Car Window Tint Laws in Colorado: What You Need to Know

Yes, you can have tinted windows in Colorado, but you must follow the state’s specific rules. Understanding car window tint laws in Colorado is key to staying legal and avoiding fines.

These rules tell you how dark you can go and how much light must get through. They are not just suggestions. Police will check your tint during stops. I’ve seen people get tickets for this.

It’s a common thing to want. Tint looks good and gives you privacy. But you have to do it the right way. Let’s talk about what the law actually says.

What Are the Car Window Tint Laws in Colorado?

First, let’s break down the main rules. The law uses a term called VLT. That means Visible Light Transmission.

VLT is the percent of light that gets through your tint. A higher number means a lighter tint. A lower number means a darker tint.

For the front side windows, the car window tint laws in Colorado say you need at least 27% VLT. So the tint can’t block more than 73% of light.

The back side windows and the rear window can be any darkness you want. This is a key point in the car window tint laws in Colorado.

Your windshield can only have a non-reflective tint on the top five inches. This is often called a sun visor strip.

You also need a sticker on the driver’s side window. It shows your tint is legal. The shop that does the work should give you this.

Why Do Car Window Tint Laws in Colorado Exist?

You might wonder why these rules are so strict. They are there for safety reasons. Police need to see inside your car.

During a traffic stop, an officer needs to see your hands. Dark tint can hide what a person is doing. This can be dangerous for the officer.

It’s also about your own safety. Being able to see clearly at night is important. Very dark tint can make night driving harder.

The state also wants to make sure rules are the same for everyone. Clear car window tint laws in Colorado help with that.

These laws try to balance privacy with safety. You can get some shade and privacy. But you can’t turn your car into a completely dark box.

Knowing the reason helps you follow the rules. It’s not just about avoiding a ticket. It’s about keeping roads safe for all.

How to Measure Your Tint’s Darkness

Police use a simple tool to check your tint. It’s a little meter they hold against your window. You can buy one too if you want to check yourself.

The meter shines a light through the glass. Then it tells the officer the exact VLT percentage. It’s a quick test.

If your front side windows measure below 27%, you will likely get a ticket. The car window tint laws in Colorado are strict on this number.

Remember, factory glass already has some tint. When you add film, it gets darker. You must measure the combined VLT of the glass plus the film.

A good tint shop will measure this for you. They will make sure the final result is legal. Don’t just guess or go by how dark it looks.

According to the Colorado.gov site, the law is based on this combined measurement. Always ask your installer for the final VLT number.

Medical Exemptions for Darker Tint

Some people need darker tint for health reasons. The car window tint laws in Colorado allow for this. You can get a medical exemption.

You need a signed statement from a doctor. The doctor must say you have a condition that needs extra protection from the sun.

Conditions can include lupus, melanoma, or other light-sensitive skin issues. Some eye conditions might also qualify.

With this exemption, you can have darker tint on your front side windows. The exact allowed darkness can vary. You must carry the doctor’s note in your vehicle.

You should also inform the Colorado DMV about your exemption. They can note it on your record. This can help if you get pulled over.

This part of the car window tint laws in Colorado is important. It helps people with real medical needs stay safe and comfortable.

Reflectivity and Other Color Rules

Darkness is not the only rule. The car window tint laws in Colorado also cover reflectivity. Your tint cannot be too shiny or mirror-like.

Front side windows cannot have metallic or reflective tint. This type of tint can glare and blind other drivers. It’s a safety hazard.

The law also says your tint color matters. You cannot use red, amber, or yellow tint. These colors are reserved for emergency vehicles.

Stick to neutral colors like gray, charcoal, or black. These are almost always safe under the car window tint laws in Colorado.

Some shiny finishes look cool but are illegal. A good shop will know which films are non-reflective and legal for use.

Always ask about reflectivity when choosing your tint. A legal darkness level with illegal reflectivity is still a ticket.

Consequences of Breaking the Law

What happens if your tint is too dark? You will probably get a ticket. It’s a traffic violation.

