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.
What Are Colorado’s Window Tint Laws?
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.
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.
How Can a Window Tint Violation Affect a Car Accident Claim?
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?
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?
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
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.
