Ever wondered why window tint is so prevalent in Colorado? It’s not merely about blocking the sun or enhancing privacy – it’s a quest for a perfect blend of legality and visual allure. Tint gives your automobile a finished look that no other accessory can offer. However, Colorado has strict regulations and limits on window tint laws. These regulations and limits are made to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, and the community. Let’s explore Colorado window tint laws in detail.
Window Tinting Process
Window tinting involves darkening a vehicle’s windows to prevent light from penetrating the vehicle. In the window tinting process, a thin film, usually made of polyester (or better yet, ceramic coating), is carefully applied to the interior of the vehicle’s windows. With window tinting, the car’s aesthetic appeal is increased, and it helps drivers see better, decrease glare, and feel more secure on the road. However, it is always important to strike a balance as nighttime driving with incredibly dark windows is very risky. If a car’s windows are too dark, the driver may fail to notice pedestrians crossing the street. So, achieving the right tint level is crucial to making your vehicle beautiful and safe to drive.
Window Tinting Benefits
- Although it is entirely dependent on the driver’s choice to enhance their car’s appeal, window tinting has numerous advantages to both the vehicle and its occupants.
- It prevents the interior from drying out and cracking, so your car will look brand new for longer.
- Tinting the windows of a car can protect the driver’s eyes from the sun and nighttime headlights by reducing glare on the windshield.
- Window tinting can prevent up to 99% of the sun’s hazardous UV rays, therefore reducing your skin’s aging process and causing skin cancer.
- Automotive window film can reduce the amount of solar heat gain by 35-65%, depending on the quality.
- Window film provides extra security from breaking the glass when struck by an object.
- It provides various shading options, offering privacy for passengers and concealing items inside the vehicle from intruders.
Now that you know the importance of having window tint, let’s dig deeper and understand the level of permissible Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentages to adhere to legal standards in Colorado.
Standard VLT Percentage
In order to establish what level of tinting is legal in Colorado, the state has used a metric system which is called Visible Light Transmission (VLT). It is the standard by which window tint is evaluated. Every window gets a VLT rating based on how much outside light can penetrate through the window. For instance, a window with a VLT of 80 lets in around 80% of ambient light, while a window with a VLT of 5 lets in about 5%. However, the top four inches of the glass on the front of all vehicles can be tinted, but only with non-reflective 70VLT film. The direct sunlight can be blocked by the four inches of tint at the top of the window without obstructing the driver’s view.
Standard Darkness Percentage
Colorado window tint law applies uniformly to cars, trucks, SUVs and vans. The permissible percentage of light transmission through film and glass in Colorado varies across different vehicle windows. As per Colorado tint laws:
- Windshield: Allows a maximum of 70% VLT non-reflective tinting in the top four inches.
- Front-side Windows: Must allow in more than 27% of light.
- Back-side Windows: Must allow in more than 27% of light.
- Rear Windows: Must allow in more than 27% of light.
- Sunroof Tint: No specific regulations exist for sunroof window tint, as they don’t affect forward or rearward visibility.
Other Regulations for Legal Tint in Colorado
There are several other significant regulations and legal tint laws in Colorado. The following are some of them:
- Side Mirrors: If the rear window is tinted, it is mandatory to install dual side mirrors.
- Color Restrictions: RED and AMBER tint is illegal in this state.
- Certification: Film manufacturers in Colorado are not required to get their products certified.
- Stickers: Stickers are recommended, but not required by state legislation to denote approved window tint.
- Medical Condition: Legally, you cannot employ special tint because of a medical condition in Colorado.
Penalties for Violating Colorado Window Tint Law
While legal window tint may not impair one’s vision when driving, illegal tint has the potential to start or contribute to collisions, which is why there is a penalty for breaking window tint laws in Colorado. The visibility of traffic signals, lights, pedestrians, and other cars is significantly reduced when windows and windshields are overly tinted, particularly at night or in bad weather.
Since illegal dark window tinting is considered a class B traffic infraction, the real consequences are usually fines and possibly a few points on your license. In Colorado State, an illegal window tinted car results in a fine of $500 to $5,000. The amount of fine also depends on several factors. These factors include the seriousness of the issue, whether you have been involved in a previous citation for breaking Colorado’s window tint rules or violating other traffic rules.
Common Tinting Misconceptions
Window tinting is increasingly popular among car owners. Despite the obvious advantages, this approach is plagued by a number of myths and misconceptions that could turn off potential customers.
Myth 1: Window tinting is merely for aesthetics. While it contributes to the beauty of your car, window tinting has many practical benefits too, such as protection from ultraviolet light, reduced heat and glare, not to mention added privacy.
Myth 2: Window tinting is illegal. It is true window tinting can be illegal in some states, but it is legal in others, like Colorado with specific VLT.
Myth 3: Ruin your car’s windows: Window tinting does not damage your windows. On the contrary, it can enhance their structural integrity, minimizing shattering during accidents or break-ins.
Myth 4: There’s a typical misconception that window tinting is a DIY task. DIY attempts at applying tint usually end up wrinkly and uneven due to the presence of air bubbles, thus looking cheap and unprofessional. It’s imperative to have experts with the right equipment, training and experience to handle this.
Myth 5: You can’t see well through tinted windows. High-quality window tint is crafted to reduce glare, shield your eyes from dangerous UV rays, and provide outstanding visibility.
Myth 6: Window tinting is too expensive. In reality, it blocks the sun’s rays, so the air conditioner won’t have to work as hard, and your car’s interior will be safer from fading.
Tips for Selecting Legal Window Tint
The permissible tint percentage in your state holds paramount importance when selecting the tint for your car. Consider these tips to determine your ideal tint level:
- Assess how your car’s appearance changes with the tint.
- Determine the reason behind the tint and choose the percentage accordingly.
- Seek out high-quality film available on the market.
- Evaluate which tinting options work best for similar vehicles.
- Always 0pt for professional window tint installation.
In Conclusion…
In Colorado, windshields are mandated to transmit a minimum of 70% light. Beyond windshields, the state stipulates that all other windows must enable a minimum of 27% light passage. For vehicles registered outside of Colorado but operating within the state, a distinct set of regulations applies. In this scenario, all windows must allow a minimum of 20% light transmission, with the noteworthy exception of the windshield. This exception ensures that even out-of-state vehicles align with Colorado’s commitment to safety and visibility standards.
Interested in having your windows tinted in Colorado Springs, then book an appointment with a professional by calling (719) 761-5865 or reach us through our contact form. You can view our window tinting costs by clicking here.
