Window tinting is a popular enhancement with any kind of vehicle.

It can change the look and feel of your vehicle, while also keeping the inside of your vehicle cooler during hot summer months. Tinted windows block some of the sun rays from entering your vehicle, as well as provide a level of privacy between the interior of your car and passersby.  Each state has its laws and regulations regarding window tint levels.  Here we will go over the window tint laws in Denver, Colorado, as well as the different tints offered here at Mile High Image Detailing.  Keep reading to feel confident when choosing the best tint for you and your vehicle! 

 

Are window tints in Denver, Colorado legal? 

Yes, window tints are legal in Denver, Colorado!  There are parameters to remain within, however, focused on the opacity of the tint.  Each area of your vehicle has its regulation and vehicles registered outside of the state also have different compliances.  Failing to meet these requirements in Colorado is a Class B traffic infraction, which could also include a fine ranging anywhere from $500 to $5,000.  The best way to avoid receiving a ticket is to ensure you are within the legal limits of window tints in Colorado.  We will go over the legal window tint laws and regulations in Denver, Colorado; but first here’s a quick window tinting overview. 

 

Window Tinting Overview

 

What is a window tint?

Window tinting is when a film or ceramic coating is applied to the glass panes on a vehicle.  The tint is characterized by its color and its opaqueness, or how hard it is to see through the tint.  While do-it-yourself kits are available for purchase, it is not recommended.  It is recommended that you make an appointment with one of your local companies that offers window tinting, and let the professionals handle the process for you.  This ensures the best quality tint for your lifestyle.  Any professional window tinting company in Denver, Colorado should be able to walk through your legal questions.  

 

How is window tint measured? 

Window tint is measured by its opacity.  The more opaque the film is, the less light that filters through to the inside of your vehicle.  This is called Visible Light Transmission, or VLT.  A film that has a 5% VLT rating only allows 5% of the light to pass through, while a film with 70% VLT only blocks 30% of the light coming in.  The lower the percentage of the Visible Light Transmission, the darker the tint will be. 

 

What are the laws for window tint in Denver, Colorado?

Let’s talk about Colorado’s state laws regarding window tint.  Each glass pane, or area of your vehicle, has its specifications when it comes to the VLT (Visible Light Transmission) percentage or color.  Here is a list of the different window tint specifications in Colorado:

 

Manufacturer Tint

Any tint that comes on the vehicle from the manufacturer is deemed legal in the state of Colorado. 

 

Front Windshield

The front windshield of any vehicle is only legally allowed to have the top four inches of the windshield tinted with a non-reflective material.  Covering the entire windshield with a tint is illegal, as it conflicts with the Colorado law of keeping an unobstructed view.  Having an obstructed, or darkened, view of the road could result in diminished ability to see the paint on the road, road signs, or any obstacles in your path.  Colorado has a fault-based vehicle accident system.  This means that whichever driver caused the accident takes on payment for all of the damages caused by the wreck.  If your front windshield is tinted, you are likely to be liable for the accident because you are not in compliance with the unobstructed view law, and therefore driving dangerously.  

 

Rear Windshield

The rear windshield of any vehicle is permitted to have a tint of 27% or higher.  This visible light transmission percentage means that nearly three-quarters of the light is blocked from entering the vehicle.  There is some flexibility in the Colorado window tinting laws, and here is where it can get confusing.  If you wish to tint the back half of your vehicle darker than 27%, you may do so if the front two windows (driver and front passenger windows) do not have a tint of any amount on them.  Should you choose to tint the rear window of your vehicle, Colorado state laws require you to have dual side mirrors.  The dual side mirrors add extra vision for the driver that would typically be available through the rear window. 

 

Front Seat Side Windows

The front-seat side windows are the joker card when it comes to window tinting in Denver, Colorado.  The requirements for the rest of your vehicle’s level of tint rests on the tint of the front windows.  Legal limits require a minimum VLT (Visible Light Transmission) percentage of 27 or higher.  However, should you choose to forego window tint on your driver and front passenger windows, you can choose any percentage of darkness for the rear windows on your vehicle.  

 

Back Seat Side Windows

Any windows behind the front row of the vehicle fall under the laws for the back seat side windows in Colorado’s window tint regulations.  The tint of your back windows can vary, depending on the level of tint on your vehicle’s front windows.  Tinting is permitted on the back windows at 27% or higher with the front windows tinted.  You may put any opacity of tint on the rear windows if your front windows are tint-free.  

 

Reflective or Metallic Tints

Reflective or metallic, or any window tints that give a mirror effect are illegal in the state of Colorado. 

 

Colored Tints

Colorado window tinting laws only restrict two colors when it comes to window tinting.  Both red and amber tints are illegal.  

 

Vehicles Registered Outside of but Operated in Colorado

Any vehicle that is operated within the state of Colorado, but is not registered to the state of Colorado, is allowed to have a visible light transmission score of 20% or higher.  

 

Medical Exemptions

The state of Colorado does not allow any exemptions for a medical condition and window tint levels.

 

Tint Certification and Sticker Requirements

The state of Colorado does not require any manufacturer to certify the window tint film sold or used in Denver.  While the law does not require a sticker of proof of legal tinting, it is always recommended to have one on hand if you choose to tint your windows.  

 

What are the Benefits of Having my Windows Tinted?

 

There are many benefits to having the windows of your vehicle tinted.  Immediately, it offers a sense of privacy between the interior of your vehicle and the outside world passing by.  We use our cars for many things throughout the day and years.  From work documents to groceries, to our children, the interior of your vehicle no doubt carries crucial elements of your life.  Sometimes adding a tint to the windows of your vehicle can make you feel less vulnerable, or exposed to the world.  

 

A sense of privacy is not the only reason to add tinting to the windows of your vehicle!  Living in Denver, Colorado requires living a mile high into the atmosphere (it is our beloved city’s nickname, after all!).  At an altitude of 5,280 feet, the sun’s rays are strong.  Did you know that Colorado’s sun exposure is about 20% higher than the sun exposure at sea level?  As you climb in elevation, you are also climbing up through the atmosphere, leaving less protection between yourself and the sun.  On average, the sun intensifies about 4% for every 1,000 feet gained in elevation.  The atmosphere is what protects us from harmful levels of light rays.  Window tinting offers added protection for the interior of your vehicle.  Your skin and the material of your vehicle’s interior will thank you!

 

Window Tinting Services at Mile High Image Detailing 

 

At Mile High Image Detailing, your local, premier, auto detailing company, we offer a variety of window tinting services.  

 

Each vehicle has a different purpose.  Our wide range of window tint levels available ensures your vehicle will be tinted to your desired settings and look.  We offer a standard tint package, as well as top-of-the-line ceramic tinting.  Ceramic window tinting is the premier tinting in the industry.  Our ceramic window tints are 3 times more effective, creating the ultimate barrier between the interior of your vehicle and the sun’s rays.  That extra protection certainly comes in handy living in Denver, Colorado!  From your laptop to your cold groceries, from your skin to your leather seats; window tinting your vehicle will enhance your day-to-day life, as well as elongate the life of your vehicle.  

 

The windows on your vehicle are not the only windows you can benefit from having tinted.  Many office buildings and windows have large windows.  Here at Mile High Image Detailing, we also offer commercial and residential window tinting!  Reach out to us today to find out how we can make your space a safer space to enjoy the sunshine.  

 

Window tinting is a popular enhancement with any kind of vehicle.  It can change the look of your vehicle, pulling together the statement you and your vehicle wish to project.  Tinted windows block some of the sun rays from entering your vehicle, as well as provide some privacy between the interior of your car and passersby.