Understanding Tint Laws in Colorado: What Every Driver Should Know
Tinting your car windows is one of the easiest ways to improve comfort, enhance privacy, and elevate your vehicle’s look–but not all tint is legal. The rules around Legal Tint in Colorado are specific, and knowing them can save you from fines or costly pull-overs.
At Colorado Tinting, we help drivers navigate these laws while choosing high-quality films that look great and comply with state regulations. Let’s take a closer look at what’s legal and how to make sure your next tint job checks every box.
What Does “Legal Tint in Colorado” Mean?
In simple terms, “legal tint in Colorado” refers to the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) level or the percentage of light that passes through your car’s windows. Colorado has established specific VLT limits for different windows on your vehicle.
Here’s a quick overview of current Colorado tint laws:
Front side windows: Must allow at least 27% of light to pass through (27% VLT).
Rear side windows: Can be any darkness, as long as the vehicle has dual side mirrors.
Rear window: Also can be any darkness, if mirrors are in place.
Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line only.
While these numbers might seem minor, they make a big difference in what’s compliant and what might get you pulled over. For the most current, detailed tint rules, visit this previous blog post or visit Colorado Tint Guide.
Why These Laws Exist
Colorado’s tint laws aren’t arbitrary–they’re designed for safety and visibility. Too-dark of a tint can limit your view, especially during low-light conditions, and it makes it harder for law enforcement or emergency responders to see inside your vehicle.
At the same time, the law tries to balance driver comfort with public safety, giving residents room to choose darker tints on rear windows where visibility matters less.
Our experts at Colorado Tinting’s Automotive can help you choose a tint that fits within these legal ranges while still giving you the privacy you’re after.
How to Check Your Tint Percentage
Many drivers buy vehicles with a pre-installed tint and assume it’s legal. But factory tint and aftermarket tint aren’t always the same thing–and the combined VLT might exceed legal limits.
If you’re unsure, we recommend using a tint meter (a simple handheld tool that measures VLT) or visiting a certified installer. At Colorado Tinting, we use industry-grade meters to ensure every project meets Legal Tint in Colorado standards before and after installation.
You can also find affordable digital tint meters online, but professional verification is always more reliable.
The Penalties for Illegal Tint in Colorado
While Colorado’s enforcement is generally reasonable, driving with illegal tint can lead to fix-it tickets or fines that quickly add up. More importantly, if your tint obstructs the driver’s view or violates visibility requirements, it could impact your insurance coverage in case of an accident.
A small investment in legal, high-quality tint pays off by avoiding these issues altogether. For peace of mind, our Window Tinting page explains how our installations comply with state laws and what to do if you ever have concerns about your tint’s legality.
Reflectivity and Tint Colors: What’s Allowed?
Colorado also limits reflectivity–meaning how mirrored your tint can appear.
Tint can’t be metallic or mirrored on any windows.
Colors like red, amber, and yellow are typically not permitted.
If you want a premium look without breaking the rules, ceramic window films are an ideal solution. They provide high-end heat rejection and UV protection without the reflective finish that can make other films illegal.
Legal Tint in Colorado by Vehicle Type
Not every vehicle follows the same rules. SUVs and vans, for example, have more flexibility than sedans.
Sedans: 27% VLT on all front windows; any darkness on rear windows (with side mirrors).
SUVs and Vans: Same rule for front windows (27%), but rear windows can be as dark as desired.
Commercial Vehicles: Often subject to additional regulations under federal transport laws.
Our team regularly works with both personal and commercial vehicles–check out our Portfolio to see how different tints look across various models and body types.
How to Choose the Right Legal Tint
So, how do you choose the right Legal Tint in Colorado without sacrificing comfort or appearance? Here’s what we recommend:
Know Your Goals: Are you prioritizing heat reduction, privacy, or UV protection?
Match Your Tint to Your Commute: Drivers spending long hours in the sun may want higher-performance ceramic tints.
Balance Visibility and Style: A 30–35% tint offers noticeable shading while staying within the legal threshold.
Work With a Professional Installer: DIY jobs may look fine at first, but small errors can lead to bubbling, peeling, or legal noncompliance.
When you schedule your installation with us, we walk you through every option–from film types to maintenance tips–so you feel confident in your choice.
The Benefits of Staying Legal
There’s a peace of mind that comes from knowing your tint won’t cause issues on the road. But beyond compliance, choosing a professional, law-abiding tint job offers lasting benefits:
Better visibility at night
Reduced risk of tickets or required removals
Increased resale value for your vehicle
Improved safety and comfort
A legal tint also ensures your manufacturer warranties and insurance protections remain intact. That’s something you can’t always guarantee with off-brand or uncertified installers.
Choosing a Legal Tint in Colorado isn’t about limitations–it’s about making smart, lasting choices. By understanding VLT percentages, reflectivity limits, and film quality, you can protect your car and wallet.
At Colorado Tinting, we take pride in helping drivers make informed decisions, blending legal compliance with craftsmanship. Whether you’re upgrading your daily commuter or perfecting your weekend ride, our experts ensure every tint job enhances your car’s comfort, safety, and look, without crossing legal lines.