Did you suffer injuries in a car accident with a driver whose windows were tinted? Improper or illegal window tinting poses serious risks to other motorists and road users. Reduced visibility, especially during low light conditions, can result in devastating accidents.
If you got hurt in a Colorado car accident involving unlawful window tinting, you could be owed compensation for your medical costs, lost income, and more. However, pursuing the compensation you need can be challenging. That’s where a skilled attorney can make all the difference.
Can I Tint My Windows in Colorado?
Yes, you can tint your vehicle’s windows in Colorado, but strict rules apply. The top 4 inches of the windshield may have a non-reflective tint strip that allows at least 70% of light to pass through (VLT). Front side windows must allow at least 27% VLT, and rear/back windows must also meet the 27% VLT minimum. Full windshield tinting is generally prohibited unless a medical exemption applies.
Window tint percentages are measured using Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which refers to the percentage of visible light that passes through both the window glass and the tint film together. The lower the VLT percentage, the darker the window appears. Because factory-installed glass already blocks a portion of visible light, adding aftermarket tint can unintentionally reduce the overall VLT below Colorado’s legal limits. Before installing window film, vehicle owners should verify that the combined VLT complies with state law rather than relying solely on the tint manufacturer’s advertised percentage.
What Are Colorado’s Window Tint Laws?
Colorado’s tint restrictions are intended to balance driver comfort with public safety. While window tint can reduce heat, glare, and ultraviolet exposure inside a vehicle, excessively dark tint can make it more difficult for drivers to identify pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, or other vehicles—particularly during nighttime driving or adverse weather conditions. Law enforcement officers also rely on adequate visibility during traffic stops, which is one reason Colorado prohibits mirrored and excessively dark window treatments.
If you drive in Colorado, here’s what you need to know about the state’s window tinting laws:
- General window tinting – Most windows on motor vehicles registered in Colorado must permit at least 27 percent visible light transmission (VLT). VLT is the amount of visible light that passes through a surface. Windshields have different standards than other windows and must allow a minimum of 70 percent VLT.
- Exceptions for rear windows – If the front windows and windshield allow at least 70 percent light transmittance, windows located behind the driver can be darker than the 27 percent VLT standard.
- Law enforcement vehicle exceptions – Certain law enforcement vehicles can have non-windshield windows that allow less than 27 percent VLT. However, law enforcement can’t use these vehicles for regular traffic enforcement operations.
- Windshield top tinting – Darker tints on the uppermost part of a windshield can’t extend more than four inches downward. They also can’t be red or amber, distort vision, or reflect excessive sunlight or headlight glare.
- Prohibitions – Windows cannot be treated or covered with metallic or mirrored materials.
- Manufacturer standards – If a vehicle’s window treatment received approval by federal statute or regulation during manufacture, it’s exempt from these state rules.
Individuals with qualifying medical conditions may obtain a medical waiver for darker windshield or window tints, which requires a physician’s letter.
Is Mirrored Window Tinting Illegal?
Mirrored window tinting is illegal in Colorado. State law specifically prohibits using any material on vehicle windows with a metallic or mirrored appearance.
There are valid reasons for this prohibition. Mirrored tints can reflect sunlight, causing glare that impairs other drivers’ vision and poses safety hazards. They also hinder law enforcement’s ability to see inside a vehicle, which is a safety concern for officers during traffic stops.
Are Certain Color Tints Not Allowed in Colorado?
Colorado prohibits specific color tints on vehicle windows. Specifically, nontransparent materials applied to the topmost part of a windshield cannot be red or amber.
Many states, including Colorado, restrict colored tints because they distort the perception of primary colors. This makes it harder to recognize certain traffic signals and signs. Additionally, colored tints might mislead other road users into thinking a vehicle has its lights on or is an emergency vehicle.
What Is the Fine for Violating Colorado’s Window Tint Law?
The penalties for violating a Colorado window tint law vary slightly depending on the offense:
- Class B traffic infraction – Any person who violates the general provisions of Colorado’s window tint law commits a class B traffic infraction. The standard fine for this type of infraction is a $50 penalty and a $16 surcharge. However, the law says the state cannot assess points to a driver’s license for a class B infraction.
