Automotive window tint is a popular modification for vehicles in Colorado Springs. It offers benefits like increased privacy, a cooler car interior, and protection from UV rays. However, before you decide to tint your windows, or if you’re driving a car with existing tint, it’s very important to understand and follow Colorado’s specific laws regarding window tinting. These regulations are in place primarily for safety reasons. This article aims to explain Colorado’s window tint laws in a clear and straightforward way, helping you make informed decisions so you can enjoy the advantages of tinted windows while staying on the right side of the law.
Why Do Window Tint Laws Exist?
You might wonder why states, including Colorado, have laws that dictate how dark or reflective your car window tint can be. There are two main safety considerations behind these regulations. First is the safety of the driver of the tinted vehicle. Laws ensure that the tint is not so dark that it dangerously impairs the driver’s ability to see the road, other vehicles, pedestrians, or traffic signals, especially during nighttime or in poor weather conditions. Clear visibility is fundamental to safe driving.
Second is the safety of law enforcement officers. During a traffic stop, it is important for an officer to be able to see inside the vehicle to assess any potential threats and ensure their own safety. Excessively dark or reflective tints can obstruct this view. These laws try to find a balance between allowing vehicle owners to enjoy the benefits of tinting and maintaining a necessary level of safety and visibility for everyone.
Understanding VLT: Visible Light Transmission
The most common term you will encounter when discussing window tint laws is “VLT,” which stands for Visible Light Transmission. VLT is expressed as a percentage and it measures the amount of visible light that can pass through your car window when it has tint film applied to it. For example, if a window tint has a 70% VLT, it means that 70% of the outside light can pass through, making it a fairly light tint. Conversely, a 5% VLT means only 5% of light passes through, resulting in a very dark, or “limo,” tint. Colorado’s laws specify the minimum VLT percentages required for different windows on your vehicle.
Colorado’s VLT Limits for Passenger Vehicles
Colorado law sets specific VLT requirements for passenger cars, which include most sedans and coupes, as well as for multi-purpose vehicles like SUVs, vans, and trucks. It’s important to know these limits:
- Front Windshield: Tint is allowed only on the top 4 inches of the windshield. This tint must be non-reflective and must allow at least 70% VLT. This strip helps reduce sun glare without obstructing the driver’s primary field of vision.
- Front Side Windows: These are the windows next to the driver and front passenger. In Colorado, these windows must allow more than 27% of light to pass through. So, the VLT rating must be 27% or higher.
- Back Side Windows and Rear Windshield: For these windows (those behind the driver), the VLT must also be 27% or higher.
There is an important exception: if the front side windows and the windshield both have a VLT of 70% or higher (meaning they are very lightly tinted or not tinted at all beyond the top strip), then the back side windows and the rear windshield may have any level of darkness. However, if your rear window is tinted to any degree, Colorado law requires that your vehicle must be equipped with dual side mirrors.
A friendly reminder: Window tint laws can sometimes be updated. While WE strive to provide accurate general information, WE always recommend checking the current official Colorado Revised Statutes or consulting with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a reputable tint installer for the very latest regulations.
Restrictions on Tint Reflectivity
Besides darkness, Colorado law also places restrictions on how reflective window tint can be. Highly reflective or mirrored tints can be hazardous because they can reflect sunlight or headlights into the eyes of other drivers, potentially dazzling them and causing accidents. Colorado law generally prohibits window tint that has a metallic or mirrored appearance on any window. The aim is to ensure that the tint does not make your windows significantly more reflective than standard, untreated glass.
Color Matters: Prohibited Tint Colors
The color of your window tint is also subject to regulation in Colorado. Specifically, red and amber colors are not permitted for window tint. These colors are typically associated with emergency vehicle lights and traffic signals, and using them as tint could cause confusion or distraction on the road. Most reputable tint shops will carry films in neutral shades like charcoal, smoke, or bronze, which are generally compliant.
Medical Exemptions for Window Tint
Some states offer medical exemptions that allow individuals with specific light-sensitive medical conditions to use darker window tint than normally permitted. However, it appears that Colorado law currently does not provide for medical exemptions to its window tinting regulations. This means that even with a doctor’s note for a condition like lupus or severe photosensitivity, you would still be required to comply with the standard VLT limits. If you have such a condition, it is worth discussing legal light-filtering alternatives with your doctor or a tint professional that still adhere to state law.
Consequences of Non-Compliant Tint
Operating a vehicle with window tint that violates Colorado law can lead to several undesirable consequences. You could receive a traffic ticket, which typically involves a fine. Fines can sometimes be substantial, especially for repeated offenses. Law enforcement officers may issue a “fix-it” ticket, requiring you to remove the illegal tint and prove that your vehicle now complies with the law, often within a specified timeframe.
Beyond fines, illegal tint could potentially have implications for your car insurance if it’s found to be a contributing factor in an accident due to impaired visibility. The inconvenience and cost of having to remove non-compliant tint and possibly replace it with legal film is another factor to consider.
How to Ensure Your Tint is Legal in Colorado Springs
The best way to ensure your window tint is legal is to have it installed by a reputable and knowledgeable professional. Companies that specialize in tint Colorado Springs services are usually well-versed in the current state laws and will guide you in choosing compliant films.
When you have tint installed, ask for documentation that specifies the VLT of the film used on each window. Some installers may even provide a sticker certifying the tint’s legality, though this is not strictly required by Colorado law, it can be helpful. If you buy a car with existing tint and are unsure about its legality, a professional tint shop or sometimes even a local police department might be able to measure the VLT for you. For official information, you can always refer to the Colorado State Patrol or DMV resources.
What About Out-of-State Vehicles?
If you are visiting Colorado or have recently moved here with a car registered in another state, you might wonder how Colorado’s tint laws apply to you. Generally, vehicles are expected to comply with the tint laws of their state of registration. However, Colorado law does specify that motor vehicles registered outside Colorado but operated within the state must transmit at least 20% of light through windows other than the windshield. If you plan to become a Colorado resident and re-register your car here, you will need to ensure your tint complies with Colorado’s specific regulations for in-state vehicles.
Finishing Thoughts
Window tint offers many appealing benefits for Colorado Springs drivers, from a cooler cabin to UV protection. However, it is essential to balance these benefits with the need for safety and legal compliance. Understanding and adhering to Colorado’s window tint laws regarding VLT, reflectivity, and color will help you avoid fines and ensure that your driving visibility, and that of others, is not compromised. WE encourage you to consult with professional tint installers and official state resources to make sure your tinted windows look great and are fully legal. For more discussions on vehicle modifications and safety, please check out other topics on our blog.