South Carolina Window Tinting Laws

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David Lawrence

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?

South Carolina Window Tinting Laws

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

0% 100%
Driver View Tint Tool

70% VLT


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

Wikipedia | State website

Tint Law References

South Carolina Code of Laws section 56-5-5015: Sunscreen devices. (scroll to section 56-5-5015)

Car Window Tinting Laws By State

Click on the state you’re interested in for a complete guide to its tint laws and regulations. If you spot any errors, let us know through our contact page.

State Front Side Windows Back Side Windows Rear Windows Windshield
Alabama 32% 32% 32% 6 inches
Alaska 70% 40% 30% 5 inches
Arizona 33% ANY ANY tinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line
Arkansas 25% 25% 10% 5 inches
California 70% ANY ANY 4 inches
Colorado 27% 27% 27% 4 inches
Connecticut 35% 35% ANY non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Delaware 70% ANY ANY non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Florida 28% 15% 15% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line
Georgia 32% 32% 32% 6 inches
Hawaii 35% 35% 35% Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield
Idaho 35% 20% 20% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line
Illinois 35% 35% 35% 6 inches
Indiana 30% 30% 30% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line
Iowa 70% ANY ANY non-reflective tint above the as-1 line
Kansas 35% 35% 35% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line
Kentucky 35% 18% 18% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line
Louisiana 40% 25% 12% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Maine 35% 35% 35% top 4 inches
Maryland 35% 35% 35% top 5 inches
Massachusetts 35% 35% 35% top 6 inches
Michigan 35% ANY ANY top4 inches
Minnesota 50% 50% 50% Top 6 inches
Mississippi 28% 28% 28% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 5 inches
Missouri 35% ANY ANY non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Montana 24% 14% 14% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Nebraska 24% 20% 20% top 6 inches or as-1 line, whichever comes first
Nevada 35% ANY ANY non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
New Hampshire 35% 35% 35% Allowed for the manufacturer’s AS-1 line
New Jersey Illegal ANY ANY Top 6 inches
New Mexico 20% 20% 20% 5 inches or as-1 line, whichever comes first
New York 70% 70% 70% top 6 inches
North Carolina 35% 35% 35% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
North Dakota 50% ANY ANY Top 6 inches
Ohio 50% ANY ANY Top 5 inches
Oklahoma 25% ANY ANY 5 inches or as-1 line, whichever comes first
Oregon 35% 35% 35% Top 6 inches
Pennsylvania 70% 70% 70% Top 3 inches
Rhode Island 70% 35% 35% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
South Carolina 27% 27% 27% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
South Dakota 35% 20% 20% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Tennessee 35% 35% 35% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Texas 25% 25% 25% 5 inches or as-1 line, whichever comes first
Utah 43% ANY ANY non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 4 inches
Vermont 70% ANY ANY ILLEGAL
Virginia 50% 35% 35% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Washington 24% 24% 24% Top 6 inches
West Virginia 35% 35% 35% Top 5 inches
Wisconsin 50% 35% 35% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Wyoming 28% 28% 28% Top 5 inches or as-1 line, whichever comes first
About the author
David Lawrence
David grew up among mechanics and off-road enthusiasts, gaining deep knowledge in car mods, off-roading techniques, and automotive engineering, making him a trusted 4x4 expert.

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