South Dakota 2025 Window Tint Law: Tint Darkness by Vehicle Type
Understanding South Dakota’s tint laws is important for staying legal and safe on the road. The state uses VLT (Visible Light Transmission) to measure how much light must pass through your window tint. South Dakota’s rules are different for sedans and SUVs/vans, so be sure to check the right section below.
Darkest Legal Tint for Sedans in South Dakota (2025)
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed only above the AS-1 line (marked by the car manufacturer).
- Front Side Windows: Tint must allow more than 35% of light in.
- Back Side Windows: Tint must allow more than 20% of light in.
- Rear Window: Tint must allow more than 20% of light in.
Darkest Legal Tint for SUVs and Vans in South Dakota (2025)
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed only above the AS-1 line.
- Front Side Windows: Tint must allow more than 35% of light in.
- Back Side Windows: Tint must allow more than 20% of light in.
- Rear Window: Tint must allow more than 20% of light in.
Understanding South Dakota Window Tint Law
South Dakota’s weather swings between bright sun and cold winters, making window tint helpful but regulated. The South Dakota window tint law 2025 limits how dark your tint can be. Tint beyond the legal window tint South Dakota limits risks fines and law enforcement action.
Insurance companies enforce these rules too. Violating the South Dakota car tint legal limits might mean denied claims or higher premiums. Staying compliant keeps your coverage safe and your costs down.
Learn the South Dakota window tint percentage 2025 so you can pick the right tint and avoid fines.
Why Compliance with South Dakota Tint Laws Matters
Driving in South Dakota means facing bright sun, snow glare, and changing weather. Window tint helps reduce heat and makes driving easier. But if your tint is too dark, it can make it hard to see, especially at night. Following South Dakota’s tint laws helps you stay safe and avoid accidents.
The law also helps you avoid trouble with police. If your windows don’t meet legal tint limits, you can be stopped and ticketed. Fixing an illegal tint can cost time and money. Keeping your tint legal means fewer hassles, smoother vehicle inspections, and no problems with your car insurance. Some companies may not pay for damages if your car has illegal tint. Following the rules keeps you covered and stress-free.
What Changed in South Dakota Tinting Law 2025?
South Dakota hasn’t changed its basic tint rules in 2025, but enforcement is now stricter in a few key areas.
First, officers now use updated tint meters to measure Visible Light Transmission (VLT) more accurately. This makes it easier for police to check if your tint lets in the right amount of light—especially for side and rear windows that require at least 20–35% VLT depending on the window.
Second, there’s a stronger focus on rear window visibility. If your rear window is tinted, you must have two side mirrors that give a clear view behind the car. Inspectors and law enforcement now check this more often during safety and registration checks.
Window Tinting Laws in South Dakota
South Dakota uses VLT (Visible Light Transmission) rules to control how dark your tint can be. The laws are different for passenger cars and for SUVs or vans, especially for rear windows.
Passenger Cars and Station Wagons
For sedans and cars, non-reflective tint is allowed only above the AS-1 line on the windshield. This is a line set by the manufacturer and marked near the top of the glass.
Front side windows must allow more than 35% of light to pass through. The rear side windows and rear windshield must allow more than 20% of light. If the rear window is tinted, your car must have dual side mirrors.
Multi-Purpose Vehicles (SUVs, Vans, RVs)
SUVs, vans, and recreational vehicles follow the same rules for the windshield—tint is allowed only above the AS-1 line, and it must be non-reflective.
The front side windows must allow more than 35% of light. The back side windows and rear windshield must allow more than 20% of light. Just like sedans, two mirrors are required if the rear window is tinted.
To be sure of your vehicle type, check the label inside the driver’s side door. It will tell you if it’s a passenger car or a multi-purpose vehicle.
South Dakota Tint Law 2025: Sedans, SUVs, Trucks Compared
| Vehicle Type | Front Windshield | Front Side Windows | Rear Side Windows | Rear Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans | Above AS-1 line only (non-reflective) | ≥35% VLT | ≥20% VLT | ≥20% VLT |
| SUVs/Vans | Above AS-1 line only (non-reflective) | ≥35% VLT | ≥20% VLT | ≥20% VLT |
| Trucks | Above AS-1 line only (non-reflective) | ≥35% VLT | ≥20% VLT* | ≥20% VLT* |
Note: Trucks with tinted rear windows must have dual side mirrors.
Window Tint Reflection in South Dakota (2025)
In South Dakota, window tint helps reduce glare, heat, and sunlight, making driving more comfortable. However, metallic or mirrored tint is not allowed. These reflective tints can be distracting or unsafe, especially in bright conditions.
Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front Side Windows: The tint cannot have a metallic or mirrored finish. It should look similar to regular glass and not reflect light heavily.
