As Colorado drivers enter the year-end vehicle purchasing season, Rocky Mountain Window Tint is reminding new and used car owners that state law imposes specific limits on window darkness. Many buyers inherit tint installed by previous owners without knowing whether it complies with regulations. With penalties for non-compliance falling on drivers, the shop stresses the importance of verifying existing tint before adding darker film or taking delivery of a vehicle.
Under Colorado Revised Statutes section 42-4-227, windows other than the windshield on a vehicle registered in Colorado must allow at least 27 percent light transmittance. The windshield must allow at least 70 percent light transmittance, and tinted material is permitted only along the top four inches. Violating the statute is a class B traffic infraction for the driver, while installing film that fails to meet light-transmittance requirements is a class A traffic infraction. These rules apply to all vehicles registered in the state, regardless of where the tint was applied.
Bob of Rocky Mountain Window Tint explained the common problem: "We see a lot of cars that came off the dealer lot with tint someone else put on, and the new owner has no idea how dark it is. If you're not sure what's on the car now, have it checked before you add anything darker." The company, which has provided window tint colorado springs drivers since 1999, notes that many customers arrive with pre-installed tint and uncertain about its legality. For those comparing colorado springs window tint options, the shop advises asking how the installer measures finished light transmittance and whether the film carries a warranty.
Beyond tint, new vehicle owners often seek paint protection. Rocky Mountain Window Tint installs clear bra and ppf colorado springs drivers use to guard against rock chips, road debris, and weather on Colorado highways. For those wanting to change a vehicle's look or add branding, the company also designs, prints, and installs vinyl graphics and car wrap projects in its own shop. "Tint is one of the first things people want on a new car in Colorado because of the sun and the heat," Bob said. "It's worth taking a minute to get it right the first time so it doesn't turn into a ticket later."
The implications for drivers are significant: purchasing a vehicle with illegal tint can result in immediate fines, and adding non-compliant film later compounds the risk. With year-end sales driving many Coloradans to dealerships and private sellers, checking light transmittance levels before purchase or modification is a simple step that can prevent legal and financial headaches. Rocky Mountain Window Tint operates two Colorado Springs locations and a Littleton location serving the Denver area, offering complimentary estimates to help drivers ensure their vehicles meet state requirements.
