Cars with tinted windows look fancy for sure, but if you live in Colorado, that won’t be a good idea! Thanks to the Colorado tint laws, you cannot use tint film on the windows whenever you want.
But what do these laws say? Well, that’s what we’ll discuss here today.
It was 1995 when the car tinting law in Colorado was proposed. It talks about how dark or reflective your car window tint should be, depending on the state you live in.
We’ve provided all the information you need in this regard over here. Also, there is also some extra information on rules and regulations, which you should obey if you don’t want to get fined.
Colorado Tint Laws 2023 – Everything You Need to Know
Before you get to know the Colorado window tint laws, you need to learn about the VLT. So before we get into the details, let’s talk about it first!
What does VLT mean according to Colorado state law?
The VLT or Visible Light Transmission indicated the percentage of detectable light that passes through your car’s window.
When the VLT is lower, the window tint will get darker. And higher VLT means that more light will penetrate the windows without any trouble.
For instance, if you install 75% tint on the glasses, 75% light will go through them. And when the tint is 5%, the insides of your car will be way darker!
By the way, We have in-depth content about VLT and window tint percentage for your reference. We recommend checking it out If you want to know the different levels of window tint.
So, what is the legal tint in Colorado- CO window tint law 2023
The Colorado window tint law is different for each type of vehicle. For passenger and multipurpose vehicles, you have to follow dissimilar rules.
So here are the CO window tint laws for multipurpose and passenger automobiles.
Window Tint Percentages Colorado for Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield
If you are using non-reflective 70% VLT tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield. - Front side windows
For front side windows, 27% tint is allowed according to 2023 Colorado window tint rules. - Back side windows
You can use 27% tint darkness without getting in trouble. - Rear window
On the rear window, the legal tint in Colorado is 27%.
Window Tint Percentages Colorado for Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield
If you are using non-reflective 70% VLT tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield. - Front side windows
The law will let you use 27% tinting if it is about the front side windows. - Back side windows
For the back side windows, 27% tint is accurate according to the laws of Colorado. - Rear window
When it is about the rear window, you will get permission for 27% tinting.
Window Tint Reflection in Colorado
Using tint on your automobile’s window can reflect the incoming light and reduce the heat. Moreover, the tinted windows also prevent glares.
Well, the window tint Colorado law authorizes some specific window reflection while using a tint. So if you ever think about coloring the glasses, pay attention to this as well.
Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front side windows
In the front side windows, you don’t have permission to use any metallic or mirrored finish. - Backside windows
The same thing goes for the backside windows too. You cannot use any metallic or mirrored appearance on this one as well.
Tint reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front Side windows
You cannot use mirrored/shiny and metallic appearance on this window. - Back Side windows
The drivers don’t have permission to use any mirrored or metallic finish.
Other Colorado Window Tint Law You Need to Know
When it comes to window tinting of your vehicle, Colorado is pretty serious about that. You will have plenty of rules and regulations to abide by.
Besides maintaining a specific percentage of the glare on each window, here are some other restrictions you need to follow, even if you want to do a subtle darkening.
Side mirrors in Colorado
Dual side mirrors are required if the back window is tinted
Restricted Colors
When someone hears about the tint laws in Colorado, the next question they ask is which color to use on the glass. Well, the law of Colorado doesn’t allow you to use all the colors on the palette; that’s no secret! So which colors can be used?
Red or Amber is not permitted so You can use gray, green, and bronze car window tint without any issue. Moreover, you have permission to use neutral smoke color too.
Certificates
The films used by the manufacturers to tint your vehicle don’t need any certification in Colorado.
Stickers
The law recommends but does not require stickers to identify legal tinting.
Penalties
When the coloring has been done wrongly, you will be class B Traffic Infraction or fined up to $500, to $5000.
Colorado Window Tint Medical Exemption
Colorado law does NOT allow medical exemptions that would allow you to use special tint.
Benefits of Window Tinting
The tint on your car’s window isn’t just a decorative thing; it comes with greater benefits too. So let’s talk about the advantage of coloring your vehicle’s window, shall we?
Prevents the Interior from Fading
While parking our cars, we always look for shades, don’t we? Well, it helps us to maintain the top-notch condition of our car’s exterior.
Likewise, when you use tints on your vehicle’s windows, the interior doesn’t have to face the harshness of the sunlight. Therefore, if you have beautiful leather seats, they are less likely to get damaged!
Blocks UV Rays
You don’t need to get lectured about the harmful effects of UV rays, do you? We all know that applying tons of sunscreen isn’t enough to protect you from damage. And when your car has tinted glasses, you can avert this UV situation pretty gracefully.
Get Better Security
Nothing is worst than people staring at you when you mind your own business in the car. The people in the backseat have to go through this problem more than the drivers. And when you get tinted glasses, you don’t have to go through this annoyance anymore.
Take a Chill Pill
When riding on the hottest summer days, even the AC won’t be enough to cool you down. But if you have tinted windows, you don’t have to worry about sweating anymore!
Cost of Vehicle Window Tint in Colorado
The cost may vary from film to film when it is to tint. For instance, if you want to use a regular classic film for your Sedan, it will cost you up to 150-200 bucks. And when you want something exclusive like ceramic tints, you will need to spend $400 or more!
However, if you don’t have the budget to do the tinting professionally, you can get a DIY tint kit. It will cost you around a hundred bucks, which is a relief.
To know more detail about car tint cost click here.
Colorado, CO Auto Tint Laws FAQ
How Dark Can Window Tint be in Colorado?
According to the 2023 Colorado tint law, vehicle tint darkness can’t be more than 27%.
What is The Legal Tint Percentage in Colorado?
In Colorado, the legal tint percentage is 27%. This means that the windows of your car can be tinted to a certain degree, but they cannot be too dark. If you are caught with illegal tinting on your windows, you may be subject to a fine.
Is 5 Tint Legal in Colorado?
No, you can’t use 5% tint darkness in Colorado.
Is 15 Tint Legal in Colorado?
No, you can’t use 15% tint darkness in Colorado.
Is 20 Tint Legal in Colorado?
No, you can’t use 20% tint darkness in Colorado.
What’s Legal Tint in Colorado?
In Colorado, the front side windows of a vehicle must allow at least 73% of light in, and the backside and rear windows must allow at least 27% of light must in.
CO. Tint law references
- Colorado Revised Statutes section 42-4-227: Windows unobstructed; certain materials prohibited (navigate to Section 42-4-227 – Vehicles and Traffic; Regulation; Equipment)
- Colorado Minimum Light Transmission BILL (.pdf)
- Colorado Motor Vehicle Window Tint Bill
The Bottom Line
The goal of creating this article was to enlighten you about the Colorado tint laws so you can confidently drive your car through the state. The article you’ve read just now was last updated in 2021. If you think we’ve missed any new information, feel free to contact us anytime you want.
In conclusion, Colorado’s vehicle tint laws 2023 are some of the most restrictive in the country. While this may seem like a hassle, it is actually for the safety of drivers and passengers. Tinted windows can help to keep the sun out of your eyes and keep the car cool, but they must meet certain requirements in order to be legal. If you are thinking of having your windows tinted, be sure to familiarize yourself with the law and make sure that your tint meets all of the requirements.
