Colorado Window Tint Laws: Complete Legal Guide
Colorado window tint laws are designed to balance driver safety with the desire for privacy and sun protection. Violating these regulations can result in traffic citations, fines, and potential vehicle inspection failures. Understanding what's legal before you tint helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensures your vehicle complies with state requirements.
Quick Reference Table
| Window | Legal VLT % | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield | 70% or lighter | Only non-reflective tint above AS-1 line allowed |
| Front Side Windows | 27% or darker | Driver and passenger windows |
| Rear Side Windows | Any darkness | No restrictions on rear side windows |
| Rear Window | Any darkness | No restrictions on rear window |
Understanding VLT (Visible Light Transmission)
VLT percentage measures how much visible light passes through your tinted windows. A higher VLT percentage means lighter tint that lets more light in, while a lower percentage means darker tint that blocks more light. For example, 70% VLT is very light (almost clear), while 20% VLT is quite dark and blocks most outside visibility.
Colorado's laws reference VLT to ensure drivers maintain adequate visibility for safe driving. When a law states "27% or darker," it means tint blocking at least 73% of light (or allowing only 27% to pass through) is legal. Understanding this measurement helps you communicate clearly with tint shops and ensures you get compliant tinting.
Front Windshield Rules
Colorado permits tinting on the front windshield, but with specific restrictions. You can apply non-reflective tint to any part of the windshield that measures 70% VLT or lighter (meaning it allows at least 70% of light to pass through). However, the darker tint—if applied—is only allowed above the AS-1 line.
The AS-1 line is a manufacturer's marking on most windshields indicating the upper edge of the safety zone. This restriction exists because darker tint near driver eye level significantly impacts visibility and safety. If your windshield doesn't have a marked AS-1 line, Colorado generally considers the top six inches as the allowable tinting area.
Side Window Rules
Colorado's side window rules differ between front and rear windows. Your front driver and passenger windows must be 27% VLT or darker (meaning they can block at least 73% of light). This is fairly restrictive compared to many states and is designed to maintain visibility for law enforcement and safety purposes.
The rear side windows have no darkness restrictions in Colorado. You can tint them as dark as you prefer, from 70% VLT all the way down to limo tint if desired. This flexibility on rear windows allows drivers to customize appearance and privacy without legal concerns, as long as you comply with front window limits.
Rear Window Rules
Colorado places no restrictions on rear window tinting darkness. You're free to apply any level of tint to your rear window, whether that's light tint or completely opaque. This applies to sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and trucks equally—the state doesn't differentiate by vehicle type.
The lack of rear window restrictions makes sense from a safety standpoint since rear window tint doesn't affect the driver's forward visibility. If your vehicle has dual side mirrors (exterior mirrors), you have added flexibility since those mirrors provide visibility for rear-side monitoring regardless of rear window tint.
Restricted Colors
Colorado does not ban specific tint colors like red or amber. You can legally apply any color of non-reflective tint, as long as the VLT percentage meets state requirements. However, reflective or mirror-finish tints are prohibited on all windows. This means your tint should not have a shiny, reflective quality that creates a mirror-like appearance.
The prohibition on reflective tint exists because it can interfere with law enforcement visibility and creates glare hazards for other drivers. Stick with standard non-reflective tint films in any color you prefer, and you'll stay compliant with Colorado law.
Medical Exemptions
Colorado does allow medical exemptions for window tinting that would otherwise violate state law. If you have a documented medical condition requiring additional sun protection—such as lupus, photosensitivity disorders, or certain skin conditions—you may qualify for an exemption.
To obtain a medical exemption, you'll need to work with your physician to document the medical necessity. Requirements and processes can vary, so contact your local Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles office or a knowledgeable tint shop for current procedures. Medical exemption vehicles may need to carry documentation in the vehicle to explain the darker-than-legal tinting to law enforcement.
Penalties for Illegal Tint
Colorado law enforcement can issue citations for non-compliant window tinting. Illegal tint violations are typically classified as a minor traffic offense. Fines generally range from $50 to $130, depending on whether it's a first offense and whether the officer issues a fix-it ticket.
Many Colorado officers issue fix-it tickets, which give you a specific timeframe (usually 30 days) to have the tint corrected and then present proof of correction. This approach allows drivers to remedy the violation without a permanent fine on their record. If you receive a citation, a certified tint shop can remove or adjust your tint to comply with state law and provide the documentation needed to resolve the ticket.
Find a Compliant Tint Shop in Colorado
Installing legal tint requires knowledge of Colorado's specific VLT percentages and regulations. TintingSource.com connects you with certified window tinting professionals across Colorado who understand state laws and can ensure your tint installation is fully compliant.
Browse our directory to find a trusted local tint shop near you. Our partners know Colorado tint laws inside and out, can answer your questions about medical exemptions, and will install your tint correctly the first time.