Colorado Window Tint Laws
Colorado requires 27% VLT on all side and rear windows and 70% on the windshield; rear windows may go darker only if the front windows and windshield are 70% or lighter.
Colorado Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Colorado Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Colorado vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | 70% | 70% |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 27% | 27% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | 27% | 27% |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 27% | 27% |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in Colorado
Operating a vehicle with tint darker than statutory limits is classified as a misdemeanor. Citations escalate significantly upon repeat violations:
First Conviction
Classified as a misdemeanor with a fine up to $100 and/or up to 10 days in jail.
Second Conviction
Fine of up to $200 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
Third Conviction
Criminal citation with a fine up to $300 and/or up to 3 months in jail (within 1 year).
Colorado Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
§42-4-227 does not require side mirrors.
Prohibited Tint Colors
Red and amber are banned in the windshield strip.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
§42-4-227 does not require a label or compliance certificate.
Medical Tint Exemptions
The statute does not provide a medical exemption.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Colorado? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Colorado, front side windows must allow at least 27% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow 27%, and the rear window requires 27%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow 27%.
Can you tint the front windshield in Colorado? +
Under Colorado law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: 70% (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Colorado? +
While law enforcement in Colorado enforces the state vehicle code (Colo. Rev. Stat. §42-4-227), officers generally extend interstate reciprocity to visiting motorists whose vehicles comply with the legal tint statutes of their home registration state. However, if the tint is excessively dark and prevents officers from seeing the driver, you can still be stopped for safety verification.
Is 20% or 5% (limo tint) legal in Colorado? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Colorado because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 27% VLT. On SUVs, trucks, and vans, 20% or 5% limo tint is legally permissible only on the windows behind the driver (rear sides and back window).
How do police test window tint in Colorado, and is there an official tolerance? +
Police officers and state troopers use handheld, certified light meters that slide over the roll-down window to measure total net light transmission. Colorado statutes recognize a Not specified. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Colorado allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Colorado enforces statutory limits strictly, and medical waivers require formalized application with the state licensing or public safety division.
Do I need a compliance certification sticker on my windows in Colorado? +
A compliance label between the glass is not legally mandated in Colorado, but the vehicle must be capable of passing an optical light meter test during routine traffic stops or state inspections.
What are the penalties and fines for illegal window tint in Colorado? +
Driving with non-compliant tint is classified as a traffic infraction or misdemeanor. First convictions carry fines starting around $100 plus court costs, typically accompanied by a 'fix-it' compliance order requiring removal or replacement of the illegal film.
Top-Rated Window Tint Shops in Colorado
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