Window Tint Laws in Colorado
Many people like to have their windows tinted to reduce sun glare, protect themselves and passengers from UV rays, and cool their cars more efficiently when it’s hot outside. Window tint can also enhance privacy. While tinting windows has many benefits, you must comply with the Colorado window tint laws to avoid being fined.
Colorado Window Tint Law
Under Colorado’s window tinting law, vehicles must comply with the following regulations:
- Windshield: Only non-reflective tint is allowed above the AS-1 line, which is the top four inches of the windshield. Motor vehicles must transmit at least 70% of light through the windshield (at least 70% visible light transmission, or VLT).
- Front side windows: The front side windows must allow more than 27% of light to pass through (27% VLT or greater).
- Back side windows: Like the front side windows, back side windows must allow more than 27% of light to pass through (27% VLT or greater)..
- Rear window: A 27% VLT or greater is also required of the rear window.
However, if the vehicle’s windshield and front side windows allow at least 70% of light through, there’s no limit to the darkness of the tint for the back side and rear windows.
The tint cannot be reflective on any window. Additionally, red and amber tint is not allowed for legal tint in Colorado. Furthermore, the material cannot affect the “perception of primary colors or otherwise distort vision or contain lettering that distorts or obstructs vision.”
Penalties for Violating the Colorado Window Tint Law
Violating the window tint laws is considered a class B traffic infraction. It does not result in points on a driver’s license. This offense can carry a fine of $15 to $100, plus a surcharge. Any person who installs, covers, or treats a windshield or window so that the window violates the tint laws commits a class A traffic infraction. It carries the same penalties as a class B traffic infraction, but a class A traffic infraction cannot be expunged from your record.
Medical Exemptions
Some states permit medical exemptions that allow individuals to exceed the VLT limits if they have specific medical conditions. However, Colorado does not.
Why Police Enforce Window Tint Laws
In a recent news report, the Commerce City Police Department explained that overly tinted windows on vehicles can be a dangerous safety issue that limits a driver’s visibility.
Additionally, other motorists may be intimidated by drivers whom they can’t see behind heavy tint. They give an example of getting in an accident with another motorist and being afraid to approach them to exchange information. If the driver causes a hit and run accident, overly tinted windows can also make it difficult for the police to identify the driver.
The police department also stated that overly tinted windows can be hazardous to officers, as they may not be able to see the number of occupants, whether they are armed, or what they are doing.
How Is My Car Accident Case Affected if Tint Was Involved?
Anything that affects a person’s visibility and contributes to a car accident can be relevant. Dark aftermarket tinting can cause an accident when it exceeds legal limits because a driver may not be able to see as well through it.
Colorado operates under a modified comparative negligence system for car accident cases. If you are found partially responsible for the wreck, your compensation could be reduced by your degree of fault or barred entirely, depending on how much you contributed to causing the crash.
Contact Our Denver Car Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation to Discuss Your Case
If you were injured in a wreck involving an overly tinted window, the Denver car accident lawyers at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help. Contact us today for a free case review.
For more information, please contact the [City] [PRACTICE AREA] lawyers at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a Denver personal injury lawyer.
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