Cars with tinted windows look fancy for sure, but if you live in South Carolina, that won’t be a good idea! Thanks to the South Carolina tint laws, you cannot use tint film on the windows whenever you want.
But what do these laws say? Well, that’s what we’ll discuss here today.
It was 1992 when the car tinting law in South Carolina was proposed. It talks about how dark or reflective your car window tint should be, depending on the state you live in.
We’ve provided all the information you need in this regard over here. Also, there is also some extra information on rules and regulations, which you should obey if you don’t want to get fined.
So yes, it’s pretty crucial you read the whole article from top to bottom.
Table of Contents
South Carolina Tint Laws in 2023 – Everything You Need to Know
Before you get to know the South Carolina Window window tint laws, you need to learn about the VLT. So before we get into the details, let’s talk about it first!
What does VLT mean according to South Carolina state law?
The VLT or Visible Light Transmission indicates the percentage of detectable light that passes through your car’s window.
When the VLT is lower, the window tint will get darker. And higher VLT means that more light will penetrate the windows without any trouble.
For instance, if you install 75% tint on the glasses, 75% light will go through them. And when the tint is 5%, the insides of your car will be way darker!
By the way, We have in-depth content about VLT and window tint percentage for your reference. We recommend checking it out If you want to know the different levels of window tint.
So, what is the legal tint in South Carolina– SC window tint law 2023
The South Carolina window tint law is different for each type of vehicle. For passenger and multipurpose vehicles, you have to follow dissimilar rules.
So here are the SC window tint laws for multipurpose and passenger automobiles.
Legal Tint in SC- Tint Darkness for Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield
Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. - Front side windows
More than 27% of light must be in according to South Carolina window tint law. - Backside windows
More than 27% of light must be in according to South Carolina window tint law. - Rear window
More than 27% of light must be in according to South Carolina window tint law.
Legal Tint in SC- Tint Darkness for Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield
Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. - Front side windows
More than 27% of light must be in. - Backside windows
Any darkness can be applied several inches from the top of the window it’s legal tint in South Carolina. - Rear window
Any darkness can be used as its legal tint in South Carolina.
Window Tint Reflection in South Carolina
Using tint on your automobile’s window can reflect the incoming light and reduce the heat. Moreover, the tinted windows also prevent glares.
Well, the window tint South Carolina law authorizes some specific window reflection while using a tint. So if you ever think about coloring the glasses, pay attention to this as well.
Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front side windows
Must be non-reflective. - Backside windows
Must be non-reflective.
Tint reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front side windows
Must be non-reflective. - Backside windows
Must be non-reflective.
Other South Carolina Window Tint Rules and Regulations You Need to Know
When it comes to window tinting of your vehicle, South Carolina is pretty serious about that. You will have plenty of rules and regulations to abide by.
Besides maintaining a specific percentage of the glare on each window, here are some other restrictions you need to follow, even if you want to do a subtle darkening.
Side mirrors in South Carolina
Dual side mirrors are required if the back window is tinted.
Restricted Colors
Tint colors red, amber, and yellow are not permitted by law.
Certificates
Film manufacturers need to certify the film they sell in South Carolina. Check with your dealer if they are using certified film.
Stickers
The sticker to identify legal tinting is required between the film & glass on each tinted window.
Penalties
Minimum $200 fine or 30 days in prison for each offense.
SC Window Tint Medical Exemption
In South Carolina, the law states that any driver with a medical exemption can tint their car windows to any degree. To get this exemption, you must have a letter from your doctor that specifically states that you need to tint your windows for medical reasons. The letter must include your name, date of birth, and the specific reason why you need to tint your windows. You must also have this letter with you whenever you’re driving, and present it to a police officer if they ask for it.
How to Get Medical Exemption for Window Tint in SC?
The process for getting this South Carolina Window Tint Exemption Form is fairly simple. You just need to go to your doctor and get a note from them stating that you need the dark tint for medical reasons. Once you have the note, take it to your local motor vehicle office and they will issue you an exemption sticker to put on your car.