- Back Side Windows: These windows also must not have a mirrored or shiny appearance. Choose a non-metallic tint to stay legal.
Tint Reflection for SUVs and Vans
- Front Side Windows: Just like sedans, no metallic or mirror-like tint is allowed. The surface must remain clear and non-reflective.
- Back Side Windows: Even though darker tint is allowed, you still cannot use mirrored or shiny film on these windows.
Other South Dakota Window Tint Rules and Regulations
Side Mirrors
South Dakota has no special rules for side mirrors, even if your rear window is tinted. You are not required to install dual mirrors by law.
Restricted Colors
There are no banned tint colors in South Dakota. This means you can legally use any color, including red, amber, and blue—though it’s always best to avoid colors that may confuse other drivers.
Tint Variance
South Dakota allows for a 9% light transmission variance. That means if your film is slightly below the legal VLT percentage, it may still pass inspection.
Certificates
In South Dakota, film manufacturers must certify their tint products. This ensures the film meets the legal standards. Before getting your windows tinted, ask your installer if the film they use is certified for use in South Dakota.
Stickers
A compliance sticker is required in South Dakota. It must be placed between the tint film and the glass on each tinted window. This sticker shows that your tint is legal and helps avoid trouble with law enforcement.
Legal Window Tint Certificates in South Dakota
In South Dakota, every tinted window on your vehicle must have a legal compliance sticker. The law requires these stickers to be placed between the tint film and the glass on each tinted window. These stickers prove your tint follows South Dakota’s rules and help you avoid fines during stops or inspections.
In addition, window tint manufacturers and sellers are required to certify that their film meets state regulations. Before you install any tint, ask your dealer or installer if the film is certified for use in South Dakota. Using certified products and applying the required stickers ensures you stay legal and avoid problems on the road.
Medical Exemptions for Window Tint in South Dakota
Unlike many other states, South Dakota does not allow medical exemptions for darker window tint. This means even if you have medical conditions like photosensitivity, albinism, or skin sensitivity, you still must follow the state’s standard tint laws.
No doctor’s note or DMV approval will permit you to use a darker tint than allowed by law. The only way to stay compliant is to make sure all your vehicle windows follow legal tint levels, regardless of medical needs.
Medical Exemption Flowchart: (Not Applicable in SD)
(No medical exemptions permitted under South Dakota law)
Window Tint Violation Penalties in South Dakota
Violating tint laws in South Dakota can lead to serious consequences. Illegal tint tickets are treated as Class 2 misdemeanors, which stay on your record for up to 10 years. That makes them much more serious than a simple fix-it ticket in other states.
Each violation can cost you several hundred dollars, especially if multiple windows are out of compliance. Police officers use tint meters during traffic stops to measure how much light passes through your windows. If the reading falls outside the legal limit—even by a small amount—you may be cited.
However, South Dakota law does allow a 9% variance in VLT (Visible Light Transmission). For example, if the legal limit is 35% and your window reads 26%, you may still be safe under this rule. But it’s best not to push the limit—play it safe and stay within guidelines.
Risks of Illegal Window Tint in South Dakota
Having illegal tint in South Dakota is more than just a fine—it can become a long-term legal issue. A Class 2 misdemeanor on your record can affect job applications, insurance rates, and background checks. If you’re stopped for another reason, illegal tint can quickly add cost and legal trouble to your situation.
Also, failing to use certified film or skipping the required compliance stickers can result in automatic violations—even if your tint appears to meet VLT rules. Staying within the law not only protects your safety but also helps you avoid stress, legal fees, and lasting marks on your record.
Conclusion
Window tint can make your car look great and protect you from the sun, but only if it follows South Dakota law. If your tint blocks too much light or covers too much of the windshield, you risk getting a ticket. The law says your front side windows must let in more than 35 percent of light. Only the top part of the windshield above the AS-1 line can be tinted.
South Dakota does not allow mirrored or reflective films. If your doctor says you need darker tint, you can apply for a medical exemption. Just remember to keep the paperwork in your car.
Before adding tint, talk to a professional or check the official rules. A legal tint saves you time, money, and trouble on the road.
Resources for South Dakota Drivers
South Dakota DMV Window Tint Guidelines: https://dps.sd.gov
South Dakota Codified Law § 32-15-2.5: https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/Codified_Laws/DisplayStatute.aspx?Statute=32-15-2.5
Medical Exemption Application Info: https://dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing
Find Certified Tint Installers in South Dakota: CarKitAdvisor.com/tint-installers-sd
Window Tint VLT Calculator Tool: CarKitAdvisor.com/vlt-checker
Printable Tint Law Checklist for South Dakota (PDF): CarKitAdvisor.com/sd-tint-checklist