What Is the Legal Window Tint in Colorado Springs?

Key Takeaways

• Colorado’s window tint law applies to all vehicle types: sedans, SUVs, trucks, and vans
• Front side windows must allow more than 27% visible light transmission (VLT) on all vehicles
• The windshield may only have non-reflective tint on the top 4 inches, at 70% VLT or higher
• Rear side windows and the rear window may have any tint darkness if your front side windows and windshield have more than 70% VLT; otherwise the 27% minimum applies to the rear as well
• Metallic, mirrored, red, and amber tints are prohibited by Colorado law
• Violations can result in a Class B traffic infraction or, in serious cases, a misdemeanor with significant fines
• Working with a certified installer ensures your tint is applied correctly and stays within legal limits

If you’ve ever wondered whether your tinted windows could get you pulled over in Colorado Springs, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we hear from customers before they book an appointment. The rules aren’t complicated once you understand them, but there are a few details that trip people up, especially around the rear windows.

Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what Colorado law actually requires.

Understanding VLT: The Foundation of Every Tint Law

Before anything else, you need to know what VLT means. VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission. It refers to the percentage of light that passes through your window glass and tint film combined. The lower the VLT percentage, the darker the tint.

So a 50% VLT tint lets in half of the available light, while a 5% VLT (often called “limo tint”) is extremely dark and nearly opaque. In Colorado, the law sets minimum VLT thresholds for each window on your vehicle, and your tint must meet those thresholds to be legal.

One thing worth knowing: if your vehicle already has factory-tinted glass, that tint counts toward your total VLT. So if your factory glass is at 80% VLT and you add an aftermarket film at 30% VLT, your combined transmission is roughly 24%, which puts you below the legal minimum for front side windows. This is an easy mistake to make, and it’s one of the reasons professional consultation matters before you choose a shade.

Colorado Window Tint Laws by Window Location

Colorado’s tint law is governed by Colorado Revised Statutes section 42-4-227. Here’s what it requires for each part of your vehicle.

Windshield

You can only apply non-reflective tint to the top 4 inches of your windshield, or down to the manufacturer’s AS-1 line, whichever is lower. That tint must allow at least 70% VLT. Tinting your entire windshield is not permitted, regardless of how light the film is.

Front Side Windows

Both front side windows (driver and passenger) must allow more than 27% of light through. This applies to every vehicle type in Colorado, whether it’s a sedan, SUV, pickup truck, or van. There’s no distinction between vehicle categories here.

Rear Side Windows and Rear Window

This is where it gets a little more nuanced, and where a lot of people get confused.

If your front side windows and windshield have more than 70% VLT (meaning they’re essentially clear or very lightly tinted), your rear side windows and rear window can have any level of darkness, including very dark tint. If your front side windows have some tint on them but still meet the 27% minimum, then your rear side windows and rear window must also allow more than 27% VLT.

So your rear window tinting options depend directly on what’s happening with your front windows.

And one more thing: if you tint your rear window, Colorado law requires you to have dual side mirrors on both sides of the vehicle to maintain adequate rearward visibility.

Reflectivity and Color Restrictions

Darkness isn’t the only thing regulated. Colorado law also restricts how reflective your tint can be and what colors are permitted.

Reflectivity: Metallic or mirrored-looking tints are not allowed on any window. The law prohibits finishes that create a high-gloss reflective appearance, which can create hazardous glare for other drivers.

Prohibited colors: Red and amber tints are illegal in Colorado. These colors can interfere with how other drivers interpret traffic signals and vehicle lighting, which creates an obvious safety concern.

Most standard window tint films won’t run into issues here. But it’s still worth confirming with your installer that the film you’re choosing is compliant, especially if you’re interested in a specialty or colored film.

What About Medical Exemptions?

Some states allow darker tint with a physician’s note for certain medical conditions like lupus or photosensitivity disorders. Colorado’s position on this is more restrictive than many people expect. The state does not recognize standard medical exemptions that would allow you to exceed the legal VLT limits.

We always recommend checking with the Colorado Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division or your local law enforcement if you have specific questions about your situation. Local interpretations can occasionally vary, and regulations can change.

Penalties for Illegal Tint

Getting caught with tint that doesn’t meet Colorado’s legal requirements is generally treated as a Class B traffic infraction. That typically means a fine in the range of $15 to $100 plus surcharges, and officers may also issue a “fix-it ticket” requiring you to remove the illegal film and show proof of compliance within a set timeframe.

