As you prepare to hit the roads of South Carolina, you’re probably thinking about getting your vehicle’s windows tinted for style, comfort, and privacy. But before you do, it’s vital you’re aware of the state’s window tinting laws to avoid getting slapped with fines.
You see, South Carolina has specific regulations regarding the darkness of window tints, and failure to comply can cost you up to $200 for a first-time offense. So, what exactly are the rules, and how can you guarantee you’re on the right side of the law?
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Understanding South Carolina Tint Laws
When traversing South Carolina’s roads, understanding the state’s window tint laws is crucial to avoid costly fines and penalties.
You need to be aware that the South Carolina window tint law requires your Window: to Must allow a certain amount of light to pass through.
Specifically, the Front side windows of your vehicle must allow more than 27% of Visible Light Transmission (VLT) to pass through.
Additionally, the windshield must have a Non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
It’s also important to note that Window Film with a non-reflective tint is allowed in the state.
Automotive Window Tint Simulator
Move the slider above to see how dark the tint will look. Usually, the actual tint will appear with 0-5% variation than what you see here.
Window Tint Darkness Regulations
You need to understand the specific window tint darkness regulations in South Carolina, as they vary depending on the type of vehicle you own.
For sedans, you’re required to have a minimum of 27% visible light transmission (VLT) on all windows, including the front side, back side, and rear windows.
In contrast, SUVs and vans have different rules, with no specified VLT percentage for rear windows, allowing for any darkness of window film.
Sedan Window Tint Rules
Sedan owners in South Carolina need to be mindful of the window tint rules to avoid getting fined or penalized.
In terms of window tint darkness regulations, there are specific laws you must follow.
- Your sedan’s front side windows, back side windows, and rear window must have a window tint that allows more than 27% of light in.
- The windshield can have non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
- In regards to rear windows, there’s no specified Visible Light Transmission (VLT), but the tint must allow more than 27% of light in.
SUV and Van Rules
In South Carolina, owners of SUVs and vans must comply with specific window tint darkness regulations to avoid penalties.
In terms of the front side windows, you’ll need to guarantee they allow more than 27% of Visible Light Transmission (VLT) to pass through, similar to sedans.
However, there’s no specified VLT for rear windows, giving you flexibility in your window tint choices. You can opt for any darkness of window film for the back side windows, as long as it’s not reflective and doesn’t extend to the top.
Additionally, the windshield tint must be non-reflective above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
Windshield Tint Regulations
While ensuring compliance with South Carolina’s window tint laws, it’s essential to understand the specific regulations governing windshield tint.
You should be aware that windshield tint must be non-reflective above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line for both sedans and SUV/vans.
Additionally, there are specific rules regarding Visible Light Transmission (VLT) for front side windows.
- Windshield tint must be non-reflective above the AS-1 line for sedans and SUV/vans.
- Front side windows must allow more than 27% of light in for sedans.
- There’s no specified VLT for rear windows in SUV/vans, allowing for any darkness of window film.
Vehicle-Specific Tinting Rules
By the time you start shopping for window tints, you’ll likely have noticed that different vehicles have varying levels of tint allowance.
This is because South Carolina window tint law sets specific guidelines for different types of vehicles. According to window tint laws, sedans, SUVs, and vans have different Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage requirements.
For instance, rear side windows on sedans can have a tint darkness of up to 27% VLT, while SUVs and vans can have a darker tint.
Additionally, manufacturers often mark their windshields with an AS-1 line, indicating the area where tinting isn’t allowed.
It’s essential to understand these vehicle-specific rules to guarantee conformity with South Carolina window tint law and to certify adherence to the regulations.
Sunscreening Devices and Enforcement
When it comes to sunscreening devices, you need to guarantee they meet specific rules to avoid legal issues.
You must install these devices above the AS-1 line on your windshield, and back window devices must allow at least 20% of light to penetrate and can’t be reflective.
Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines, so it’s vital to understand the laws and enforcement procedures that govern their utilization in this regard.
Sunscreening Device Rules
As you consider applying sunscreening devices to your vehicle’s windows, it’s essential to understand the rules governing their use in South Carolina.
The state’s window tint law is specific about the type of devices allowed.
- Sunscreening devices must always remain above the AS-1 line on the windshield.
- Back window devices must allow at least 20% of visible light to penetrate and can’t be reflective.
These devices must comply with the law to avoid penalties, including fines up to $200 for a first offense.
Window Tint Inspection
You’ve installed sunscreening devices on your vehicle’s windows, but now it’s time to verify they comply with South Carolina’s window tint law.
According to SOUTH CAROLINA RULES, your window tint must allow at least 20% of visible light to penetrate and can’t be reflective.
Law enforcement officers will inspect your vehicle’s tint level using a tint check card to guarantee it meets the legal limit.
To avoid any issues, you must display a certificate of compliance in each window, stating the tint percentage, installation date, and installer.
This certificate is your proof that your sunscreening devices meet the state’s requirements.
Tint Law Penalties
South Carolina takes window tint law violations seriously, and non-compliance can result in stiff penalties.
As a driver, it’s essential to understand the consequences of breaking the window tinting laws. If you’re caught with an illegal tint, you’ll face penalties.
- A first offense will result in a $200 fine.
- The maximum fine for professional window tinters applying tint to vehicle windows increases to $1,000.
- Failure to comply with these laws may lead to severe penalties and fines.
Additional Rules and Regulations
Beyond the basic window tinting laws, there are additional rules and regulations that motorists must adhere to in order to avoid penalties.
You must guarantee that sunscreening devices remain above the AS-1 line on the windshield and that back window devices allow at least 20% of light to penetrate and aren’t reflective.
You’re also required to display a certificate of compliance in each window, stating the tint percentage, installation date, and installer.
Additionally, South Carolina window tint law prohibits tinting or coloring the headlights and taillights of any vehicle.
Failure to comply with these laws may lead to severe penalties and fines.
Choosing the Best Tints in South Carolina
When selecting window tints in South Carolina, it’s essential to ponder factors that not only augment your vehicle’s appearance but also guarantee adherence to state regulations.
You must consider the window tint law and rules that govern the level of tint darkness, reflective materials, and other aspects.
To make an informed decision, consider the following key factors:
- Certify the tint you choose meets the state’s minimum visible light transmission (VLT) requirements for your car windows, including side windows.
- Avoid using reflective materials that may obstruct your view or cause glare for other drivers.
- Opt for a tint that provides adequate UV protection and heat reduction without compromising your visibility on the road.
Window Tint Law Violation Consequences
Violating South Carolina’s window tint laws can result in serious consequences, and it’s crucial you’re aware of them before making a decision. Failure to comply with window tint laws can lead to a misdemeanor charge, which can negatively impact your driving record and insurance rates. You may also face a minimum fine of $200, with the possibility of up to 30 days of incarceration in extreme cases.
| Consequence | Description | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Fine | Minimum fine for window tint law violation | $200 |
| Incarceration | Possibility of imprisonment in extreme cases | Up to 30 days |
| Misdemeanor Charge | Negative impact on driving record and insurance rates | Varies |
| Tint Removal | Costly and time-consuming process to remove non-compliant tint | Varies |
