Illegal Window Tint in Oregon

Oregon State law requires that all tinted cars carry a Tint certificate declaring what percentage of light is passing through the glass and film. They refer to this number as the Visible Light Transmittance or VLT%.

If a motorist is pulled over for tinted windows they are required to provide a certificate proving the car was tinted within legal limits. The law requires that the meter reading be 35% or higher for all windows on a car. Many law enforcement officers carry a meter and will perform a test prior to writing a ticket. If your VLT is lower than 35% be prepared for a hefty fine!

The limits are different, however, for other categories of vehicles. There are limits on how reflective the tint can be too. It must be less than 13% reflective. That means mirror type tint is completely illegal.

Red, green and amber colored films are also illegal.

In order to be in compliance with Oregon State Law a motorist with tinted windows on their vehicle must make sure it is within these legal limitations. They are required to keep a Certificate in the vehicle (along with proof of insurance) at all times proving the windows are tinted legally. Otherwise they will be cited. Tickets average $350 in the Portland area.

If you do not have a tint certificate and your car is tinted, then get a meter test immediately. And have the shop provide you with a copy of the results so that you can put it in your car as proof of compliance.

If the test shows you are not in compliance, fix it quick or pay the price. There is more information on tinting in Portland at http://www.windowtintking.com/tint-faq.htm to help answer other tint related questions.