Colorado DMV Tint Laws: Window Tint Rules, Percentage Limits & Insurance Requirements

Key Points to Remember

• In Colorado, only the top 4 inches of the windshield can be tinted and must let in at least 70% of light.
• The front side windows must let in at least 27% of light.
• The back side and rear windows also need a minimum of 27% VLT (Visible Light Transmission).
• Red and amber tints are not allowed on any windows in Colorado.
• Having illegal window tint can result in fines and potentially higher insurance premiums.

Overview of Colorado DMV Tint Laws

Any vehicle owner needs to understand the window tint laws in Colorado. These laws are in place to ensure safety and visibility on the road. If you’re considering tinting your car windows or already have tinted windows, knowing what’s legal and what’s not is crucial.

Window tinting isn’t just about looking cool. It can also help reduce glare, block harmful UV rays, and provide privacy. However, a too dark tint can also reduce visibility, so states like Colorado have specific rules.

Why Window Tint Laws Matter

Window tint laws exist to balance the advantages of tinting and the importance of safety. Heavy tints can obstruct a driver’s view, particularly in the dark, potentially causing accidents and other hazards. To ensure that window tinting is done safely, the Colorado DMV has established guidelines.

These rules primarily assist police officers in seeing inside cars during traffic incidents. This visibility is key for the safety of the officer and the motorist. In addition, appropriate tinting can also aid in the event of a collision by stopping shattered glass from scattering.

Why Window Tint Laws Exist

Window tint laws are primarily about safety and visibility. Imagine driving at night with very dark windows; it would be difficult to see pedestrians, cyclists, and other cars. That’s why the law requires a certain amount of light to pass through the windows.

For example, the windshield should let through at least 70% of light, but this only applies to the top 4 inches. The rest of the windshield should be kept clear. This ensures drivers can see the road ahead without any problems.

Law and Penalties

The Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-227 sets the state’s legal rules for window tinting. This law states the acceptable tint levels for each window on a car. It also includes the penalties for not following these rules, ranging from fines to removing the illegal tint. For more detailed information, you can visit Colorado window tint laws.

Police use specific tools to determine the VLT percentage of your car windows. If your tint is too dark, you may be stopped and fined. So, it’s essential to make sure your car meets these rules.

Colorado’s Window Tint Regulations

We’ll discuss the regulations for each kind of window on your car. Being aware of these regulations can help you comply with the law and avoid legal problems.

Rules for Tinting Windshields

The state of Colorado has the strictest rules regarding windshield tinting. You are only allowed to tint the top 4 inches of your windshield, and the tint must let through at least 70% of light. This rule ensures that your view of the road is always clear and not blocked.

For safety reasons, only non-reflective tint is allowed in this area. Reflective or mirrored tints are not permitted because they can cause more hazards.

Front Side Window Tint Regulations

The guidelines are slightly different for the front side windows. These windows must permit at least 27% of light to come through. This ensures that drivers can see clearly out of their side windows, which is crucial for making safe lane changes and turns.

Moreover, this degree of visibility aids police officers in viewing the vehicle’s interior during traffic stops. If your front side windows are excessively tinted, you may be fined and compelled to remove the tint.

Back Side Windows Tinting Requirements

The 27% VLT regulation that applies to the front side windows also applies to the back side windows. This uniformity ensures that the driver and passengers can see clearly. This is particularly crucial for bigger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks, where the rear view can already be restricted.

Keeping your rear side windows in compliance with this requirement will prevent legal trouble and promote safer driving conditions.

Restrictions on Rear Window Tint

At least 27% of light must pass through the rear window. This law ensures drivers can clearly see what’s happening behind them, which is key for safely backing up and changing lanes.

If your vehicle has rearview mirrors on both sides, you may be able to get away with slightly darker window tints. But it’s always a good idea to check with local law enforcement to ensure you follow the rules.

Forbidden Tint Shades and Types

Colorado regulations forbid the use of certain shades and types of window tinting. In particular, red and amber tints are forbidden on any windows. These shades can cause serious visibility problems and are deemed hazardous.

