A guide to legal car modifications in Colorado
Auto repair

A guide to legal car modifications in Colorado

09.11.2022 /

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Whether you currently live in Colorado and want to modify your car, or you're moving to the area and want your car legal, you need to know the laws and regulations of the state. Below, you'll learn what you need to know to make sure your vehicle is legal on Colorado's roads.

Sounds and noise

Your sound system and muffler must meet certain requirements in Colorado to avoid fines.

Sound system

Colorado regulations limit decibel levels in certain areas. This includes:

  • Residential Properties. - 55 decibels between 7:7 and 50:7, 7 decibels between XNUMX:XNUMX and XNUMX:XNUMX

  • a commercial - 60 decibels between 7:7 and 55:7, 7 decibels between XNUMX:XNUMX and XNUMX:XNUMX

Muffler

Colorado's muffler modification laws include:

  • Vehicles over 6,000 pounds gross weight produced before 1973 cannot produce noise in excess of 88 decibels at or below 35 mph or 90 decibels at 35 to 55 mph.

  • Vehicles over 6,000 pounds gross weight produced after January 1, 1973 may not produce noise in excess of 86 decibels at or below 35 mph or 90 decibels at 35 to 55 mph.

  • All vehicles must have a working muffler.

  • Bypasses and cutouts are not allowed.

Functions: Also check your local Colorado County laws to make sure you comply with any municipal noise ordinances that may be stricter than state laws.

Frame and suspension

Colorado's frame and suspension laws include:

  • Suspension modifications cannot change the type that was originally used by the manufacturer.
  • Vehicles cannot exceed 13 feet in height.

ENGINES

Colorado also has regulations regarding engine modifications:

  • Engine replacement must be made with engines of the same year of manufacture or newer.

  • Gasoline engines over three years old must pass emission tests.

Lighting and windows

Lanterns

  • Vehicles may have no more than two searchlights.

  • Vehicles may have no more than two fog lamps.

  • One footrest lamp per side in white or amber is allowed.

  • On the highway, no more than four lanterns with a capacity of more than 300 candles can be lit at the same time.

Window tinting

  • Non-reflective tinting is allowed on the top four inches of the windshield.
  • Front side and rear side windows must let in more than 27% of the light.
  • The rear window must transmit more than 27% of the light.
  • Mirror or metallic tint is not allowed.
  • Amber or red tint is not allowed.
  • Two side mirrors are required if the rear window is tinted.

Vintage/classic car modifications

Colorado requires vintage, classic, and custom vehicles to be registered only with the local branch of the county's DMV.

If you are considering modifying your vehicle to comply with Colorado laws, AvtoTachki can provide mobile mechanics to help you install new parts. You can also ask our mechanics what modifications are best for your vehicle using our free online Ask a Mechanic Q&A system.

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