Hey there! If you're driving around the beautiful state of Colorado and you're thinking about giving your car windows a cool tint, I've got you covered. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of Colorado's window tinting regulations, laid out in a way that's as clear as an untinted window on a sunny day!
Visible Light Transmission (VLT): What's the Buzz?
Ever wondered how dark you can tint your car windows in Colorado? The answer lies in the Visible Light Transmission or VLT. It's all about the percentage of daylight the tint allows through.
For Those Riding in Sedans:
Windshield: You can have a non-reflective 70% VLT tint, but only on the top 4 inches.
Front & Back Side Windows: These need to let in more than 27% of light.
Rear Window: Yep, you guessed it! More than 27% light should come in here too.
If SUVs and Vans Are More Your Style:
Windshield: Just like sedans, a 70% VLT non-reflective tint is the way to go for the top 4 inches.
Front & Back Side Windows: Again, aim for over 27% light penetration.
Rear Window: Keep it above 27% VLT.
Here's a little tint tip: If your front side windows and windshield are rocking over 70% VLT, you have the freedom to go as dark as you like for the rear window and back side windows. Party on!
Let's Reflect on Tint Reflection
Besides shading your windows, did you know tinting can also reflect incoming light, helping to cut down glare and heat? But, in Colorado, you can't just slap on any reflective tint.
For the Sedan Lovers:
Front & Back Side Windows: Steer clear of tints with a metallic or mirrored look.
For the SUV and Van Enthusiasts:
Front & Back Side Windows: Same rules apply here – no metallic or mirrored vibes.
The Extra Tint Tidbits Every Coloradan Driver Should Know
Colorado has peppered in some additional regulations related to window tinting:
Side Mirrors: If you've tinted that back window, you better have dual side mirrors.
Color Boundaries: You might love the colors RED and AMBER, but your tint? Not so much. They're a no-go by state law.
Certificates: In Colorado, film manufacturers are chill; they don't need to certify the tint film they're selling.
Stickers: The state gives a nod to stickers that identify legal tinting, but it's more of a recommendation than a must-do.
Medical Exceptions: Some states might let you slide with a special tint for medical reasons. Colorado? Not one of them.
Penalties: Get it wrong and it's a Class B traffic infraction. Worst-case scenario? A misdemeanor that could hit your wallet with a fine between $500 and $5,000. Ouch!
Remember, depending on where you park your ride in Colorado, local interpretations of these tinting regulations might vary. Always a good idea to check in with your local DMV or those friendly law enforcement officers.
Last Call: Staying Updated
This scoop on Colorado's window tint laws is as fresh as the Rocky Mountain air in 2023. But hey, things can change. The original tinting laws rolled out in 1995, and if you spot something off in our intel, give us a shout. We aim for accuracy!
Stay safe, stay informed, and enjoy that Colorado sunshine (through your perfectly tinted windows, of course)!