South Carolina Window Tint Laws
South Carolina requires 27% VLT on front side windows and on the rear windows of cars and pickups, with a compliance certificate on every tinted window; SUVs, trucks and RVs are exempt behind the driver.
South Carolina Window Tint Laws Chart
Official South Carolina Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under South Carolina vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | Above AS-1 | Above AS-1 |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 27% | 27% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | 27% | Any darkness |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 27% | Any darkness |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in South Carolina
Operating a vehicle with tint darker than statutory limits is classified as a misdemeanor. Citations escalate significantly upon repeat violations:
First Conviction
Classified as a misdemeanor with a fine up to $100 and/or up to 10 days in jail.
Second Conviction
Fine of up to $200 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
Third Conviction
Criminal citation with a fine up to $300 and/or up to 3 months in jail (within 1 year).
South Carolina Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
Required on both sides if the rear window is tinted (§56-5-5015(D)).
Prohibited Tint Colors
No red, yellow or amber; nothing reflective on any window.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
Required on EACH window with added tint, in the lower right corner on the inside, with the transmission percentage, the installer's name, address and phone number, and the installation date. Also required when the owner installs it.
Medical Tint Exemptions
Sworn statement from a South Carolina-licensed physician or optometrist, kept in the vehicle and renewed every 2 years.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in South Carolina? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in South Carolina, front side windows must allow at least 27% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow 27%, and the rear window requires 27%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow Any darkness.
Can you tint the front windshield in South Carolina? +
Under South Carolina law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: Above AS-1 (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through South Carolina? +
While law enforcement in South Carolina enforces the state vehicle code (S.C. Code §56-5-5015), officers generally extend interstate reciprocity to visiting motorists whose vehicles comply with the legal tint statutes of their home registration state. However, if the tint is excessively dark and prevents officers from seeing the driver, you can still be stopped for safety verification.
Is 20% or 5% (limo tint) legal in South Carolina? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in South Carolina because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 27% VLT. On SUVs, trucks, and vans, 20% or 5% limo tint is legally permissible only on the windows behind the driver (rear sides and back window).
How do police test window tint in South Carolina, and is there an official tolerance? +
Police officers and state troopers use handheld, certified light meters that slide over the roll-down window to measure total net light transmission. South Carolina statutes recognize a Not specified. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does South Carolina allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, South Carolina permits medical tint waivers for individuals with certified photosensitivity or UV-reactive conditions (such as lupus or porphyria). An official affidavit signed by a licensed physician must be approved and carried in the vehicle at all times.
Do I need a compliance certification sticker on my windows in South Carolina? +
Yes. South Carolina statutes mandate that an identifying certification sticker must be affixed between the tint film and glass (typically on the lower driver-side window) to certify compliance with state regulations.
What are the penalties and fines for illegal window tint in South Carolina? +
Driving with non-compliant tint is classified as a traffic infraction or misdemeanor. First convictions carry fines starting around $100 plus court costs, typically accompanied by a 'fix-it' compliance order requiring removal or replacement of the illegal film.
Top-Rated Window Tint Shops in South Carolina
Certified installers guaranteeing 100% compliance with statutory VLT standards and state certification labels.
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