South Carolina Medical Exemption Requirements
| State | South Carolina |
| SC code of laws window tint | Code 1976 § 56-5-5015 |
| For whom the exemption may apply | registered owner or dependent |
| Reason(s) | Physical condition that makes it necessary to equip the vehicle with sun screening material which would violate law regarding light transmittance or luminous reflectance |
| Frequency of certification of need | 2 years |
| Limits on the amount of tint | |
| Certification from medical provider (which type[s] of provider) | physician or optometrist licensed in the state |
| Application to state department | required |
| Document required in vehicle | affidavit from physician or optometrist licensed in the state |
South Carolina window tint medical exemption form
Click here to get South Carolina window tint medical exemption form.
Benefits of Window Tinting in South Carolina
The tint on your car’s window isn’t just a decorative thing; it comes with greater benefits too. So let’s talk about the advantage of coloring your vehicle’s window, shall we?
Prevents the Interior from Fading
While parking our cars, we always look for shades, don’t we? Well, it helps us to maintain the top-notch condition of our car’s exterior.
Likewise, when you use tints on your vehicle’s windows, the interior doesn’t have to face the harshness of the sunlight. Therefore, if you have beautiful leather seats, they are less likely to get damaged!
Blocks UV Rays
You don’t need to get lectured about the harmful effects of UV rays, do you? We all know that applying tons of sunscreen isn’t enough to protect you from damage. And when your car has tinted glasses, you can avert this UV situation pretty gracefully.
Get Better Security
Nothing is worst than people staring at you when you mind your own business in the car. The people in the backseat have to go through this problem more than the drivers. And when you get tinted glasses, you don’t have to go through this annoyance anymore.
Take a Chill Pill
When riding on the hottest summer days, even the AC won’t be enough to cool you down. But if you have tinted windows, you don’t have to worry about sweating anymore!
Cost of Car Window Tint in South Carolina
The cost may vary from film to film when it is to tint. For instance, if you want to use a regular classic film for your Sedan, it will cost you up to 150-200 bucks. And when you want something exclusive like ceramic tints, you will need to spend $400 or more!
However, if you don’t have the budget to do the tinting professionally, you can get a DIY tint kit. It will cost you around a hundred bucks, which is a relief!
To know more detail about car tint cost click here.
South Carolina, SC Tint Laws FAQ
Is 5 Tint Legal in SC?
Is 5 tint legal in south Carolina, Yes you can use 5% tint in South Carolina, but 5% tint is legal only on the back & rear windows of your multi-purpose vehicle. 5% tint is illegal to use on passenger vehicles in South Carolina.
Is 15 Tint Legal in SC?
Is 15 tint legal in south Carolina, Yes you can use 5% tint in South Carolina, but 15% tint is legal only on the back & rear windows of your multi-purpose vehicle. 15% tint is illegal to use on passenger vehicles in South Carolina.
Is 20 Tint Legal in SC?
Is 20 tint legal in south Carolina, Yes you can use 20% tint in South Carolina, but 20% tint is legal only on the back & rear windows of your multi-purpose vehicle. 20% tint is illegal to use on passenger vehicles in South Carolina.
What is The Darkest Legal Tint in SC?
For passenger vehicles, 27% tint is the darkest tint in South Carolina. For multi-purpose vehicles front widow also 27% tint is the darkest legal tint. You can use any tint darkness on the back & rear windows of your multi-purpose vehicles.
What is SC Code of Laws Window Tint?
SC Code of Laws Window Tint § 56-5-5015 (2012)
South Carolina Tint law references
South Carolina Code of Laws Section 56-5-5015: Sunscreen devices. (scroll to section 56-5-5015)
The Bottom Line
The goal of creating this article was to enlighten you about the South Carolina tint laws so you can confidently drive your car through the state. The article you read just now was last updated in 2023. If you think we’ve missed any new information, feel free to contact us anytime you want.
In conclusion, it is important to be familiar with the South Carolina window tint laws if you are planning to get your car tinted. While there are some restrictions, the benefits of window tinting make it well worth the effort to follow the guidelines. To learn more about South Carolina‘s window tinting laws or for assistance finding a qualified installer, visit the website of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Information Center.