In more serious situations, particularly with excessively dark tint or repeated infractions, the charge can escalate to a misdemeanor. That carries the potential for fines ranging from $500 to $5,000 and more significant legal consequences.

Not exactly worth it for the sake of going darker than the law allows.

There’s also a practical liability issue: if you’re involved in an accident and it’s determined that illegal tint contributed to your reduced visibility, you could be held partially responsible for the crash. Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence standard, which means the degree of fault assigned to you directly affects what you can recover in damages.

Why Professional Installation Matters

Tint laws are pretty easy to understand in theory. But applying film correctly, accounting for your vehicle’s existing glass tint, and choosing a film that actually performs the way it should? That’s where skill and experience make the difference.

At Auto Film Solutions, our window tinting in Colorado Springs is handled entirely by certified installers using computer-cut film technology in dedicated, dust-free bays. Every install is done in-house, with no outsourcing. We use name-brand, premium films, including XPEL, and we back every job with a lifetime warranty covering both the film and the installation.

We also offer same-day tinting in many cases, so you don’t have to plan around a long wait.

Beyond compliance, the right tint makes a real difference in how you experience driving. Our carbon and ceramic tint options block up to 99% of UV radiation and provide strong solar heat rejection, which matters a lot during Colorado’s intense sun exposure. The inside of your car stays cooler, your interior fades less, and glare on the road is significantly reduced. You can learn more about our film options and packages on our window tint page.

And if you’re thinking about going beyond tint, we also offer paint protection film and ceramic coatings to protect your vehicle’s exterior, all under one roof at our 30,000 sq ft Colorado Springs shop.

Get It Done Right the First Time

There’s no reason to guess at your tint shade or risk a ticket because of a film that doesn’t meet state requirements. Our team will walk you through your options, make sure everything is within legal limits, and get your vehicle done with the kind of precision that shows in the finished result.

Ready to book? Contact Auto Film Solutions to schedule your appointment or get a free quote. We’re available Monday through Saturday and can often get you in quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal tint percentage in Colorado Springs?

Colorado requires front side windows to allow more than 27% VLT on all vehicle types. The windshield can only have non-reflective tint on the top 4 inches, at 70% VLT or higher. Rear side windows and the rear window follow the 27% minimum unless the front windows and windshield have more than 70% VLT, in which case the rear can be any darkness. Colorado Springs follows the same state standards as the rest of Colorado.

Can I get a medical exemption for darker tint in Colorado?

Colorado generally does not recognize standard medical exemptions that would allow tint beyond the legal VLT limits. If you have a condition that may require special consideration, we recommend contacting the Colorado Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division or your local law enforcement for the most current guidance.

What happens if my window tint is too dark in Colorado?

A tint violation is typically classified as a Class B traffic infraction in Colorado, with fines starting around $15 to $100 plus surcharges. Officers may also issue a fix-it ticket requiring you to remove and replace the illegal tint. In severe cases or repeated violations, the charge can escalate to a misdemeanor with fines up to $5,000.

Does Colorado have different tint laws for SUVs vs. sedans?

No. Colorado’s VLT requirements are the same for sedans, SUVs, trucks, and vans. The 27% VLT minimum for front side windows applies across all vehicle types. The key variable is whether your front windows and windshield have over 70% VLT, which determines how dark you can go on the rear windows regardless of vehicle type.

Does factory tint count toward Colorado’s VLT limits?

Yes. Colorado law looks at the combined VLT of your glass and any aftermarket film together. If your vehicle came with factory-tinted glass, you need to account for that when choosing an aftermarket tint shade. Going too dark on top of factory glass is one of the more common ways people end up out of compliance without realizing it.

Are reflective or mirrored tints legal in Colorado?

No. Colorado prohibits metallic or mirrored-appearance tints on any window. Tints that create high-gloss reflectivity are restricted because they can create dangerous glare for other drivers on the road.

Do I need side mirrors if I tint my rear window in Colorado?

Yes. If your rear window is tinted, Colorado law requires dual side mirrors, one on each side of the vehicle. This is to ensure you maintain proper rearward visibility even with a darkened rear window.

The information in this post is provided for educational purposes only and reflects our understanding of Colorado window tint regulations at the time of writing. Laws and local enforcement practices can change. Always verify current requirements with your local Colorado DMV or law enforcement before making decisions about your vehicle’s window tint.