In Colorado, legal tint is measured by VLT — the percentage of light the filmed glass lets through. The numbers below are the darkest tint the law allows at each window position, labeled VLT MAX: install film darker than the listed VLT and the vehicle is out of compliance. Figures are compiled from official Colorado state sources; laws change, so confirm the current statute before you tint.
| Window | Darkest Legal (VLT MAX) | Reflectivity |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | At least 70% light transmittance — (1)(a)(I). Separately, nontransparent material may be applied to the topmost portion: bottom edge no more than 4 inches from the top; not red or amber; no color distortion; no added glare — (1)(b) | |
| Front side windows | At least 27% light transmittance — (1)(a)(I) | |
| Rear side windows | 27% — but they may go darker than 27% if the front side windows and the windshield each allow at least 70% — (1)(a)(II) | |
| Rear window | Same as rear side windows: 27%, or darker under the same (1)(a)(II) trade | |
| Reflectivity | No material presenting a metallic or mirrored appearance on any window — (1)(d); the (1)(a)(I) ban also covers material presenting an "opaque, nontransparent, or metallic or mirrored appearance" below the 27% line |
How to Read These Numbers
- Windshield: The windshield rule controls the strip at the top of the glass and how far film or a visor band may extend down. Most states allow a non-reflective strip above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
- Front side windows: Front side windows — driver and front passenger — are the most tightly regulated and the ones checked first at a traffic stop or inspection.
- Rear side windows: Rear side windows are usually allowed darker than the fronts, and on SUVs, trucks and vans they are sometimes exempt from the passenger-car limit.
- Rear window: The rear window rule often interacts with side mirrors: darker rear glass typically requires dual outside mirrors.
- Reflectivity: Reflectivity caps limit mirror-style films. A film can comply on darkness and still be illegal if it reflects too much light.
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Colorado Tint Law Questions
What is the darkest legal tint in Colorado?
For front side windows, Colorado allows tint down to At least 27% light transmittance — (1)(a)(I) — the VLT MAX. Rear windows may allow darker film; check the table above for each position.
What happens if my tint is darker than Colorado allows?
Over-dark tint can draw a citation and, in many states, a fix-it order requiring the film to be removed and the vehicle re-inspected. Laws also change — verify the current statute before tinting.