Can You Get Pulled Over for Tint in Colorado? What the Law Actually Says

Yes, you can get pulled over for tint in Colorado - and it’s not because police are out to hassle drivers. It’s because window tint rules there are clear, strict, and enforced. If your windows are darker than what the law allows, you’re breaking the law. And officers don’t need a reason beyond that to stop you.

What the Colorado Window Tint Law Actually Says

Colorado’s window tint law is based on Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which measures how much light passes through your windows. The state doesn’t care how dark your tint looks - it cares about the exact percentage of light that gets through.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Front side windows: Must allow at least 27% VLT. This is the most commonly violated rule. Many people install 5% or 15% tint thinking it looks cool - but that’s way below the legal limit.
• Rear side windows and rear windshield: No restrictions if the vehicle has dual side mirrors. If you don’t have them, the same 27% rule applies.
• Front windshield: Only a non-reflective tint strip is allowed along the top, no more than 4 inches down from the top edge. No tint below that line.
• Reflective tint: Not allowed on any window. This includes metallic, mirrored, or chrome finishes.
• Medical exemptions: You can get an exception for medical conditions like lupus or photosensitivity, but you must carry a signed certificate from a licensed doctor in the vehicle at all times.

These rules are enforced under Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-227. Police officers don’t guess - they use a handheld VLT meter to measure the actual percentage. If your tint reads 20%, you’re in violation, even if you think it’s "just a little dark."

Why Do Police Care So Much?

It’s not about style. It’s about safety.

Darker tint makes it harder for officers to see inside your car during traffic stops. That’s a risk for them. It also reduces visibility for you at night or in bad weather. Studies from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that tint darker than 30% VLT increases the risk of nighttime crashes by up to 12%.

Colorado’s law is designed to balance personal preference with public safety. You’re allowed to tint your windows - just not so dark that it becomes a hazard.

What Happens If You Get Pulled Over?

If an officer pulls you over for tint, here’s what usually happens:

1. The officer approaches your vehicle and asks for your license and registration.
2. They’ll often ask if you know your tint is illegal - this is a tactic to get you to admit guilt.
3. They’ll use a VLT meter to measure your windows. The device gives a reading in seconds.
4. If you’re over the limit, you’ll get a citation. It’s not a moving violation, so no points on your license.
5. You’ll be given a notice to fix the tint within 30 days and bring proof of correction to the court.

The fine for illegal tint in Colorado is $50 to $100 for a first offense. Repeat offenses can go up to $250. But the real cost? Time and hassle. You’ll need to remove the tint, pay for a professional job, and possibly go back to court to prove you fixed it.

What Tint Is Legal in Colorado?

Here’s a simple guide to what works:

Many people choose 35% tint on the front windows - it’s dark enough to reduce glare and heat, but still lets in plenty of light. On the back, 20% tint is common and legal as long as you have side mirrors.

What About Factory Tint?

Some cars come with factory-tinted glass. That’s fine - as long as it meets the 27% VLT requirement on front windows. Many new SUVs and trucks have darker factory tint on the rear windows, which is legal. But if you add film on top of factory tint, you’re combining layers. That can push the total VLT below 27%.

Example: A car with 30% factory tint on the front windows, plus 10% aftermarket film, equals roughly 3% VLT. That’s illegal. Always check the combined VLT if you’re adding film.

How to Check Your Tint Before Getting Pulled Over

You don’t need a professional meter to get a rough idea. Here’s how:

• Hold a white piece of paper behind your front window in daylight.
• Look through the glass. If you can’t clearly see the paper’s texture and color, your tint is likely too dark.
• Try reading a license plate from 20 feet away through the side window. If it’s blurry or impossible, you’re probably over the limit.
• Use a VLT meter app on your phone. They’re not 100% accurate, but they give you a ballpark. If the app says 25% or lower, assume you’re illegal.

Professional installers can test your tint for free. Most reputable shops in Denver, Colorado Springs, or Boulder will do it - and they’ll tell you if you need to fix it.

What If You’re from Out of State?

Colorado doesn’t care where your car is registered. If you’re driving in Colorado, you must follow Colorado law. A car with 15% tint from Texas or Florida is still illegal here. Out-of-state plates don’t give you a pass.

Many tourists get pulled over in Rocky Mountain National Park or along I-70 because they didn’t realize their tint was too dark. Don’t assume your home state’s rules apply here.

Can You Fight a Tint Ticket?

You can, but it’s rarely worth it. If you were actually over the limit, the officer’s meter reading is solid evidence. Judges rarely overturn these cases unless there’s a clear mistake - like a faulty meter or the officer measuring the wrong window.

One exception: if you have a medical exemption. Bring your doctor’s signed certificate. If you have it, the ticket will be dismissed. Without it, you’re out of luck.

What About Tint on SUVs and Trucks?

Same rules apply. No special exceptions for trucks, SUVs, or vans. Even if you’re hauling gear or have kids in the back, the front windows still must be 27% VLT or higher.

Some people think SUVs are "different" because they’re taller. That’s a myth. Colorado law doesn’t make exceptions based on vehicle type.

Best Practices to Stay Legal

• Never go below 30% on front windows - even if you think "it looks fine."
• Always ask your installer for a VLT reading before they install the film.
• Keep your receipt and proof of installation. Some shops provide a certificate showing the VLT percentage - save it.
• If you’re unsure, get your tint tested before driving on Colorado highways.
• Don’t rely on "it’s not that dark" - use numbers, not guesses.

Window tint is a great upgrade - it blocks UV rays, reduces heat, and adds privacy. But if you ignore the law, you’re risking a ticket, a fine, and the hassle of removing and reinstalling your tint. It’s not worth it.