1. (1) Transportation Safety adopts aiming, wiring and mounting requirements for motor vehicle headlights.

2. (2) The preparation for aiming of headlights shall be by one of the following methods:

   1. (a) Mechanical aimer method:

      1. (A) Calibrate the aimer for accuracy according to the instructions of the manufacturer; and
      2. (B) Make compensation for the ground level in the aiming area.

   2. (b) Visual aiming screen method:

      1. (A) Locate the vehicle on a level surface, under normal load condition with the driver behind the steering wheel;
      2. (B) Locate the screen 25 feet in front of the lens of the light;
      3. (C) Adjust the screen to the level of the area on which the vehicle stands;
      4. (D) Align the vehicle with the screen; and
      5. (E) Activate the automatic (air) suspension if the vehicle is so equipped.

3. (3) Aiming of headlights:

   1. (a) Aim lights according to vehicle manufacturer instructions when vehicle is equipped with self contained aiming devices;
   2. (b) Adjust headlights to a setting of 0-0 when using a mechanical aimer;
   3. (c) Aim the center of the high intensity zone at horizontal and straight ahead vertical for high beam, and aim the top edge of the high intensity zone at horizontal and the left edge at vertical for low beam, when using a visual aiming screen; or
   4. (d) Aim lights according to manufacturer instructions when using other methods developed by vehicle or lighting equipment manufacturers for use on new vehicle and/or headlight designs. These methods are acceptable if they meet federal and/or SAE requirements.

4. (4) Wire headlights to meet the following:

   1. (a) When headlights are turned on the taillights, clearance lights and marker lights will be illuminated;
   2. (b) When vehicle is parked, the headlights can be turned off but permits parking lights to be turned on; and
   3. (c) Headlights may alternate between high and low beams by means of a switch used at the driver’s discretion.

5. (5) Mount headlights meeting the following:

   1. (a) Securely, at the front on a rigid part of the vehicle other than window glazing;
   2. (b) As far apart and symmetrically about the vertical center line of the vehicle per FMVSS and SAE requirements;
   3. (c) Measure mounting height from ground level to the center of the lens; and
   4. (d) Mount headlights not less than 22 inches nor more than 54 inches high.

Statutory/Other Authority

ORS 184.616, 815.030, 816.010, 816.040, 816.050 & 816.060

Statutes/Other Implemented

ORS 816.010, 816.050, 816.060, 816.070 & 816.230

History

DMV 3-1997, f. & cert. ef. 1-21-97
MV 22-1986, f. & ef. 12-16-86, Renumbered from 735-080-0020
MV 9-1979, f. & ef. 11-9-79
DMV 27-2024, amend filed 08/06/2024, effective 08/06/2024
DMV 21-2024, minor correction filed 06/10/2024, effective 06/10/2024
DMV 1-2024, amend filed 01/26/2024, effective 01/26/2024
DMV 47-2018, amend filed 11/20/2018, effective 01/01/2019
DMV 4-2011, f. & cert. ef. 3-16-11
DMV 29-2009, f. 12-22-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10
DMV 20-2007, f. 12-24-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08
MV 20-1991, f. 9-18-91, cert. ef. 9-29-91
MV 38-1989, f. & cert. ef. 10-3-89
MV 30-1986, f. 12-31-86, ef. 1-1-87, Renumbered from 735-110-0810
MV 11-1985, f. 9-19-85, ef. 9-20-85