- Class A traffic infraction – A more severe penalty applies to anyone who installs, covers, or treats a windshield or window in a way that violates minimum VLT requirements. Such a violation is considered a class A traffic infraction, also punishable by a $50 fine and a $16 surcharge. This type of infraction could result in points against a driver’s license.
Beyond fines, illegal window tinting can also increase the risk of accidents and may be considered a contributing factor in crash investigations.
How Can a Window Tint Violation Affect a Car Accident Claim?
A window tint violation does not automatically make a driver legally responsible for an accident. Instead, investigators evaluate whether the unlawful tint actually contributed to the collision. For example, if reduced visibility prevented a driver from seeing another vehicle while changing lanes, turning at an intersection, or backing out of a parking space, the illegal tint may become one factor considered when determining fault. Conversely, if the tint had no connection to how the crash occurred, the violation alone may have little effect on liability.
Accident investigators may review photographs of the vehicle, inspect the window tint, obtain measurements of the tint’s visible light transmission, interview witnesses, and evaluate the lighting and weather conditions at the time of the collision. These details help determine whether the tint affected the driver’s ability to see and react to surrounding traffic.
If one or more vehicles involved in an accident have illegal window tinting, this detail might become relevant in certain situations:
- Cause of accident – If the accident occurred due to visibility issues and the illegal tint played a role, the tint violation could serve as evidence of negligence. For example, if a driver with an illegal tint couldn’t see another road user due to the reduced visibility from the tint, the tint could be considered a contributing factor.
- Third-party liability – If a third party tints or installs windows that do not comply with Colorado’s legal standards, both the vehicle owner and the installer could share liability. This is especially true if the non-compliant tint contributes to an accident.
What Compensation May I Be Owed for a Window Tint-Related Crash?
The value of a personal injury claim depends on the specific facts of each case rather than the existence of an illegal window tint alone. Compensation is generally based on the injuries you sustained, the medical treatment you required, the amount of income you lost while recovering, and how the accident has affected your daily life. Demonstrating that illegal window tint contributed to the collision may strengthen a negligence claim, but documenting the full extent of your damages remains equally important when pursuing compensation.
A knowledgeable injury lawyer can develop a strong case on your behalf to demand compensation for the following types of accident-related losses:
- Medical bills for crash-related injury treatment
- Projected medical costs you will likely incur in the future
- Lost income from any days you miss at work during recovery
- Lost earning potential due to long-term or permanent impairments
- Subjective losses like pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help with My Window Tint-Related Accident?
In addition to investigating the accident itself, an attorney can work to preserve evidence before it disappears. This may include obtaining surveillance footage from nearby businesses, requesting vehicle inspections, securing maintenance and installation records related to the window tint, interviewing witnesses, and consulting accident reconstruction experts when necessary. Acting promptly often allows critical evidence to be preserved before vehicles are repaired, sold, or modified following the collision.
If you get hurt in a window tint-related accident, a skilled personal injury lawyer has the experience and resources to handle every aspect of your case. They can help you by:
- Collecting photos, witness testimonies, and other evidence from the accident scene
- Engaging with accident reconstruction specialists or window tint experts
- Assessing the tint’s legality and the role it played in the accident, if any
- Reviewing state and local regulations to pinpoint any additional violations
- Investigating prior violations related to window tints or other vehicle modifications
- Determining whether any third-party window or tint installers share liability
- Handling discussions with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement
- Representing you in court if negotiations don’t lead to a satisfactory resolution
Key Colorado Window Tint Facts
- Windshield: Top 4 inches may have non-reflective tint, 70% VLT minimum
- Front windows: 27% VLT or higher
- Rear/back windows: 27% VLT minimum unless medically exempt
- Mirrored or metallic films are prohibited
- Medical exemptions require a physician’s letter
- Illegal tints can contribute to accidents and liability
Contact a Colorado Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were hurt in an accident caused by problematic window tinting, contact The Wilhite Law Firm. Our knowledgeable and attentive team is here to listen to your story and guide you through the next steps. Contact us now for a free case review to learn more about your legal options for compensation.
