IS MY MOD LEGAL?

Headlight & Taillight Tint in Colorado

Illegal

Smoked or tinted film on headlights and taillights is illegal in Colorado. Headlights must emit white light and taillights must show red at the required visibility distance, and tint that dims or discolors them violates those requirements.

Verified against primary sources · August 2026

What the law says

Smoked or tinted film on headlights and taillights is illegal in Colorado. Headlights must emit white light and taillights must show red at the required visibility distance, and tint that dims or discolors them violates those requirements. Taillights must show red visible at 500 feet. No state expressly permits smoked lamp film; the violation is the loss of required color or visibility distance, which any meaningful tint causes.

Specific Limits

Film permitted
No
Headlight color
white
Taillight color
red

Exceptions & Exemptions

Headlight tinting is allowed only if it does not impair the required visibility and illumination standards. The modification must not reduce light output below state-mandated minimums for safe operation.

Statute

C.R.S. §§ 42-4-205, 42-4-206

Read the statute →

Frequently Asked Questions

Are headlight & taillight tint legal in Colorado?
Smoked or tinted film on headlights and taillights is illegal in Colorado. Headlights must emit white light and taillights must show red at the required visibility distance, and tint that dims or discolors them violates those requirements.
What are the exact headlight & taillight tint limits in Colorado?
Film permitted: No. Headlight color: white. Taillight color: red. Source: C.R.S. §§ 42-4-205, 42-4-206.
Are there exceptions for headlight & taillight tint in Colorado?
Headlight tinting is allowed only if it does not impair the required visibility and illumination standards. The modification must not reduce light output below state-mandated minimums for safe operation.

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