Window Tint Laws in Oregon (2026): Legal VLT Limits and Exemptions

Oregon regulates window tint through ORS 815.221-815.222. Below: the minimum visible light transmission (VLT) for each window, the windshield rule, what counts as too reflective, who can get a medical exemption, and how an officer checks a car at the roadside.

Legal tint limits in Oregon

• Front side windows: at least 35% VLT.
• Back side windows: at least 35% VLT.
• Rear window: at least 35% VLT.

SUVs, trucks and vans follow a different rule behind the driver: back side windows any darkness and the rear window any darkness.

VLT is measured through film and glass together. Factory glass already blocks some light, usually landing between 70% and 80% VLT before any film, so a roll sold as "35%" on a window that started at 75% ends up darker than 35% once installed. Officers meter the finished window, not the box the film came in.

Windshield

Tint only within the top 6 inches; none elsewhere on the windshield.

Federal standard FMVSS 205 sets the baseline for the glass itself: the windshield and front side windows of a new car must transmit at least 70% of visible light. State law decides what film may be added afterwards, which is why the windshield rule is usually a strip above the AS-1 line rather than a percentage.

Reflective and colored film

Film reflectance may not exceed 13%; mirror-finish products are banned. Film colors not permitted: red, gold, yellow, amber, black; brushed or sprayed liquid tints.

Medical exemptions

Oregon allows darker tint with a medical exemption. Affidavit, prescription or letterhead letter from a licensed physician or optometrist for the registered owner or a household member; keep it in the vehicle and show it on request.

Stickers, mirrors and enforcement

A certificate or sticker identifying legal tint is required. Installer must give a certificate with its name and address, the film's VLT and reflectance, and a statement that each window passes 35% total; the owner keeps it in the vehicle. Tinting the rear window does not trigger a second-mirror requirement. Class B traffic violation for installing or driving with illegal tint (ORS 815.222); courts may dismiss or reduce the fine if the tint is fixed or a medical document is shown.

In practice

Oregon uses a two-part test: the film itself must pass 50% and reflect 13% or less, and total transmission through film plus glass must be 35% or more. Multipurpose passenger vehicles (10 or fewer seats, truck chassis or off-road features, which covers most SUVs, pickups and vans) may go darker behind the driver only with mirrors on both sides. Ordinary cars need no extra mirrors. ORS chapter 815 was amended in the 2026 session, but only 815.052 and 815.281 changed; the tint sections last changed with SB 463 in 2015.

Sources

• ORS 815.221-815.222
• www.oregonlegislature.gov

Checked Nov 5, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the statute before tinting.