Colorado Tint Laws – Things To Know
Without a doubt, cars with tinted windows look fantastic, but are you familiar with Colorado tint laws? There are many different windshield tinting laws in Colorado. If you have a car with a window that permits tinting, then you need to be aware of the restrictions that apply in each county. So, if you already have tinted windows or wish to have them tinted for your car, knowing the different Colorado tint laws is important.
In this piece, I will go through all the things you need to know about Colorado tint laws.
Table of Contents
What Are Colorado Tint Laws?
Colorado tint laws are a series of state regulations that govern how much light can come through the windows of automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles. The amount of light allowed through a window is measured in terms of a percentage. The Colorado Department of Revenue publishes specific tint levels for various vehicles.
To begin, we must understand VTL to comprehend the various tint levels for distinct vehicles. So, what is VTL?
VLT (Visible Light Transmission)
Visible light transmission, or VLT, is a measure of the amount of light that passes through a material. It is commonly used by window and door manufacturers to help set the correct thickness of materials. The higher the number, the more light is passing through. For instance, 5%, would produce an extremely dark tint.
Legal Window Tint Percentages In Colorado
The state of Colorado has specific regulations when it comes to the amount of tinting that can be applied to vehicle windows. Knowing what is legal and what is not can help drivers avoid potential fines, citations, or other unwanted outcomes. The state of Colorado has various laws and regulations regarding the legal window tint percentages. Let’s take a look at various VLT% for tint laws.
1. Reflective And Non-Reflective Options
In Colorado, the legal window tint percentages are determined by whether one chooses a reflective or non-reflective option. When it comes to window tinting, many people are unaware of the difference between reflective and non-reflective tint. Both types of tint have their advantages, depending on your needs and preferences. Reflective tints provide great protection from both UV rays and glare, while non-reflective tints allow more light into the car and make it less noticeable from the outside.
- Rear Side and Back Side Windows
The rear side windows and back windows are allowed to have a non-reflective tint of up to 27% VLT. If a reflective tint is chosen for these windows, the tint percentage must not exceed 17%.
- Front Side Window
For the front side windows, both reflective and non-reflective tints are limited to 27% VLT in Colorado.
2. Windshield Areas Exemptions State’s
The top 4 inches of the windscreen may have a 70% VLT non-reflective tint. In Colorado, there are exemptions to the tint laws for windshield areas. These exemptions include allowing a three-inch strip at the top of the windshield to be tinted and allowing a non-reflective tint that is not darker than a medium shade of smoke gray. Additionally, side mirrors must be present on each side of the vehicle, and if the rear window is tinted, the vehicle must have two side mirrors instead of one. All other windows must adhere to Colorado’s tint laws or face potential fines.
3. Exceptions: Medical & Law Enforcement
Exceptions to the Colorado tint law are made for medical and law enforcement vehicles. Vehicles used by doctors, nurses, paramedics, and EMTs are allowed to have windows as tints that are darker than what would otherwise be allowed under Colorado state law. In Colorado, medical and law enforcement vehicles are permitted to use window tinting up to 50 percent VLT (visible light transmission). This gives medical staff and law enforcement officials more privacy and serves as a deterrent to potential theft or vandalism. Additionally, the tint can protect from UV rays and reduce glare, making it safer to operate the vehicle on the road. All tint must meet safety standards set by Colorado’s Department of Transportation to be legally used.
Penalties For Breaking The Law
The Colorado window tint law states that vehicle window tint darkness must not exceed 27% VLT. If a driver is caught in violation of this law, they are subject to a penalty. The penalty for breaking the Colorado window tint law can range from a fine of $25 – $100 plus applicable court costs. Furthermore, if an individual is found to be in multiple violations of the colorado tint laws, the penalties can become more severe and may include a possible jail sentence.
Conclusion
Colorado has fairly complex laws surrounding window tinting. To comply with the law, make sure to understand the regulations and restrictions regarding permissible tint levels for all windows on your vehicle. Additionally, be aware that any modifications or alterations to your vehicle’s windows must be done by a professional installer certified by the International Window Film Association. If you are not sure of the legal requirements of colorado tint laws, contact your local police station or motor vehicles agency for more information.
