Tint Laws in Colorado: Regulations, Exemptions, and Penalties
Discover the legal window tint laws in colorado
Looking forward to tinting your windows in Colorado? In this case, you must know that the Tint Laws in Colorado limit the amount of light that can be blocked by window tint. The front windshield can have a non-reflective tint on the top four inches, but the rest of the windshield must allow at least 70% light in.
Also, your vehicle’s front side windows and rear side windows must allow at least 27% light in. The rear window can have any tint, as long as it is not mirrored or metallic.
If you are caught with illegal window tint, you could be issued a citation. The fine for illegal window tints in Colorado is $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and $300 for the third and subsequent offenses.
Read on to learn more about the tint laws in the state of Colorado.
What Does VLT Mean According to Colorado State Law?
VLT, or Visible Light Transmission, is the measurement used to determine the darkness of window tints. It represents the percentage of light allowed to pass through the window.
For example, a window with 70% VLT allows 70% of visible light to enter the vehicle. The lower the VLT percentage, the darker the window tint.
So, What is The Legal Tint in Colorado
In Colorado, the tint laws establish regulations for window tint darkness and reflectivity for vehicles. Understanding these guidelines is crucial for vehicle owners to comply with the legal limits of tinting for different windows.
Tint Laws for Passenger Car and Station Wagons in Colorado
According to Colorado state law, passenger cars and station wagons are subject to specific tint regulations. The front side windows must have a minimum of 27% VLT. Below is the necessary information about tint laws for passenger cars and station wagons in Colorado:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top four inches of the windshield only.
- Front Side Windows: Tinting is allowed, and the darkness or lightness of the tint is measured by the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage. The front side windows must allow more than 27% of light to pass through.
- Rear Side Windows: Tinting is allowed, and the darkness or lightness of the tint is measured by the VLT percentage. There are no specific restrictions for the VLT percentage on rear side windows.
- Rear Window: Tinting is allowed, and the darkness or lightness of the tint is measured by the VLT percentage. There are no specific restrictions for the VLT percentage on the rear window.
Tint Laws for Multi-Purpose Passenger and Recreational Vehicles in Colorado
Multi-purpose passenger vehicles and recreational vehicles, such as SUVs and vans, have slightly different tint regulations compared to passenger cars and station wagons. The front side windows of these vehicles must also have a minimum of 27% VLT. Here are the details:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top four inches of the windshield only.
- Front Side Windows: Tinting is allowed, and the darkness or lightness of the tint is measured by the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage. The front side windows must allow more than 27% of light to pass through.
- Rear Side Windows: Tinting is allowed, and the darkness or lightness of the tint is measured by the VLT percentage. There are no specific restrictions for the VLT percentage on rear side windows.
- Rear Window: Tinting is allowed, and the darkness or lightness of the tint is measured by the VLT percentage. There are no specific restrictions for the VLT percentage on the rear window.
Colorado Window Tint Reflection Law 2023
When applying window tint to your vehicle in Colorado, it’s important to understand the tint reflection regulations. To reduce heat and glare, Colorado has specific guidelines on permissible window reflection levels as of 2023.
Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front-side windows: Reflective tint is not allowed on the front-side windows of sedans.
- Backside windows: Similar to the front-side windows, you must not exceed reflective tint on the back-side windows of sedans.
Tint Reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front-side windows: For SUVs and Vans in Colorado, the law also restricts the use of reflective tint on the front-side windows.
Backside windows: Similarly, you are not permitted to use reflective tint on the backside windows of SUVs and Vans.
What Are the Window Tint Reflection Laws in Colorado?
In addition to VLT restrictions, Colorado also imposes regulations on window tint reflectivity. Reflectivity refers to the amount of light that is reflected off the window. The state law states that windows cannot reflect more than 20% of light.
The window tint reflection laws in Colorado are as follows:
- Windshield: Non-reflective 70% VLT tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield. The rest of the windshield must be entirely transparent.
- Front Side Windows: The VLT must be no less than 27%. Metallic or mirrored tint is not allowed.
- Back Side Windows: The VLT must be no less than 27%. Metallic or mirrored tint is not allowed.
- Rear Window: The VLT must be no less than 27%. If the rear window is tinted, the car must have mirrors that allow good visibility of possible obstructions and hazards.
Other Window Tint Laws and Regulations of Colorado You Need to Know
Apart from VLT and reflectivity requirements, there are a few other regulations related to window tinting in Colorado that vehicle owners should be aware of. These include:
- Side Mirrors: Colorado requires dual side mirrors if the rear window is tinted.
- Stickers: There are no specific regulations regarding stickers on tinted windows, but avoid placing any stickers that obstruct the driver’s view through the windows.
- Restricted Colors: Colorado doesn’t have any specific restrictions on the colors of window tint.
- Certificates: Window tint darkness must comply with state standards. Upon passing the inspection, you should receive a certificate as proof of compliance.
- Penalties: Non-compliance with Colorado’s window tint laws can result in penalties, such as fines and potential imprisonment. Penalties may vary depending on local jurisdictions. A Class B traffic infraction, which carries a fine of up to $500. A misdemeanor traffic offense carries a fine of up to $5,000.
- Medical Exemptions: Colorado allows medical exemptions for window tint. Individuals with medical conditions that require special window tinting may be granted an exemption. Carry the appropriate medical exemption certificate in the vehicle and present it to law enforcement when requested.
Tint Laws in Colorado- FAQ’s
Is 5% tint legal in Colorado?
No, a 5% tint is not legal in Colorado. The front side windows must have a minimum of 27% VLT.
Is 20% tint legal in Colorado?
Yes, a 20% tint is legal in Colorado for the rear side windows and the rear window. However, the front side windows must have a minimum of 27% VLT.
Is 35% tint legal in Colorado?
Yes, a 35% tint is legal in Colorado for the rear side windows and the rear window. The front side windows must have a minimum of 27% VLT.
Is 50% tint legal in Colorado?
Yes, a 50% tint is legal in Colorado for the rear side windows and the rear window. The front side windows must have a minimum of 27% VLT.
Is 75% tint legal in Colorado?
Yes, a 75% tint is legal in Colorado for the rear side windows and the rear window. The front side windows must have a minimum of 27% VLT.
What is the legal window tint in Colorado?
The legal window tint in Colorado varies depending on the vehicle category. For passenger cars, station wagons, multi-purpose passenger vehicles, and recreational vehicles, the front side windows must have a minimum of 27% VLT.
What is the darkest legal tint in Colorado?
The darkest legal tint in Colorado is 27% VLT for the front side windows of passenger cars, station wagons, multi-purpose passenger vehicles, and recreational vehicles.
How much is a tint ticket in Colorado?
The cost of a tint ticket in Colorado can vary depending on the specific violation and jurisdiction. It is best to consult local authorities or refer to the ticket for accurate information regarding fines and penalties.
Most Important Information about Car Window Tinting
Final Words
Understanding the tint laws in Colorado is crucial for vehicle owners to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties. By adhering to specific regulations and staying within the legal limits for window tints, drivers can enjoy the benefits of tinting while maintaining road safety and visibility. We hope this information has been helpful in understanding the regulations surrounding window tinting in the state.