Colorado tint limits at a glance
| Front side windows | 27% |
|---|---|
| Back side windows | 27% |
| Rear window | 27% |
| Windshield | 70% minimum; non-reflective strip on top 4 inches |
| Reflectivity | No metallic or mirrored film |
| SUVs, vans and trucks | No separate SUV rule; windows behind the driver can go darker only if the windshield and front sides allow 70% |
Percentages are the minimum visible light transmission with the film installed, including the factory glass. A lower number means darker tint.
Is 5%, 20%, 35% or 50% tint legal in Colorado?
This table shows whether a film with each rating is legal on a sedan in Colorado. Factory glass blocks some light, so a film reads darker once it's installed.
| Film rating | Front side windows | Back side windows | Rear window |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | Not legal | Not legal | Not legal |
| 15% | Not legal | Not legal | Not legal |
| 20% | Not legal | Not legal | Not legal |
| 35% | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| 50% | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| 70% | Legal | Legal | Legal |
'Likely too dark once installed' means the film rating meets the limit, but on typical factory glass the combined reading usually falls under it. Meter the window to be sure.
Choosing a film that stays legal
Assume factory side glass passes about 80% of light.
- Front side windows: 35% film or lighter
- Back side windows: 35% film or lighter
- Rear window: 35% film or lighter
Factory privacy glass on many SUVs already reads well under 30%, so any film added over it will read darker still. Always meter after the install.
Fines and penalties
Driving with illegal tint is a Class B traffic infraction. Installing illegal tint is a Class A traffic infraction.
Medical exemptions
Colorado's tint statute does not include a medical exemption.
For Colorado tint shops
Installing tint that fails the limits is a Class A traffic infraction for the installer.
The law
Colorado's tint rules are set by C.R.S. § 42-4-227. Read the source
This page is a reference for drivers and installers, not legal advice. Enforcement can vary by city and county.
Frequently asked questions
How dark can you legally tint your windows in Colorado?
On a sedan, front side windows: 27%. Back side windows: 27%. Rear window: 27%.
Is 20% tint legal in Colorado?
Front: Not legal. Back: Not legal. Rear: Not legal. See the 20% film row.
Is 35% tint legal in Colorado?
Front: Legal. Back: Legal. Rear: Legal. See the 35% film row.
Is tint allowed on the windshield in Colorado?
70% minimum; non-reflective strip on top 4 inches
Are the rules different for SUVs and trucks in Colorado?
No separate SUV rule; windows behind the driver can go darker only if the windshield and front sides allow 70%
What is the fine for illegal tint in Colorado?
Driving with illegal tint is a Class B traffic infraction. Installing illegal tint is a Class A traffic infraction.
Can I get a medical exemption for window tint in Colorado?
Colorado's tint statute does not include a medical exemption.
Related
Back to the full chart: Window tint laws by state
Neighboring states:
Data set last updated: