Colorado Window Tint Laws: A Quick, Practical Guide
If you’re thinking about tinting your car in Colorado, you need to know the state’s rules before the installer starts. A wrong shade can land you with a ticket, a fine, and the hassle of removing the tint. This guide breaks down the legal limits, common exceptions, and simple steps to keep your ride looking cool and staying legal.
Legal VLT Limits for Each Window
Colorado uses a Visible Light Transmission (VLT) rating to measure how much light can pass through a tint. The lower the VLT percentage, the darker the film.
- Front side windows: Must allow at least 70% of light in. Anything darker than 30% VLT is illegal.
- Back side windows: No specific VLT limit, but they must match the rear window’s tint level.
- Rear window: No VLT restriction, but the tint must be non-reflective.
- Windshield: Only the top 5 inches can be tinted, and the film must be non-reflective with a VLT of at least 70%.
These numbers are the baseline. If you go any darker on the front sides, you risk a traffic stop. Police officers can use a tint meter to check your car on the spot.
Exemptions, Fines, and What to Do If You Get Caught
Colorado offers medical exemptions for drivers who need extra privacy or protection from sunlight. You’ll need a signed doctor’s note and a special “Medical Tint” label on the window. The label must be visible and not cover any reflective portion of the film.
If you’re pulled over for illegal tint, the officer will issue a citation. Fines start at $75 for a first‑time offense and increase with each subsequent violation. In addition to the fine, you’ll be required to remove or replace the illegal tint within a set period, usually 30 days.
To avoid these headaches, have the installer provide the exact VLT rating of the film before it’s applied. A reputable shop will test the film with a calibrated meter and give you a receipt showing the percentage.
How to Check Your Tint Before It’s Too Late
After the job is done, use a simple DIY test: Cut a small slit in a piece of newspaper, hold it up to the tinted window, and look for a clear view of the paper. If you can read the text easily, the tint is likely within legal limits. For a more accurate reading, you can buy a handheld tint meter online for under $30.
Also, keep the original film documentation. If you ever need to prove compliance, the receipt and tint meter reading are your best evidence.
Bottom line: Stay within the 70% VLT rule for front side windows, keep windshield tint to the top five inches, and make sure any medical exemption is properly labeled. Follow these steps, and you’ll enjoy the cool look of a tinted car without the risk of fines.
