Essential Points
- Oregon law requires that front-side windows allow more than 35% of light to be in.
- Only the top 6 inches of windshields can have non-reflective tint.
- Medical exemptions are available for those with certain conditions.
- Fines up to $360 can be imposed for non-compliance.
- Always have tint certification documentation in your vehicle.
Understanding Oregon DMV Tint Laws: Window Percentage, Tint Regulations & Insurance Information
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Oregon Tint Laws: A Quick Overview
Oregon has established laws that dictate how dark a vehicle’s window tint can be. These laws are designed to keep everyone on the road safe by ensuring visibility. Here’s a brief rundown:
- The front side windows must allow over 35% of light.
- Only the top 6 inches of the windshield can have a non-reflective tint.
- The back side and rear windows can have tints of darkness.
- No windows can have reflective tint.
- Medical exemptions can be obtained under certain circumstances.
Why Tint Your Windows?
Window tinting isn’t just for looks. It also provides several practical benefits:
- Heat Reduction: Tinted windows can prevent up to 60% of solar heat from entering your car, keeping your vehicle cool.
- UV Protection: Quality tints can prevent up to 99% of harmful UV rays from entering your car, protecting your skin and reducing the fading of your car’s interior.
- Glare Reduction: Tinting reduces glare from the sun and headlights, making driving safer.
- Privacy: Darker tints provide more privacy and security, making it harder for outsiders to see inside your car.
Oregon Tint Percentage Regulations
Understanding the specific tint percentage regulations in Oregon is crucial for staying compliant. The critical factor here is the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage, which refers to the amount of light that can pass through the window tint and glass.
What Does Visible Light Transmission (VLT) Mean?
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) measures the light that can pass through a window. It is shown as a percentage. So, if a window has a VLT of 35%, 35% of light can get through, and 65% is blocked. In Oregon, the law sets different VLT percentages for other windows on your car. You can also check out the Colorado DMV tint laws for more information.
| Vehicle Type | Windshield Tint Limit |
|---|---|
| Sedans | 6 inches non-reflective |
| SUVs/Vans | 6 inches non-reflective |
| All Vehicles | Non-reflective on top 6 inches |
| Trucks | 6 inches non-reflective |
| Motorhomes | 6 inches non-reflective |
Reference:
https://www.tinting-laws.com/oregon
Exact VLT Percentages for Various Vehicle Windows
These are the exact VLT specifications for the different windows on your vehicle:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed only on the top 6 inches.
- Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
- Back Side Windows: Any darkness can be used.
- Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.
Exceptions to Tint Percentages
Specific exceptions to these tint percentage rules apply. For example, vehicles used by law enforcement agencies or those with medical exemptions can have different tint levels. Understanding these exceptions is essential to ensure compliance with Oregon window tinting laws.
Medical Exceptions
The state of Oregon does allow for medical exceptions to the window tinting laws. You can apply for an exception if you have a medical condition requiring a darker tint. You’ll need a signed document from a licensed physician or optometrist to qualify.
- Discuss your need for a medical exemption with your doctor.
- Get a signed document from your doctor explaining your condition and why you need a darker tint.
- Take the document to the Oregon DMV to get it approved.
Tint Standards for SUVs and Vans
The tint laws in Oregon are slightly different for SUVs and vans than for sedans. These vehicles can have darker tints on their back and rear windows, just like sedans, but they still have to meet the 35% VLT requirement for the front side windows. This is to ensure the driver can see well enough and to ensure law enforcement officers can see inside the vehicle if they need to.
Commercial Vehicle Tint Limitations
Commercial vehicles are subject to more stringent tint restrictions. For example, the front side windows must permit more than 35% of light to enter, and the windshield can only have non-reflective tint along the top 6 inches. However, the back side and rear windows can be as dark as desired. These regulations ensure that commercial drivers have unobstructed views while driving, thereby improving road safety for all.
How Tint Violations Affect Insurance
Breaking the tint laws in Oregon doesn’t just mean fines; it can also affect your car insurance. Insurance companies consider state law compliance when they evaluate risk, and any violations could result in higher premiums or even policy cancellations.
Insurance Claim Consequences
In the event of an accident, if you are found to violate tint laws, it could impact your insurance claim. Your insurance company could argue that the illegal tint contributed to the accident by reducing visibility. This could lead to reduced claim payouts or increased liability for you.
