South Dakota Window Tint Laws
South Dakota requires 35% VLT on the windshield and front side windows and 20% on all rear windows, for every vehicle type, with a 9% enforcement tolerance.
South Dakota Window Tint Laws Chart
Official South Dakota Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under South Dakota vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | Above AS-1 line (35%) | Above AS-1 line (35%) |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 35% | 35% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | 20% | 20% |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 20% | 20% |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in South Dakota
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 Dakota Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
Chapter 32-15 does not require side mirrors.
Prohibited Tint Colors
Chapter 32-15 has no color restrictions.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
No label is required. The manufacturer certifies to the Department of Public Safety that its film complies.
Medical Tint Exemptions
Chapter 32-15 has no medical exemption (§32-15-2.8 was repealed in 2005).
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in South Dakota? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in South Dakota, front side windows must allow at least 35% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow 20%, and the rear window requires 20%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow 20%.
Can you tint the front windshield in South Dakota? +
Under South Dakota law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: Above AS-1 line (35%) (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through South Dakota? +
While law enforcement in South Dakota enforces the state vehicle code (SDCL §§32-15-2.4, 32-15-2.5, 32-15-2.7), 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 Dakota? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in South Dakota because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 35% 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 Dakota, 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 Dakota statutes recognize a 9% (enforcement tolerance). to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does South Dakota allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
South Dakota enforces statutory limits strictly, and medical waivers require formalized application with the state licensing or public safety division.
Do I need a compliance certification sticker on my windows in South Dakota? +
A compliance label between the glass is not legally mandated in South Dakota, but the vehicle must be capable of passing an optical light meter test during routine traffic stops or state inspections.
What are the penalties and fines for illegal window tint in South Dakota? +
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 Dakota
Certified installers guaranteeing 100% compliance with statutory VLT standards and state certification labels.
Distinctive Window Tint | Sioux Falls SD
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Sioux Falls Film Solutions-Window Tint/Paint Protection Film
📍 Sioux Falls, SD
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