Colorado allows window tint on your car, but the rules are specific about how dark it can be and which windows you can tint

Colorado law permits aftermarket window tint on passenger vehicles, but restricts how dark the tint can be and where on the car you can explore it. The darkness of tint is measured by visible light transmittance (VLT), which is the percentage of light allowed through the window. The darker the tint, the lower the VLT percentage. Colorado's limits vary by window location, and violating them can result in a fix-it ticket or fine.

The state does allow medical exemptions for people with light-sensitive conditions, and some vehicles — like limousines and certain commercial vehicles — have different rules. Understanding where your tint falls within the law before you have it installed saves you from having to remove it later.

Key Takeaways

  • Front side windows must allow at least 27% of light through; rear side windows and rear windshield can be any darkness.
  • Your windshield cannot have tint except for a sun strip at the top, and that strip cannot extend below the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
  • Medical exemptions exist for conditions like lupus or photosensitivity, but you must carry documentation in your vehicle.
  • A fix-it ticket for illegal tint typically requires removal and a reinspection; fines can range depending on the violation.
  • Tint darkness is measured in visible light transmittance (VLT), and you should ask your installer to confirm the percentage before process.

Front and rear window tint limits in Colorado

Colorado divides tint rules by window location because the front windows affect driver visibility more than rear windows do. Your front side windows — the windows next to the driver and front passenger — must allow at least 27% of visible light through. This is a moderate tint that noticeably darkens the window but still allows you to see inside the car from outside.

Your rear side windows and rear windshield have no darkness limit under state law, meaning you can tint them as dark as you want. Many people take advantage of this and use a much darker tint on the back half of the vehicle. However, you should still check with your insurance company, as some policies have their own restrictions on rear tint darkness.

The windshield is the most restricted. You cannot tint the windshield itself, except for a sun strip — a band of tint at the very top. That sun strip cannot extend below the manufacturer's AS-1 line, which is the line marked on the windshield by the factory. If you are unsure where this line is on your vehicle, your installer should be able to identify it.

Medical exemptions for light-sensitive conditions

Colorado recognizes that some people have medical conditions making bright light painful or harmful. If you have a condition like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), photosensitivity, or certain eye conditions, you may be able to tint your front windows darker than the 27% limit. To use this exemption, you need a letter from a licensed physician stating that you have a medical condition requiring darker tint.

You must carry this letter in your vehicle at all times. If a law enforcement officer stops you for illegal tint, the letter is your proof that the tint is medically necessary. Without it, you can still receive a citation. The letter does not need to be notarized, but it should be on the doctor's letterhead and include their contact information so an officer can verify it if needed.

The medical exemption does not override all rules — you still cannot tint your windshield beyond the sun strip, and the exemption applies only to the front side windows. If you are considering this route, have the conversation with your doctor and your tint installer before the work is done, so you understand exactly what darkness level is permitted under your exemption.

What happens if your tint is too dark

If a police officer determines your tint violates Colorado law, you will typically receive a fix-it ticket rather than a fine. A fix-it ticket means you have a set amount of time — usually 10 days to a few weeks, depending on the officer's discretion — to correct the violation and have it inspected again. For tint, correcting it means having the tint removed or lightened to meet the legal limit.

After removal or correction, you take your vehicle to a law enforcement agency or inspection station for a reinspection. Once they confirm the tint meets the law, you sign off on the ticket and the violation is resolved. If you do not fix it within the given timeframe, the fix-it ticket can convert to a regular citation with a fine.

The fine amount varies but typically ranges from $65 to $130 for a first tint violation, though this can change. Repeat violations or failure to correct after a fix-it ticket can result in higher fines. Some jurisdictions also allow officers to issue a regular citation instead of a fix-it ticket at their discretion, so the outcome can depend on the specific officer and circumstances of the stop.

Measuring tint darkness before installation

Before you have tint installed, ask your installer to tell you the VLT percentage of the tint they plan to use. Reputable installers should be able to provide this information and explain what it means for your specific windows. For front side windows in Colorado, you need tint with a VLT of 27% or higher — meaning 27% or more light passes through.

Some installers use a tint meter to measure the darkness of tint film before or after installation. If you want to verify that the work meets Colorado law, you can ask the installer to measure the finished product. This takes only a few minutes and gives you documentation that your tint is legal. Keep any paperwork the installer provides, as it can help if you are ever questioned by law enforcement.

If you are buying a used car with tint already installed and you are unsure whether it is legal, you can have a tint shop measure it for you. Many shops offer this service for free or a small fee. Knowing the VLT before you buy can prevent you from inheriting a violation.

Tint rules for commercial vehicles and specialty vehicles

Commercial vehicles, limousines, and certain other specialty vehicles may have different tint rules than standard passenger cars. Limousines, for example, are often allowed darker tint on rear windows than regular vehicles. If you own or operate a commercial vehicle, check with your local law enforcement or the Colorado Department of Transportation to confirm what tint darkness is permitted for your specific vehicle type.

Vehicles used for specific purposes — such as law enforcement vehicles, medical transport, or armored vehicles — may also have exemptions or different standards. These exemptions exist because the vehicle's purpose creates different safety or operational needs. If you are unsure whether your vehicle falls into a special category, contact your local police department's non-emergency line and ask.

Where to get tint installed and what to ask

Professional tint shops are the most reliable option for legal installation. When you call or visit a shop, tell them you want tint that meets Colorado law — specifically, 27% VLT or higher for front side windows. Ask them to confirm they understand the state limits and to show you samples of the tint darkness they recommend. Many shops have sample windows showing different VLT percentages, which helps you visualize what 27% actually looks like.

Before work begins, get a written estimate that includes the VLT percentage of the film being used. After installation, ask the installer to measure the finished tint with a meter and provide you with documentation of the VLT. This creates a record that your tint is legal, which is useful if you are ever stopped by police.

Avoid shops that seem unwilling to discuss Colorado's tint laws or that pressure you to go darker than the legal limit. A shop that knows the law and respects it is more likely to do quality work and less likely to put you in a position of having to remove the tint later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tint my windshield in Colorado?

You cannot tint the main windshield, but you can explore a sun strip to the top portion. The strip cannot extend below the manufacturer's AS-1 line, which is marked on the windshield. This allows some protection from glare without blocking the driver's view of the road.

What is the penalty for having tint that is too dark?

You typically receive a fix-it ticket, giving you time to remove or lighten the tint and have it reinspected. If you do not correct it within the timeframe, it becomes a regular citation with a fine ranging from roughly $65 to $130, depending on the jurisdiction and whether it is a repeat violation.

Do I need a doctor's letter to get a medical exemption for tint?

Yes. You need a letter from a licensed physician stating you have a medical condition requiring darker tint. You must carry this letter in your vehicle. Without it, darker tint on your front windows is illegal, even if you have a may have access to condition.

Can I tint my rear windows as dark as I want?

Yes, Colorado has no darkness limit for rear side windows or the rear windshield. You can use any VLT percentage on these windows. However, check your auto insurance policy, as some insurers have their own restrictions on rear tint darkness.

How do I know what VLT percentage I need?

For front side windows, you need 27% VLT or higher. Ask your tint installer to show you samples or to tell you the exact VLT of the film they recommend. After installation, request that they measure it with a tint meter and provide documentation of the result.