The fine can be over a hundred dollars. You will also have to fix the problem. That means removing or replacing the illegal tint.

You might get a “fix-it” ticket. This gives you a short time to make your tint legal. Then you have to prove you fixed it to the court.

If you don’t fix it, you can get more fines. Your car might even fail its state emissions or safety inspection because of illegal tint.

Repeated tickets are a real pain. It’s cheaper to just follow the car window tint laws in Colorado from the start.

I know someone who had to pay a fine and then pay again to remove the tint. It was a waste of money. Do it right the first time.

Tips for Choosing a Tint Shop

Picking the right installer is a big deal. A good shop will keep you legal. They know the car window tint laws in Colorado inside and out.

Ask them straight up, “Will this tint be legal for my front windows?” They should say yes and tell you the VLT percentage they will use.

A reputable shop will give you a warranty for their work. They should also give you that required legal sticker for your window.

Check online reviews. Look for comments about people not getting tickets after using that shop. That’s a good sign.

The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to get all promises in writing. Get a receipt that lists the film brand and its VLT rating.

Don’t go for the cheapest option if it seems shady. Paying a bit more for a pro who follows the car window tint laws in Colorado saves you headache later.

How Car Window Tint Laws in Colorado Compare to Other States

Colorado’s rules are in the middle. Some states are much stricter. Some are more relaxed.

For example, California and New York are very strict on front window tint. Colorado’s 27% rule is actually a bit more forgiving than some neighbors.

Other states in the region, like Arizona and New Mexico, have similar laws. They understand the need for sun protection but also have safety limits.

If you move to Colorado from another state, you must check your tint. Your old tint might be illegal here. The car window tint laws in Colorado are what matter now.

If you drive through other states, their laws apply while you’re there. Most won’t ticket out-of-state cars for minor tint differences, but they could.

It’s always smart to know the rules where you live and drive. The car window tint laws in Colorado are your rulebook if your car is registered here.

Maintaining Your Tint and Staying Legal

After you get legal tint, take care of it. Don’t use harsh cleaners with ammonia. They can damage the film and make it purple or bubbly.

Use a soft cloth and mild soapy water. This keeps your tint clear and looking good for years. Damaged, bubbly tint can also attract police attention.

If your tint gets scratched or starts to peel, get it fixed. Peeling edges look bad and might make an officer want to check the darkness.

Keep your exemption paperwork in your glove box if you have one. Make sure it’s up to date. An old note from five years ago might not work.

The American Academy of Dermatology notes that window film does degrade over time from UV exposure. Even if it fades, the VLT must still measure as legal.

Following the car window tint laws in Colorado is an ongoing thing. It’s not just about the day you get it installed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal tint in Colorado?

The legal tint for front side windows is at least 27% VLT. Back side and rear windows can be any darkness. The windshield can only have a top strip.

Can you get pulled over for tint in Colorado?

Yes, you can. Police can pull you over just for having windows that look too dark. It is a primary offense under car window tint laws in Colorado.

Is 20% tint illegal in Colorado?

Yes, for front side windows. 20% tint is darker than the 27% minimum VLT allowed. It would be illegal on the driver and passenger front windows.

Do you need a tint certificate in Colorado?

Yes. You need a sticker placed on the driver’s side window. It certifies the tint meets the car window tint laws in Colorado. The installer provides it.

What is the darkest legal tint in Colorado?

For front side windows, 27% VLT is the darkest legal tint. That is the minimum light allowance. You cannot go darker than that on those windows.

How much is a tint ticket in Colorado?

A ticket for illegal tint can cost over $100. The exact fine varies by county. You will also have to pay to remove or replace the illegal tint.

Conclusion

So, can you have tinted windows in Colorado? Absolutely. You just need to play by the rules.

The main thing to remember is the 27% VLT rule for your front side windows. This is the core of the car window tint laws in Colorado.

Get your tint done by a pro who knows the law. Ask questions and get the right paperwork. This simple step keeps you safe from tickets.

Enjoy the benefits of your tint. It protects your interior and gives you privacy. Just make sure it’s the legal kind.