Not sure how dark you can make your car windows? Worried your new ride violates Denver window tint laws?
This comprehensive guide covers everything you should know before adding or replacing the window tinting on your vehicle.
Here’s the TL;DR on Denver window tinting:
- 70% of light should transmit through your windshield (and tint can only exist on the top four inches)
- 27% of light should transmit through your other windows
- Vehicles registered outside Colorado (but driven in the state) should transmit at least 20% of light through non-windshield windows
Colorado window tint laws can be confusing. Unsure? Just bring in your vehicle. We’ll take a look and advise you on your options – no cost.
Ok, do you love some fun Gov’t regulations? Keep reading to explore these tint laws in detail.
What Are Denver Window Tint Laws?
According to State Law HB19-1067, legal tint in Colorado must not exceed a certain percentage of filtration.
The state measures tint darkness as Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which is a percentage representing the amount of pass-through light you get from your vehicle’s windows.
With this in mind, let’s go over the specific window tinting laws for Denver:
Windshield Tinting
You can have a 70% VLT tint along the top four inches of your windshield — anything below that counts as a traffic violation (which we’ll cover later on).
Other Window Tinting “Fine Print”
Both your side and rear window follow the same set of regulations: you can’t go lower than a 27% VLT.
Note that some out-of-state regulations allow for 15% VLT or less. If you own a used vehicle, you may want to bring it in for inspection.
Non-Registered Vehicle Tinting
Even if your vehicle isn’t registered in Colorado, all windows are subject to state-specific tinting laws.
Denver Window Tinting Restrictions & Exceptions
There are a few additional window tinting restrictions worth mentioning here.
Here are some nuances of Colorado window tint law:
- Medical exemptions. Other US states (including New York) make window tinting exceptions for medical concerns. But you won’t find this in Colorado — the VLT requirements are set in stone.
- Restricted colors. You can’t have red or amber-colored window tint regardless of their VLT. You also can’t have metallic or mirrored tints that reflect sunlight outside of the vehicle.
- Dual side mirrors. If your rear windshield is tinted, both side mirrors must be present. Of course, you may get pulled over regardless if you’re missing a side mirror, so if you’re currently missing one, you should address it ASAP.
What Happens If I Violate Denver Window Tint Laws?
There’s some good news and bad news if you violate Colorado window tint laws.
The good news is there’s very little chance of losing your license for dark car window tint. Unless you’re a habitual offender, you’re not likely to face any suspensions.
The bad news is you may face tickets, fines, or fees. These can get expensive fast, especially if you’re a repeat offender.
Window tint violations in Colorado count as a Class B traffic infraction. This may lead to marks on your record and potential points on your license.
More serious infractions count as criminal misdemeanors. You may also face an additional $500 to $5,000 fine — far more than the cost of repairing illegal tint in the first place.
How likely are you to get pulled over for window tint violations? It largely depends on place and time. But some states register more than 12,500 charges per year, so it pays to think ahead and replace illegal window film quickly.
How To Tell if You Have Legal Tint in Colorado
There are three ways to check the VSL of a tinted window.
The first and easiest way is to check for verification stickers. Colorado state law recommends — but does not require — that vehicles have stickers verifying the tint is legal.
Just keep in mind that many used vehicles no longer have their factory stickers. Plus, aftermarket tinting and DIY jobs aren’t easy to spot without a trained eye.
Another solution is using a tint meter, which is a handheld device for measuring light transmittance. This isn’t going to be an economical solution, however, since most online tint meters start at $100 or more.
The most effective solution is to visit a local tinting expert, including the professionals at New Image Paint Protection. We’d be happy to offer an inspection and estimate so you can make a decision about the next steps for your vehicle.
How to Fix Illegal Tint in Colorado
Illegal window tint isn’t difficult to fix. With the right team of professionals, it can be a quick, simple, and effective repair. Psst, that’s us 🙂
Here’s how you can fix your window tint in Colorado:
1. Call New Image Paint Protection
The first step is calling New Image Paint Protection to look at your vehicle and identify the VLT. We’re extremely familiar with Denver tinting laws, so it doesn’t take long to spot inconsistencies and irregularities. We also do PPF / clear bras, paint correction, and ceramic coating.
2. Schedule a Window Tint Service
Next, we explain everything you should know so you’re 100% empowered to make the right decision for your vehicle. After 25 years of helping Denver drivers with window tints, we offer a fast, quality service that keeps customers coming back for more.
You can:
- Choose from eight different shades of window tints depending on your needs.
- Rest easy with a quality ceramic window tint that blocks up to 99% of US rays.
- Wait in our lobby or schedule a service so you’re never inconvenienced by our work.
Our business is proud to serve almost any vehicle in Denver, from trucks and sedans to SUVs and exotics. Since we specialize in vehicles like Teslas and Cybertrucks, you can rest easy knowing we’re the right team for the job.
3. Hit The Road
Most window tinting doesn’t take long to complete, and you can get back on the road as soon as our work is done. We also offer free estimates before getting started — the only surprises you’ll get will be happy ones.
New Image Paint Protection Is The Logical Conclusion For Colorado Vehicle Tinting
Denver’s vehicle tinting laws are confusing at the best of times. Thankfully, you can always refer to this comprehensive guide to get a better idea of where your vehicle stands.
If you’re ready to install a new set of window tints, or if you want to ‘fix’ a vehicle from out of state, New Image Paint Protection has everything you need to get the job done right. We’ve helped hundreds of Denver drivers get the level of protection they deserve, and with years of experience working with specialty vehicles, we set the standard for service in The Mile High City.
Peace of mind for your windows is just a phone call away. You can contact New Image Paint Protection at 303-999-7109 to get a free estimate for your vehicle.
Denver Tint Laws FAQ
What kinds of Denver window tinting laws are there?
You must adhere to the following rules:
- 70% tint for the windshield (four inches down only)
- 27% tint side windows and rear window
- No red or metallic colors (non-reflective tint only)
If your vehicle doesn’t meet these regulations, you must get in contact with a professional business. The team at New Image Paint Protection specializes in Colorado tinting laws and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Why should I get vehicle window tinting?
Vehicle window tinting comes with several benefits. You can:
- Protect yourself from harmful UV rays
- Ensure your car remains clean and new
- Privacy and security for loved ones and belongings
Make sure to follow Colorado’s car window tinting laws to avoid fines, tickets, or a car accident.
What is the darkest legal tint in Colorado?
The darkest legal tint for your back and rear side windows is 27%.
The darkest legal tint for your front windshield is 70% (for the top four inches of your windshield).
Any darker than this, and you may face traffic violations. You also have a higher risk of a car or truck accident.
