Colorado Window Tint

Are you looking for information about CO window tint laws? This article will give you a complete account of the Colorado tint law.

Attention: we always advise you to turn to your local authorities last, in order to ensure that the information you have reflects the laws enforced in your specific area!

Tint For Windows Car in Colorado

Colorado window tint law — key facts

Year law enacted: 1995
Tint length on front windshield: top 4 inches can allow less than 70% of light
Front side window VLT: 70%
Back side window VLT: 27%
Back windshield VLT: 27%
Front side window reflectivity: not specified
Back side window reflectivity: not specified
Restricted colors: red, amber or affecting driver´s ability to distinguish between primary colors
Medical exemption: no
Tolerance: not specified

What the Law Says

Colorado window tinting law can be found in Colorado Revised Statute § 42-4-227, which reads in relevant part:

Windows unobstructed – certain materials prohibited – windshield wiper requirements

(1) (a) (I) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph (a), no person shall operate a motor vehicle registered in Colorado on which any window, except the windshield, is composed of, covered by, or treated with any material or component that presents an opaque, nontransparent, or metallic or mirrored appearance in such a way that it allows less than twenty-seven percent light transmittance. The windshield shall allow at least seventy percent light transmittance.

(II) Notwithstanding subparagraph (I) of this paragraph (a), the windows to the rear of the driver, including the rear window, may allow less than twenty-seven percent light transmittance if the front side windows and the windshield on such vehicles allow at least seventy percent light transmittance.

….(b) Notwithstanding any provision of paragraph (a) of this subsection (1), nontransparent material may be applied, installed, or affixed to the topmost portion of the windshield subject to the following:

The bottom edge of the material extends no more than four inches measured from the top of the windshield down;
The material is not red or amber in color, nor does it affect perception of primary colors or otherwise distort vision or contain lettering that distorts or obstructs vision;
The material does not reflect sunlight or headlight glare into the eyes of occupants of oncoming or preceding vehicles to any greater extent than the windshield without the material.

What This Means

Window tinting on the front windshield of a vehicle registered in Colorado must allow at least 70% of the light to pass through the window and tinting. All other windows with tinting must allow at least 27% of the light to pass through.

However, if the windshield and front side windows are tinted with a material that allows at least 70% of the light to pass though, then the rear side windows and rear windshield may be tinted with material that allows less than 27% of the light through.

percentage of window tint

Window tinting on the front windshield may allow for less than 70% of the light to pass through if the tinting:

Extends no further down than 4 inches, as measured from the top of the windshield;
Is not red or amber in color, does not affect the driver’s ability to distinguish between primary colors, does not contain lettering which obstructs the view through the windshield, and does not otherwise distort or obstruct the view; and
Does not reflect sunlight or headlight glare anymore than the window itself does.

Other Restrictions

No tinting used on any window of a vehicle may present a metallic or mirrored appearance.

Exceptions

Unlike most states, Colorado does not provide an exemption to its window tinting laws for those with medical conditions requiring that they avoid direct sunlight.

The law does, however, provide for separate rules for the tinting of law enforcement vehicles.