Moreover, the use of reflective or mirrored tints is prohibited. These materials can cause glare, making it challenging for other drivers to see and increasing the risk of accidents.

Window Tint Percentage Limits

Knowing the percentage limits for window tint to stay within the law is essential. The percentage of VLT, or Visible Light Transmission, tells you how much light is allowed to pass through the window. The higher the percentage, the more light can pass through; the lower the rate, the darker the tint. For example, you can refer to the Arizona MVD tint laws to understand how these limits vary by state.

Reference:

https://settleupauto.com/settleup/colorado-window-tint-laws/

Understanding Visible Light Transmission (VLT)

Visible Light Transmission (VLT) refers to the amount of light a window tint permits to come through. This is represented as a percentage. To illustrate, a VLT of 70% implies that the window allows 70% of light to pass through, while a VLT of 30% indicates that only 30% of light can pass through the window.

Every window in Colorado has a unique VLT requirement. Understanding these requirements will help you pick the appropriate tint for your car.

Understanding Window Tint Percentage Limits

It’s important to know the percentage limits for window tint to ensure your car meets Colorado’s legal guidelines. These limits are based on the amount of light that can come through the window, also called the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage.

What is Visible Light Transmission (VLT)?

Visible Light Transmission (VLT) refers to the light a window tint permits to pass through. This is often represented as a percentage. To give you an idea, a 70% VLT implies that 70% of light can pass through the window. On the other hand, a 30% VLT means that only 30% of light can pass through. You can check the Virginia DMV tint laws for more information on tint laws.

Colorado has specific VLT requirements for different windows. Understanding these requirements will assist you in selecting the appropriate tint for your vehicle.

Permitted VLT Percentages for Different Window Types

Colorado law specifies VLT requirements for each type of window on your vehicle. Here are the permitted VLT percentages:

• Windshield: Tinting is allowed on the top 4 inches only, and it must permit at least 70% of light to come through.
• Front Side Windows: They must let at least 27% of light to come through.
• Back Side Windows: They must let at least 27% of light to come through.
• Rear Window: It must let at least 27% of light to come through.

These percentages are intended to ensure that drivers have enough visibility while they are driving, which is important for road safety.

How to Measure Window Tint

If you want to determine how much light your window tint lets through, you can use a tint meter. This is the same device that police officers use to make sure that your tint is legal. If you’re unsure if your window tint is too dark, you can use a tint meter to check.

Using a tint meter is a breeze, and it can give you an accurate reading of the VLT percentage of your window tint. Just put the meter in the window, showing you the VLT percentage. This can assist you in making sure your vehicle complies with Colorado’s tint laws.

Insurance Necessities and Consequences

Adding window tinting to your vehicle can affect your auto insurance. It’s crucial to comprehend how tinting can influence your premiums and coverage.

How Window Tint Affects Insurance Rates

Many insurance providers take window tinting into account when setting your rates. If your tint falls within state regulations, it likely won’t significantly affect your premiums. However, if your tint is illegal, it could result in higher premiums or even cause your policy to be cancelled.

It is important to inform your insurance company about any changes to your vehicle, such as window tinting. This openness can prevent problems with your coverage.

Responsibility in the Event of Accidents

Unlawful window tinting can also cause responsibility issues if an accident occurs. If your tint is excessively dark and hampers your ability to see, you may be held responsible for the accident. This could lead to higher immediate expenses and a rise in insurance rates.

So, you must ensure your window tint follows Colorado laws to prevent these potential problems.

Insurance Claim Rejections Because of Unlawful Tint

There are situations where insurance providers might reject claims if your car has unlawful window tint. This is because illegal tint can be interpreted as a modification that heightens the likelihood of accidents. To prevent claim rejections, ensure your tint is under state laws.

Letting your insurance provider know about your window tint and making sure it’s legal can help you avoid these problems.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Colorado’s Tint Laws

Car owners have many questions about Colorado’s tint laws. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.

