Is 20% Tint Legal in Colorado? VLT Laws Explained

Is 20% Tint Legal in Colorado? VLT Laws Explained

Window tint laws exist to protect driver visibility and allow law enforcement to see into vehicles. Breaking Colorado's tint regulations can result in a fix-it ticket, fines, and a failed vehicle inspection. Understanding the legal limits before you tint ensures you stay compliant and avoid unnecessary hassle.

Colorado Window Tint Laws at a Glance

Understanding VLT (Visible Light Transmission)

VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission, and it's the percentage of light that passes through your tinted windows. A 70% VLT means 70% of outside light gets through the tint, while 30% is blocked. The higher the percentage, the lighter the tint—and the more legal-friendly it is in most states, including Colorado.

When shopping for tint, you'll hear people talk about "5% tint" or "35% tint." These numbers directly correspond to VLT. If you're asking "is 20 percent tint legal in Colorado," the answer depends on which windows you're tinting. For front-facing windows, 20% tint is not legal—Colorado requires a minimum of 70% VLT on your windshield and front side windows.

Front Windshield Tint Rules

Colorado allows non-reflective tint on your front windshield, but only above the manufacturer's AS-1 line (the line marked on most windshields where the wipers stop). Above that line, you can apply tint as dark as you want. Below the AS-1 line, your windshield must have at least 70% light transmission.

This rule is designed to preserve the driver's clear vision of the road while allowing some sun protection on the upper portion of the glass. Many Colorado drivers take advantage of this by applying a darker tint strip along the top for additional heat rejection without sacrificing visibility or legality.

Side Window Requirements

Colorado's front side window rules are straightforward: both the driver's and front passenger windows must allow at least 70% of visible light through. This 70% VLT minimum is one of the more restrictive regulations in the country, meaning very dark tints like 20% or 35% are off-limits for front windows.

If you're set on a darker appearance, you'll need to reserve that tint for your rear windows. Many Colorado drivers choose a medium tint (around 50%) for their front windows to stay legal while still achieving noticeable heat reduction and privacy improvements.

Rear Window and Rear Side Window Rules

Here's where Colorado gives you more freedom: your rear side windows and rear window have no darkness restrictions. You can tint them as dark as you like—even 5% or darker, often called "limo tint." This is one of the biggest advantages for Colorado drivers who want the benefits of window tinting without legal concerns.

If your vehicle has dual side mirrors (external mirrors on both sides), you can tint your rear window as dark as you want without needing to see clearly out the back—the mirrors handle visibility. Even without dual mirrors, Colorado law doesn't impose a VLT limit on the rear window.

Restricted Tint Colors

Colorado does not prohibit specific tint colors like red, amber, or blue. You're allowed to use tints in various colors, including the standard "smoke" or "charcoal" grays and even custom colors. However, your tint cannot be reflective or metallic in a way that creates excessive glare—reflective tints are banned on the windshield and front side windows, though they're permitted on rear windows.

Medical Exemptions for Window Tint

Colorado does not have an explicit statewide medical exemption program for window tinting. However, some local jurisdictions may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis for medical reasons (such as photosensitivity or severe skin conditions). If you believe you have a qualifying medical condition, contact your local law enforcement agency or county sheriff's office to inquire about the possibility of an exemption or waiver.

Without a formal exemption in place, you'd need to comply with standard VLT regulations. Some drivers with medical needs pursue legal tint percentages (like 50% on front windows) and combine them with UV-blocking windshield protectants for additional protection.

Penalties for Illegal Window Tint

If you're pulled over with illegal tint in Colorado, you'll typically receive a fix-it ticket (also called a "fix-it citation"). This gives you a set timeframe—usually 30 days—to remove or lighten your tint and have your vehicle re-inspected by law enforcement. Once corrected, you can have the ticket dismissed at no cost.

If you don't correct the violation within the allotted time, you face a traffic fine (usually $130–$200+, depending on local ordinances) and a failed vehicle inspection, which prevents registration renewal. During Colorado's annual vehicle inspections, tint is checked for compliance, so you can't renew your registration with illegal tint on record.

Find a Colorado-Compliant Tint Shop

Colorado has excellent tint shops, but not all installers are equally familiar with state regulations. A knowledgeable, certified installer will help you choose a legal tint percentage and apply it correctly—avoiding trouble down the road.

TintingSource.com connects you with trusted window tinting professionals across Colorado who understand state laws and can answer your questions about VLT limits, medical exemptions, and installation. Search our directory now to find a certified shop near you.