Colorado 2025 Window Tint Law: Tint Darkness by Vehicle Type
Colorado window tint laws set specific light transmission limits to keep drivers safe and maintain clear visibility. The allowed darkness depends on your vehicle type. These rules balance comfort and privacy with the need to see clearly while driving.
Darkest Legal Tint for Sedans in Colorado
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint with at least 70% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is allowed only on the top 4 inches.
- Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 27% of light to pass through.
- Back Side Windows: Must also allow more than 27% of light.
- Rear Window: Must permit more than 27% of light transmission.
Darkest Legal Tint for SUVs and Vans in Colorado
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint with at least 70% VLT allowed only on the top 4 inches.
- Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 27% of light through.
- Back Side Windows: Must allow more than 27% of light.
- Rear Window: Must allow more than 27% of light.
Note: Vehicles with tinted rear windows are required to have dual side mirrors to maintain proper rear visibility.
Understanding Colorado Window Tint Law
Colorado’s sun can be harsh, but your window tint can’t be too dark. The Colorado window tint law 2025 requires windows to let in a certain amount of light. Many drivers don’t realize that going past the legal window tint Colorado limits can lead to fines and safety risks.
Ignoring these rules can also affect your insurance. Tints darker than the Colorado car tint legal limits may cause claim denials or higher premiums. Staying within the law keeps your coverage valid and protects your wallet.
Here’s what you need to know about the Colorado window tint percentage 2025 for different windows. Understanding these limits helps you stay safe and avoid penalties on the road.
Why Compliance with Colorado Tint Laws Matters
Colorado drivers face bright sunlight, glare from snow, and long winter nights. Window tint helps reduce glare and keeps your car cooler. But too much tint can make it hard to see, especially after dark. Following Colorado’s 2025 tint laws makes sure your windows let in enough light so you can drive safely.
Law enforcement in Colorado checks window tint often. If your tint is too dark or too shiny, you could get fined or fail a vehicle inspection. Staying within the legal limits helps you avoid these problems and drive without worry.
Your insurance depends on legal tinting too. If your tint breaks the rules, your claim might be denied or your premiums could go up. Following Colorado’s tint laws protects your money and keeps your vehicle legal.
What Changed in Colorado Tinting Law 2025?
While Colorado largely kept its tint limits consistent, the 2025 update made enforcement clearer:
- Reflectivity rules are enforced more strictly. Officers have updated methods to identify and ticket highly reflective or mirrored films, which are banned.
- Medical exemptions require current certification. If you qualify for darker tint for medical reasons, your exemption must be renewed regularly and proof kept in the vehicle.
Colorado’s Window Tint Standards for Different Vehicles
Colorado’s tint rules are set under Title 42 of the Colorado Revised Statutes and apply to sedans, SUVs, trucks, and vans. The goal is to balance privacy and comfort without compromising visibility and safety.
Sedans and Passenger Vehicles
Tint on the windshield is limited to the upper 4 inches. Only non-reflective tint that lets in 70% or more light is allowed in this area. The rest of the windshield must stay clear to ensure the best visibility.
Front side windows must allow at least 27% of outside light to pass through. This helps you see clearly and lets others see inside your vehicle for safety.
Back side windows and rear windows also need to let in at least 27% of light. Reflective or mirror-like tints are not allowed on any windows because they can cause glare.
SUVs, Vans, and Trucks
SUVs, vans, and trucks follow the same rules as passenger cars for their windshields and front side windows. The top 4 inches of the windshield can have non-reflective tint with 70% visible light transmission (VLT). Front side windows must allow at least 27% of light to pass through.
Rear and back side windows must also let in at least 27% of light. If the rear window is tinted, the vehicle must have side mirrors on both sides to ensure safe rear visibility.
