Colorado Window Tint Laws 2026
Colorado requires 27% VLT on side and rear windows for every vehicle, and 70% VLT on the windshield below the top strip. The same 27% number applies to sedans, SUVs, vans, and pickups alike, no vehicle-type split. Unlike most states, Colorado offers no medical exemption at all, and its rear-window rule comes with a real catch most drivers miss.
Widespread myth, worth correcting: Colorado does not recognize medical exemptions for tint, despite what a lot of sites and shops claim. C.R.S. 42-4-227 has no medical waiver provision, and a physician's letter offers no legal protection here.
Quick Reference
| Window | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | 70% VLT below top 4 inches, non-reflective strip above | Restricted |
| Front side windows | 27% VLT minimum | Moderate |
| Back side windows | 27% VLT (any if front stays 70%+) | Conditional |
| Rear window | 27% VLT (any if front stays 70%+) | Conditional |
The Rear Window Catch Most Drivers Miss
Colorado's rear-window rule isn't a simple "any darkness allowed" like several neighboring states. The full freedom on rear glass only kicks in if the front side windows and the windshield both stay above 70% VLT, essentially untinted, factory-level clear. If you tint your front side windows down to the standard 27% legal minimum, which is itself completely legal, your rear windows then fall back to that same 27% floor too, not unlimited darkness. Chasing dark limo tint on the back while keeping any visible tint up front doesn't work under Colorado's actual statute.
Legal vs Illegal
Legal
- ✓27%+ VLT film on side and rear windows, any vehicle
- ✓Any darkness on rear windows if front and windshield stay 70%+
- ✓Non-reflective strip on the top 4 inches of windshield
- ✓Dark factory-tinted glass that meets federal glazing standards
Illegal
- ✕Side or rear film below 27% VLT without meeting the 70% front exception
- ✕Metallic or mirrored tint on any window
- ✕Red or amber tint on any window
- ✕Windshield below 70% VLT outside the top strip
Reflectivity and Color Rules
Reflectivity
Colorado flatly bans any metallic or mirrored appearance on every window, no percentage threshold to stay under, if it looks reflective, it's illegal regardless of the exact reading.
Restricted colors
Red and amber tints are prohibited on any window, including the windshield strip, and the material cannot distort a driver's perception of colors, including traffic signals.
Fines and Penalties
Driving with illegal tint under C.R.S. 42-4-227 is generally a Class B traffic infraction. Colorado's formal penalty assessment schedule lists a base amount around $50 plus surcharges for a standard citation, though real-world totals vary by jurisdiction and can run higher if the case goes to court or involves aggravating factors. Installing non-compliant tint is treated more seriously, a Class A traffic infraction, a stricter classification than what a driver typically faces.
| Party | Classification | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | Class B traffic infraction | ~$50 penalty assessment plus surcharge, higher in some cases |
| Installer | Class A traffic infraction | Stricter classification, no license points for tint violations |
No Medical Exemption
Colorado Revised Statutes 42-4-227 makes no provision for a medical exemption of any kind, this includes drivers with photosensitivity, lupus, skin cancer history, or other documented light-sensitivity conditions. No Colorado DMV form exists for a tint waiver. A physician's letter carried in the vehicle offers no legal protection against a citation, unlike most other states in this guide.
Enforcement: What Actually Happens on the Road
Tint is a primary offense in Colorado. Colorado State Patrol and every county sheriff can stop a vehicle based on tint appearance alone using a handheld meter pressed against the glass. Officers check both the front and rear readings together, since which standard applies to the rear depends on what the front and windshield actually measure.
What Legal Tint Actually Costs in Colorado
Since the rear-window exception requires keeping the front essentially clear, most Colorado drivers who want real darkness settle for a uniform 27% across all side and rear windows rather than chasing the conditional exception. Nano-ceramic film is a common choice for UV and infrared rejection given Colorado's high-altitude sun exposure.
| Film Type | Sedan | SUV / Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Dyed film | $140 to $260 | $200 to $370 |
| Carbon film | $200 to $320 | $260 to $410 |
| Ceramic film | $230 to $440 | $320 to $590 |
Use the calculator to get an estimate specific to your vehicle before contacting any shop.
Free Tint Cost CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
Tint Enforcement by City
Denver
Denver PD and Colorado State Patrol both actively enforce. I-25 and I-70 are commonly cited corridors.
Colorado Springs
Consistent enforcement pattern on I-25, standard statewide 27% rule applies.
Aurora
Part of the greater Denver metro enforcement pattern, I-225 corridor sees regular patrol presence.
Fort Collins
I-25 corridor enforcement, standard statewide procedure applies.
Grand Junction
Western Slope enforcement pattern, high-altitude sun exposure drives strong demand for maximum legal darkness.
Related Reading
Window Tint Laws by State
Colorado tint law is one piece of a bigger picture. Every state sets its own VLT limits, and they vary more than most drivers expect. Browse the full directory below.
Colorado tint law reference: C.R.S. 42-4-227. Laws can change. Always verify current requirements with Colorado DMV before getting your windows tinted.