CO · tint law reference
Colorado window tint laws
Last verified September 14, 2026 · Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-227 (Windows unobstructed - certain materials prohibited - windshield wiper requirements)
Legal tint limits at a glance
VLT is the share of light the window must let through — a lower number is darker film, and the reading includes the factory glass.
| Window | Sedans | SUVs, vans & trucks |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | The windshield must allow at least 70% light transmittance. Nontransparent material may be applied to the topmost portion if its bottom edge extends no more than 4 inches down from the top of the windshield, it is not red or amber, it does not affect perception of primary colors or distort or obstruct vision, and it adds no glare for oncoming or preceding drivers (§ 42-4-227(1)(a)(I),(1)(b)) | Same as sedan - § 42-4-227 applies to all motor vehicles |
| Front side | 27% VLT or lighter | 27% VLT or lighter |
| Back side | 27% VLT or lighter | 27% VLT or lighter |
| Rear | 27% VLT or lighter | 27% VLT or lighter |
Dual side mirrors required if the rear is tinted? No — this state does not tie a mirror requirement to rear tint.
Is my tint legal here?
Film darkness and glass darkness multiply. Enter the film you are considering and the VLT of the bare glass to get the number a meter would read.
70 for tinted OEM glass, 80 for clear
Net VLT 14% 20% film × 70% glass
Pass/fail compares net VLT against the limits on this page only. Some states apply a measurement tolerance — see Measurement tolerance below — and none of this replaces a meter reading on your own glass.
The rest of the rule
Reflectivity
No numeric limit; no material presenting a metallic or mirrored appearance may be used on any window, and no window other than the windshield may be treated with material presenting an opaque, nontransparent, or metallic or mirrored appearance that allows less than 27% light transmittance (§ 42-4-227(1)(a)(I),(1)(d))
Colors
The windshield strip may not be red or amber and may not affect perception of primary colors; metallic or mirrored appearance is banned on every window (§ 42-4-227(1)(b)(II),(1)(d))
Medical exemption
no - § 42-4-227 contains no medical exemption, and no other section of C.R.S. Title 42 addresses window light transmittance
Stickers & certification
None required - § 42-4-227 has no sticker or film-certification requirement; it only preserves the display of certificates or papers required by other law (§ 42-4-227(1)(e))
Measurement tolerance
This state does not state a measurement tolerance in the sources we checked.
Penalties
Class B traffic infraction. Installing, covering, or treating a windshield or window so that it fails § 42-4-227(1)(a) is a class A traffic infraction - i.e. the shop that applies illegal film is charged more severely than the driver (§ 42-4-227(3))
Notes
IMPORTANT ALTERNATIVE: § 42-4-227(1)(a)(II) allows the windows to the rear of the driver, including the rear window, to be darker than 27% if the front side windows and the windshield on that vehicle allow at least 70% light transmittance. The 27% figures above are the default; a shop can legally go darker behind the driver on any vehicle by keeping the front side windows at 70%+. § 42-4-227(4) applies the section to all motor vehicles, so there is no separate SUV/van category. The 27% rule reaches only vehicles 'registered in Colorado'; the statute sets no standard for out-of-state vehicles. Law-enforcement vehicles may go below 27% for valid law-enforcement service but may not then be used for traffic enforcement (§ (1)(a)(III)); factory glazing approved by federal statute or regulation, and like-for-like replacement of it, is preserved (§ (1)(c)).
Colorado tint questions
What is the darkest legal tint in Colorado?
For a sedan in Colorado, front side windows must let at least 27% of light through, back side windows at least 27%, and the rear window at least 27%. Lower VLT means darker glass, so those percentages are floors, not targets, and the meter reads the film and the factory glass together.
Is 20% tint legal in Colorado?
No, not on the front side windows. Colorado requires at least 27% VLT there and 20% is darker than that, before you even account for the factory glass, which makes the reading darker still. The back side windows have a 27% floor, so 20% is too dark there too.
Can I tint the windshield in Colorado?
Colorado's rule for the windshield: The windshield must allow at least 70% light transmittance. Nontransparent material may be applied to the topmost portion if its bottom edge extends no more than 4 inches down from the top of the windshield, it is not red or amber, it does not affect perception of primary colors or distort or obstruct vision, and it adds no glare for oncoming or preceding drivers (§ 42-4-227(1)(a)(I),(1)(b))
Does Colorado allow a medical exemption for darker tint?
What the source says: no - § 42-4-227 contains no medical exemption, and no other section of C.R.S. Title 42 addresses window light transmittance Confirm the current process with the agency named before you have film installed.
Do I need a tint sticker or certificate in Colorado?
None required - § 42-4-227 has no sticker or film-certification requirement; it only preserves the display of certificates or papers required by other law (§ 42-4-227(1)(e))
Where this comes from
Statute cited: Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-227 (Windows unobstructed - certain materials prohibited - windshield wiper requirements)
- content.leg.colorado.govhttps://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-42.pdf
- law.justia.comhttps://law.justia.com/codes/colorado/title-42/article-4/part-2/section-42-4-227
- codes.findlaw.comhttps://codes.findlaw.com/co/title-42-vehicles-and-traffic/co-rev-st-sect-42-4-227/
Checked against the state's own statute or DMV page on September 14, 2026. Laws change; if you find a newer rule, email admin@getpeelboard.com.
Legal disclaimer: general information, not legal advice; verify with your DMV.