Colorado Tint Law 2025: Sedans, SUVs, Trucks Compared
| Vehicle Type | Front Windshield | Front Side Windows | Rear Side Windows | Rear Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans | Top 4 inches only, 70% VLT | ≥27% VLT | ≥27% VLT | ≥27% VLT |
| SUVs/Vans | Top 4 inches only, 70% VLT | ≥27% VLT | ≥27% VLT | ≥27% VLT |
| Trucks | Top 4 inches only, 70% VLT | ≥27% VLT | ≥27% VLT | ≥27% VLT |
│ Note: Colorado requires vehicles with tinted rear windows to have side mirrors on both driver and passenger sides. This ensures drivers have proper visibility behind the vehicle.
Window Tint Reflection in Colorado
Colorado limits how reflective your window tint can be. This helps prevent glare that can distract drivers or reduce visibility on the road. Reflective or mirror-like tints that shine more than regular glass are not allowed on any vehicle window.
Tint Reflection Rules for Sedans
- Front Side Windows: Reflective tint is prohibited. The tint should reflect no more light than standard vehicle glass.
- Back Side Windows: The same restrictions apply. Mirror-like or highly reflective finishes are not allowed.
Tint Reflection Rules for SUVs and Vans
- Front Side Windows: Reflective or metallic tint films are banned. The reflection level must stay similar to regular glass.
- Back Side Windows: Reflective tint is also prohibited, even though tint darkness rules are more flexible here.
Other Important Colorado Window Tint Rules
Side Mirrors
If your vehicle has a tinted rear window, Colorado law requires side mirrors on both sides of the vehicle. This ensures you maintain good rear visibility for safe driving.
Restricted Colors
Colorado does not specifically ban certain tint colors like red or blue. However, tint colors must not impair visibility or cause confusion with emergency vehicles.
Tint Certification
While Colorado does not require drivers to carry a tint certification card, the tint films used must comply with state standards. Installers should use certified tint products to avoid legal issues and ensure compliance.
Tint Stickers
Colorado does not mandate a compliance sticker be placed between the tint and glass like Colorado does. However, installers often provide a manufacturer’s certification or warranty to prove legality.
Legal Window Tint Certificates in Colorado
In Colorado, there is no law requiring a compliance sticker on aftermarket tint films. Still, it is essential to ensure your tint is from a certified manufacturer that meets Colorado’s standards.
Before getting your windows tinted, ask your installer to confirm the film is legal in Colorado. Using non-certified or illegal films can lead to fines or require removal of the tint. Keep all documentation from your tint installation as proof of compliance if needed.
Medical Exemptions for Window Tint in Colorado
Colorado’s rules about medical exemptions for window tint are not very clear. Some say the state does not allow any special exemptions. This means everyone must follow the same tint laws, no matter their health.
Other sources say people with certain conditions, like lupus or photosensitivity, might qualify for an exemption. To get this, you need a letter from a licensed doctor explaining why darker tint is needed. You must keep this letter in your car and show it to police if asked.
Because the rules are confusing, it’s best to check directly with Colorado’s Department of Revenue or local police. They can tell you the latest and most accurate info on medical exemptions.
Penalties for Illegal Window Tint in Colorado
Breaking Colorado’s tint laws can lead to serious fines and penalties:
- A Class B Traffic Infraction happens for minor violations, like tints that are just a bit too dark. The fine for a first offense can be between $500 and $1,000.
- A Misdemeanor Traffic Offense is for more serious or repeated violations. Fines range from $1,000 up to $5,000, plus other penalties. Repeat offenders may have to remove illegal tint within a certain time.
Police use special devices called tint meters to check how much light your windows let through. If your tint lets in less than the legal limit of 27% on front side windows, you can be ticketed.
Risks of Illegal Window Tint
Ignoring Colorado’s tint laws can cause more than just fines:
- Insurance Problems: If you get into an accident, your insurance may question if illegal tint made things worse. This can lead to denied or reduced claims.
- Inspection Failures: Your vehicle might fail safety inspections because of illegal tint. Fixing this later can be costly.
