Colorado’s window tint law is one of the first things to get right before booking. Here’s the 2026 breakdown.
The actual law (C.R.S. 42-4-227)
| Window | Minimum VLT | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | n/a | AS-1 strip only across the top |
| Front side windows | 27% | Both driver and passenger |
| Rear side windows | 27% | Lower limit than many other states |
| Rear window | 27% | Any darkness only if front sides + windshield allow 70%+ |
Medical exemptions
Colorado's tint statute (C.R.S. 42-4-227) contains no medical-exemption pathway — the 27% VLT limit applies to every driver, and there is no permit to apply for. Some other states do publish a physician-based exemption; Colorado does not. If sunlight is a medical problem for you, we'll install the most protective film that still meets the limit — every grade blocks 99% of UV. Confirm current rules with the Colorado DMV.
What we recommend
- 27% VLT (legal limit) on the front sides, rear sides and back window: the Colorado-legal pairing we recommend for any vehicle
- 50% VLT on front and rear side windows: for drivers who want maximum legal heat rejection without visible darkness
Enforcement
Colorado State Patrol and local PDs do issue citations for non-compliant tint. A modest moving-violation fine applies and the citation requires film removal or replacement before re-inspection. Polar Tint installs to spec.
Call (720) 954-2853 for a Colorado-legal quote on your vehicle.
FAQs
What is the legal window tint limit in Colorado?
Colorado requires front side windows, rear side windows and the back window to let in at least 27% of light (VLT). The only exception for a non-exempt vehicle: if the front side windows and windshield both allow at least 70% VLT, the windows behind the driver may be any darkness. The windshield is limited to a non-reflective AS-1 strip across the top. This is set under C.R.S. 42-4-227.
How dark can I legally tint the rear window in Colorado?
Only in one situation. Colorado applies the same 27% VLT minimum to the back window as to the side windows. Film darker than 27% — including limo-dark — is legal behind the driver only if the front side windows and windshield both allow at least 70% VLT. On a normally tinted vehicle the back window must still meet 27%.
Does Colorado allow medical exemptions for darker tint?
No. Colorado's tint statute (C.R.S. 42-4-227) contains no medical-exemption pathway — the 27% VLT limit applies to every driver, and there is no permit to apply for. Some other states do publish a physician-based exemption; Colorado does not. If sunlight is a medical problem for you, we'll install the most protective film that still meets the limit — every grade blocks 99% of UV. Confirm current rules with the Colorado DMV.
What tint does Polar Tint Parker North recommend?
We recommend 27% VLT (the legal limit) on the front sides, rear sides and back window for a Colorado-legal, clean look. Drivers who want maximum legal heat rejection without visible darkness can choose 50% VLT instead. Going darker than 27% behind the driver is legal only on a vehicle whose front side windows and windshield allow at least 70% VLT, so we confirm your glass before quoting that build.
What happens if my tint doesn't meet Colorado's legal limit?
Colorado State Patrol and local police departments do issue citations for non-compliant tint. A modest moving-violation fine applies, and the citation requires film removal or replacement before re-inspection. Polar Tint installs to spec so this isn't a concern for our customers.
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