Your Guide to Oregon Window Tint Laws
Oregon's window tint rules are in ORS 815.221 and 815.222. Here is what they allow on each window, in plain English, from the Caldwell shop that tints cars and trucks for drivers from Ontario and the rest of the Treasure Valley.
The Short Answer
In Oregon, tint film on the side and rear windows must let in at least 50% of light, at least 35% must get through the window with the film on, and the film may be no more than 13% reflective. SUVs, vans and pickups with a mirror on each side may have any darkness behind the driver. On the windshield, tint is allowed only in the top 6 inches. Red, gold, yellow, amber, black and mirror-finish films are banned.
Last reviewed October 2026 against ORS 815.221 and 815.222.
Oregon Tint Limits by Window
VLT (visible light transmission) is the share of light that gets through. Oregon checks two numbers: the film on its own must let in at least 50%, and the window with the film on must let in at least 35%. Factory glass already blocks some light, so the total always comes out darker than the film's label.
| Window | Cars | SUVs, vans & pickups* |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Top 6 inches only | Top 6 inches only |
| Front side windows | 50% film, 35% total | 50% film, 35% total |
| Side windows behind the driver | 50% film, 35% total | Any darkness |
| Back glass (rear window) | 50% film, 35% total | Any darkness |
*A multipurpose vehicle with a rearview mirror on each side, built to carry 10 or fewer people on a truck chassis or with off-road features, whose rear windows meet the AS-3 glazing standard (ORS 815.221(4)). Film on the side and rear windows may be no more than 13% reflective.
Windshield Tint
Oregon allows darker tint in the top 6 inches of the windshield and no tint material anywhere below that strip. Unlike the side windows, the medical exemption doesn't extend to the windshield.
SUVs, Vans and Pickups Can Go Darker in Back
ORS 815.221(4) lifts the darkness limit on every window behind the driver of a multipurpose vehicle: one designed to carry 10 or fewer people, built on a truck chassis or with special features for occasional off-road use, and fitted with a rearview mirror on each side. The front side windows still need 50% film and 35% total. Windows that use AS-3 type glazing have no light transmittance requirement at all (ORS 815.221(7)), which is why factory privacy glass is legal.
Medical Exemption: How It Works
- Get a signed document. An affidavit, a prescription, or a letter on the practitioner's letterhead from a licensed physician or optometrist, stating that you or someone in your household has a physical condition that requires darker tint.
- Register the vehicle to the right person. The exemption applies to a vehicle registered in that person's name, or the name of their legal guardian.
- Keep it in the vehicle. Show it to an officer who asks about the tint.
The exemption covers the side and rear windows, not the windshield, and the statute names no minimum light level for it. There is no DMV form or permit to file. Oregon accepts a letter from an optometrist; Idaho's exemption requires a physician.
Oregon's Tint Certificate
Oregon has the installer give a certificate listing the installer's name and address, the film's light transmittance and light reflectance, and a statement that the total light transmittance through each tinted window is at least 35% (ORS 815.221(9) and (10)). The certificate stays in the vehicle, and you show it to an officer who asks about the tint.
What Happens if You Get a Tint Ticket?
Under ORS 815.222, installing tint that doesn't comply, and driving an Oregon-registered vehicle with tint that doesn't comply, are each a Class B traffic violation. The presumptive fine is $265 (ORS 153.019), and the maximum for an individual is $1,000 (ORS 153.018). A court may dismiss or reduce the ticket if you bring the windows into compliance afterward, or if you show a medical document from a physician or optometrist.
Living in Oregon, Driving in Idaho
Oregon's tint offense applies to vehicles registered, or required to be registered, in Oregon, so an Ontario driver's car follows Oregon's rules wherever it was tinted. Idaho's law, Idaho Code 49-944, applies to any vehicle on Idaho roads. Side and rear windows tinted to Oregon's car limits also meet Idaho's. Dark film that Oregon allows behind the driver of an SUV or pickup doesn't: on Idaho roads the side windows behind the driver must let in at least 20% of light and the back glass at least 35%. On the windshield, Idaho allows film only above the AS-1 line, which can sit higher than Oregon's 6-inch strip. Factory privacy glass is legal in both states.
Tinting an Oregon-Registered Vehicle?
Tell us your vehicle is registered in Oregon when you ask for a quote, and we'll help you choose film that meets Oregon's limits. Drivers from Ontario make the short trip to our Caldwell shop all the time. See our car and truck window tinting options or get a free quote.
Oregon Tint Law Questions
This guide explains ORS 815.221 and 815.222 for general information, as last reviewed in October 2026. It is not legal advice. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.