- Legal Liability: If illegal tint plays a role in a crash, you could be held partly or fully responsible for damages. This can affect legal cases and money you owe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Tinting Windows in Colorado
Tinting Front Side Windows Too Dark
Many drivers make the mistake of applying window tint darker than Colorado’s legal limit of 27% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) on front side windows. This leads to fines and vehicle inspection failures. Always ensure your front windows meet the legal VLT level.
Using Non-Certified Window Tint Films
Not all tint films meet Colorado’s state standards. Using non-certified or low-quality window tint can result in costly penalties or mandatory removal. Always choose Colorado-approved tint films from trusted manufacturers.
Installing Reflective or Mirror-Like Window Tint
Colorado law strictly prohibits reflective and mirror-like tint films that cause glare and reduce safety. Using these types of films can lead to citations and legal trouble.
Failing to Install Dual Side Mirrors
When Rear Window is Tinted If your vehicle’s rear window is tinted, Colorado requires dual side mirrors for safe rear visibility. Missing this requirement can cause violations during inspections.
Not Carrying Proper Medical Exemption Documentation
If you have a medical exemption for darker tint, it is essential to carry valid documentation from a licensed physician. Failing to present this to law enforcement upon request may lead to fines.
Ignoring Local Regulations and Updates
Tint laws can vary by county or city. Always check with your local Colorado DMV or law enforcement for any additional tint restrictions or updates before installation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is 27% window tint legal on front side windows in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado requires front side windows to have at least 27% Visible Light Transmission (VLT). Tint darker than this on front windows is illegal.
Can I tint my rear windows as dark as I want in Colorado?
Yes. You can apply any darkness of tint on the rear side windows and rear windshield. However, your vehicle must have side mirrors on both sides if the rear window is tinted.
Are reflective or mirror-like tints allowed in Colorado?
No. Reflective, mirror-like, or metallic window tints that increase glare are banned by Colorado law.
Do medical exemptions allow darker tint in Colorado?
Colorado’s stance on medical exemptions is unclear. Some sources say no exemptions are allowed, while others say you may qualify with a doctor’s note. It’s best to confirm with the Colorado DMV.
What are the penalties for illegal window tint in Colorado?
Illegal tint can lead to fines starting at $500 for a first offense. Repeat offenses carry higher fines and may require removal of the tint.
Do I need to carry a window tint sticker or certificate in Colorado?
No. Colorado does not require drivers to keep tint compliance stickers or certificates in the vehicle, but your tint must be made from certified films.
How do police check if my window tint is legal?
Law enforcement uses tint meters to measure the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage through your windows during stops or inspections.
Conclusion
Following Colorado’s window tint laws helps you avoid fines and stay safe on the road. Make sure to use certified tint films and keep your front side windows clear enough to let in at least 27% of visible light. Also, if you tint your rear windows, remember to have the required side mirrors for proper visibility. These steps will help you avoid common mistakes that can lead to tickets or failed inspections.
Keep yourself updated by checking the latest rules from the Colorado Department of Revenue – Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Talking to a professional installer who knows Colorado’s laws can also help. Knowing the rules ahead of time saves you money, time, and hassle, and makes sure your window tint is legal and safe.
Resources & Useful Links for Colorado Drivers
- Colorado DMV Window Tint Regulations: https://dmv.colorado.gov
- Colorado Revised Statutes Title 42 (Vehicle Code): https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2023-title-42.pdf
- Colorado Vehicle Inspection Program: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/vehicle-inspection-program
- Medical Exemptions & Special Permits Information: Contact local DMV or https://dmv.colorado.gov
- Colorado State Patrol: https://www.colorado.gov/csp
- Window Tint Compliance Checklist (PDF): [YourSite.com/co-tint-checklist.pdf] (replace with actual link)
- VLT Calculator Tool: [YourSite.com/co-vlt-calculator] (replace with actual link)