Common Questions About Medical Exemptions for Window Tint

Some individuals might need a darker window tint due to health issues. However, in Colorado, medical exemptions for window tint are not permitted. All cars must adhere to the standard tint rules, regardless of medical conditions.

If you have a health condition that necessitates a darker tint, you may have to consider other options, such as wearing sunglasses while driving.

What Happens if You Don’t Follow the Rules

You could face various penalties if you don’t follow Colorado’s window tint laws. These might include having to pay fines, being required to remove the illegal tint, and even seeing your insurance premiums increase. To avoid these problems, ensure your vehicle complies with the law.

Here are some steps you can take to make sure you’re following the rules:

• Use a tint meter to determine the tint percentage of your windows.
• Speak with a certified tint professional to confirm your tint is within the legal limits.
• Tell your insurance provider about any changes you make to your car, including window tinting.

Following Colorado’s window tint laws isn’t just about dodging tickets. It’s also about keeping the roads safe. Adhering to these guidelines can keep your car street-legal and safe to operate. For more information on similar regulations, refer to Arizona’s window tint laws.

How to Determine Your Existing Tint Percentage

Before making any modifications, determine the existing tint percentage on your vehicle’s windows. You can do this using a tint meter, a tool that measures the VLT percentage of your windows. These tools are user-friendly and can provide precise measurements.

Here’s how to use a tint meter: If you live in Virginia, check out the Virginia DMV tint laws to ensure compliance.

• Set the meter on the window.
• Adhere to the instructions to obtain a reading of the VLT percentage.
• Check the reading against Colorado’s legal limits to verify compliance.

Locating a Certified Tint Expert

If your existing tint does not comply with Colorado’s laws, it will need to be removed or replaced. It’s advisable to collaborate with a certified tint expert who is familiar with the state’s rules and can confirm that your vehicle adheres to legal standards.

Here’s how you can locate a certified tint expert:

• Get recommendations from people you trust.
• Look at online reviews and ratings.
• Make sure the professional knows the tint laws in Colorado.

When you work with a certified professional, you can relax knowing your car’s tint is legal and safe. You can check out the Washington tint laws to compare regulations for more information.

Updating Your Insurance Details

Once you’ve made sure your window tint meets Colorado’s laws, remember to update your insurance details. Letting your insurance company know about any changes to your vehicle, such as window tinting, can prevent problems with your coverage.

When you need to change your insurance information:

• Get in touch with your insurance provider.
• Share details about your window tint, precisely the VLT percentage.
• Find out if there could be any impact on your coverage or rates.

By keeping your insurance provider in the loop, you can prevent claim denials and ensure adequate coverage.

Common Questions

Colorado’s window tint laws can be confusing for many vehicle owners. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers:

What happens if your window tint is illegal in Colorado?

If your window tint doesn’t meet the legal requirements in Colorado, you could be hit with a few different penalties. You might have to pay a fine, be forced to remove the illegal tint, and even see your insurance premiums increase. To avoid these penalties, your vehicle must follow the law.

Do SUVs or larger vehicles have any exceptions?

The VLT requirements are typically the same for all vehicles, but there might be some exceptions for larger vehicles like SUVs. However, there are a few exceptions, and it’s always a good idea to check with local authorities to ensure you comply.

Are different tint percentages allowed for vehicles from other states?

Even if your vehicle is registered in a different state, it must adhere to Colorado’s tint laws if it’s being driven in Colorado. So, if your home state permits darker tints, you’ll need to ensure your vehicle complies with Colorado’s regulations while driving in Colorado.

“If your vehicle is registered in another state, but you’re driving in Colorado, you can have up to a 20% VLT rating on any window that’s not the windshield.”

What is the best way to accurately measure my window tint percentage?

It’s actually quite simple to accurately measure your window tint percentage. All you need is a tint meter. These handy little gadgets are very user-friendly and give you an exact reading of the VLT percentage. Just put the meter on the window, follow the instructions, and then compare the reading to the legal limits in Colorado.