Possible Consequences for Not Adhering to the Rules
Non-compliance with tint laws can lead to more than just fines. You may be asked to remove the illegal tint and have your vehicle checked by the DMV. If you repeatedly break the law, you may face stricter penalties, such as higher fines and points on your driving record, which can also affect your insurance rates.
How to Keep Your Insurance Rates Low
If you want to keep your insurance rates low, ensure your vehicle always complies with the state’s tint laws. Here are a few tips:
- Regularly check the VLT percentage of your window tints to ensure they comply.
- Always have the documentation of your tint installation and any medical exemptions in your vehicle.
- Speak with your insurance provider about any changes you make to your vehicle, including window tinting.
Steps to Ensure Your Tint is in Compliance
If you follow these steps, you can easily ensure that your window tint is in compliance with Oregon’s laws. Doing so can save you from fines, legal issues, and insurance complications.
How to Get Your Tint Installed Properly
Firstly, you should have your window tint installed by a professional who knows Oregon’s tint laws. A reliable installer will use the correct VLT percentages and provide installation paperwork.
Papers to Always Keep in Your Car
Make sure you always have these papers in your car:
- A compliance certificate from the person who installed your tint.
- Documentation for medical exemption, if this applies to you.
- Receipts and warranties for the installation of your tint.
Procedures for Verification and Inspection
You should inspect your window tints regularly to ensure they haven’t degraded or that the VLT percentage hasn’t changed over time. You can buy a VLT meter to check if your tints are compliant. If you’re ever unsure, you can have a professional inspect your vehicle to ensure it’s compliant.
Consequences for Breaking Oregon Tint Laws
You could face serious consequences if you don’t follow Oregon’s tint laws. If you’re pulled over and found to have illegal tint, you could be charged with a Class B traffic violation, resulting in fines of up to $360. In some situations, you might also have to remove the illegal tint and have your car re-inspected by the DMV.
How to Fix Violations
If you’ve broken Oregon’s tint laws, don’t worry. You can follow specific steps to fix the problem and legally drive again. For example, you can review the North Carolina DMV tint laws to understand similar regulations and ensure compliance.
Firstly, the illegal tint must be removed. This is usually possible at the same shop where the tint was applied. If you did it on your own, ensure you use the correct tools and methods to prevent damage to your windows.
Then, get your car checked out by a certified professional to ensure that the new tint meets Oregon’s legal requirements. Keep all paperwork from this inspection in your car.
Lastly, if you’ve been issued a ticket for this violation, you might have to show the court or the DMV that you’re now in compliance. This typically means providing inspection paperwork and receipts from the new tint job.
Get Help from the DMV
Turn to the Oregon DMV for many resources to help you navigate and adhere to tint laws. Whether you need formal rules or have particular inquiries, the DMV can help.
Where to Look for Official Tinting Rules
The official window tinting rules can be found on the Oregon DMV website. These rules offer comprehensive information on legal tint percentages, medical exemptions, and more. Be sure to check these rules often to stay up-to-date on any changes in the law.
Getting in Touch with the Oregon DMV
For any specific queries or need more help, you can directly contact the Oregon DMV. Here are some ways you can contact them:
- Phone: Call the Oregon DMV at 503-945-5000 for immediate assistance.
- Email: Email the DMV through their official website’s contact form.
- In-Person: Visit your local DMV office for face-to-face help.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the legal tint limit for front-side windows in Oregon?
- Can I get a medical exemption for window tint in Oregon?
- What are the penalties for illegal window tints in Oregon?
What is the legal tint limit for front-side windows in Oregon?
In Oregon, the legal tint limit for front side windows is 35%, which means that they must allow more than 35% of light to pass through. This means that the tint cannot be too dark, ensuring that drivers have adequate visibility and that law enforcement can see inside the vehicle if necessary.
Is it possible to get a medical exemption for window tint in Oregon?
Indeed, Oregon does provide medical exemptions to its window tinting regulations. You can request an exemption if you have a medical condition requiring a darker tint. You must have a document signed by a licensed physician or optometrist that describes your condition and the need for a darker shade. This document should be submitted to the Oregon DMV for their approval.
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