wallet, and peace of mind. It’s always smarter to use legal film from the start than to risk costly consequences later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid Under Oregon Tint Law 2025
1. Installing tint that is too dark on front windows
Oregon law requires that front side windows allow more than 35% of visible light to pass through. Many people install film that goes below this limit without checking.
2. Tinting too far down on the windshield
Only the top 6 inches or the area above the AS-1 line can be tinted. Applying tint lower on the windshield is not legal and may result in a citation.
3. Using mirrored or reflective films
Oregon does not allow window films that have a reflective or mirror-like finish. These can distract other drivers and are not safe on the road.
4. Not verifying factory tint levels before adding more
Some vehicles come with built-in tint. Adding more film without checking the combined light transmission can make the tint too dark.
5. Forgetting to ask for documentation
Even though Oregon does not require a tint sticker, it is wise to get a compliance certificate from your installer. It proves your tint follows the law and can help avoid problems during inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions – Oregon Tint Law 2025
Q1: What is the legal VLT for front side windows in Oregon?
Front side windows must allow more than 35% of visible light to pass through.
Q2: Can I tint my front windshield in Oregon?
Yes, but only the top 6 inches or the area above the AS-1 line. Anything lower is not allowed.
Q3: Are tint rules different for SUVs or trucks?
No. The tint limits in Oregon apply to all vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and trucks.
Q4: Can I use a reflective or metallic tint?
No. Reflective or shiny tints are not allowed on any windows.
Q5: Is a medical exemption available in Oregon?
Yes. If you have a medical condition, you can apply for an exemption with a doctor’s note. You must carry this proof in your car.
Q6: Will I get fined for illegal tint in Oregon?
Yes. You may receive a citation and be required to remove or replace the illegal film.
Q7: Do I need a sticker or certificate for legal tint?
A sticker is not required, but it’s a good idea to have a certificate of compliance from your installer for legal protection.
Final Thoughts on Oregon Tint Law 2025
Getting your windows tinted can make your car cooler, more private, and easier to drive in the sun. But in Oregon, you must follow the law to avoid trouble. Knowing the rules about how dark or shiny your tint can be helps you stay safe and avoid tickets.
If you are not sure your tint is legal, ask a licensed installer. They can check the film’s light level and help you choose a tint that meets Oregon’s standards. Keeping a copy of the tint specs or a certificate is also smart.
Laws can change, so keep an eye on updates from the Oregon DMV. Staying informed is the best way to protect your car, your wallet, and your peace of mind.
Helpful Resources for Oregon Drivers
- Oregon DMV Vehicle Tint Rules: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/DMV/
- Oregon Revised Statutes – Window Tint Law: https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_815.221
- Medical Tint Exemption Info (Oregon DMV): https://www.oregon.gov/odot/DMV/pages/forms/
- Get a Tint Check Certificate (suggested, not required): Ask a certified window tint installer in Oregon.