South Carolina 2025 Window Tint Law: Tint Darkness by Vehicle Type
South Carolina’s tint laws help drivers reduce glare and heat while maintaining road safety. The law uses Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentages to control how much light must pass through each window. Rules vary for sedans versus SUVs and vans.
Darkest Legal Tint for Sedans in South Carolina (2025)
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line only.
- Front Side Windows: Tint must allow more than 27% of light in.
- Back Side Windows: Tint must allow more than 27% of light in.
- Rear Window: Tint must allow more than 27% of light in.
Darkest Legal Tint for SUVs and Vans in South Carolina (2025)
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line only.
- Front Side Windows: Tint must allow more than 27% of light in.
- Back Side Windows: Any darkness is allowed several inches from the top (exact inch specification may vary).
- Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.
Important Notes for South Carolina Drivers
- If the rear window is tinted, South Carolina law requires dual side mirrors for proper rear visibility.
- The tint laws have been in place since 1992 and remain strictly enforced.
Understanding Pennsylvania Window Tint Law
South Carolina’s strong sun makes window tint a popular choice. However, the South Carolina window tint law 2025 sets firm limits on tint darkness. Crossing the legal window tint South Carolina boundaries can lead to fines or traffic stops.
Illegal tint can also cause insurance troubles. Claims may be denied or premiums increased if your tint breaks the South Carolina car tint legal limits. Staying within the law protects your wallet and your coverage.
Check the South Carolina window tint percentage 2025 so you can choose tint that’s both legal and effective.
Why Compliance with South Carolina Tint Laws Matters
Driving in South Carolina comes with strong sunlight and hot temperatures, and window tint makes it easier to stay cool and avoid glare. But if the tint is too dark, it can make it hard to see—especially at night or during rain. Following South Carolina’s tint laws helps you drive more safely and comfortably in all conditions.
South Carolina police check for illegal window tint during traffic stops and inspections. If your tint is too dark or shiny, you might get a ticket or be asked to remove it. Keeping your tint legal helps you avoid these problems and drive with confidence. Legal tint can also protect you during inspections and when dealing with insurance claims. If your tint is illegal, it may hurt your chances of getting a full payout after a crash. Staying within the rules keeps you safe, covered, and stress-free.
What Changed in South Carolina Tinting Law 2025?
Most of South Carolina’s tint laws stayed the same in 2025, but there were two important updates to note.
First, the state added stricter rules on reflective tint. Even though the law still uses the term “non-reflective,” police now use clearer standards to decide whether your tint film reflects too much light. Officers are trained to spot mirror-like or shiny tints more easily during roadside checks.
Second, enforcement of certification and sticker rules is now stronger. All tinted windows must have a compliance sticker placed between the film and the glass. This sticker proves the tint was made by a certified manufacturer and meets South Carolina law. Installers are now expected to follow this rule more strictly, and drivers without proper stickers may face fines even if the tint appears legal.
Window Tinting Laws in South Carolina
South Carolina follows clear rules about how dark or reflective your tint can be. These laws help keep drivers safe by ensuring they can see clearly and other drivers can see inside the vehicle when needed.
Passenger Cars and Station Wagons
For passenger cars, non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 5 inches of the windshield. The rest of the windshield must remain clear. Front side windows must allow more than 27% of light to pass through.
For the rear side windows and the back windshield, you can also use tint that lets in at least 27% of light. If your rear window is tinted, your car must have two working side mirrors for safe visibility behind the vehicle.
Multi-Purpose Vehicles (SUVs, Vans, RVs)
SUVs, vans, and RVs follow the same rule for the front windshield—only the top 5 inches can be tinted, and it must be non-reflective. Front side windows must allow at least 27% of light to pass through.
The rear side windows and rear window have more freedom. These windows can have any darkness, which helps keep the vehicle cooler and adds privacy. Still, if the rear window is tinted, you must have dual side mirrors.
To know which rules apply to your vehicle, check the label inside the driver’s side door. This label tells you whether your car is a passenger car or a multi-purpose vehicle, which affects your tinting limits.
South Carolina Tint Law 2025: Sedans, SUVs, Trucks Compared
| Vehicle Type | Front Windshield | Front Side Windows | Rear Side Windows | Rear Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans | Top 5 inches only (non-reflective) | ≥27% VLT | ≥27% VLT | ≥27% VLT |
| SUVs/Vans | Top 5 inches only (non-reflective) | ≥27% VLT | No limit | No limit |
| Trucks | Top 5 inches only (non-reflective) | ≥27% VLT | No limit* | No limit* |
Note: Trucks with tinted rear windows must have dual side mirrors.
Window Tint Reflection in South Carolina (2025)
In South Carolina, window tint helps protect you from sunlight, heat, and glare. But the tint on your windows cannot be reflective. This rule helps reduce dangerous glare for you and other drivers. Although the law does not clearly define “non-reflective,” using shiny or mirror-like tint is not safe and could get you a ticket.
Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front Side Windows: The tint must be non-reflective. Even though the law doesn’t say exactly how much reflection is allowed, mirror-like finishes are not permitted.
- Back Side Windows: These also must not be reflective. Choose a film that keeps reflection at normal glass levels.
Tint Reflection for SUVs and Vans
- Front Side Windows: The law requires non-reflective tint here too. Just like sedans, metallic or shiny film is not allowed.
- Back Side Windows: These must also be non-reflective, even though you may use darker tint.
Other South Carolina Window Tint Rules and Regulations
Side Mirrors
If your rear window is tinted, South Carolina law requires that you have dual side mirrors—one on each side. These mirrors help you see behind your vehicle clearly.
Restricted Colors
South Carolina bans red, amber, and yellow window tint colors. These shades can confuse other drivers or look like emergency lights, so they are not legal.
Tint film manufacturers must certify their product in South Carolina. This means your installer should be using approved and certified window film. Before tinting your car, ask your dealer if the film meets state standards.
Stickers
South Carolina requires a legal tint sticker on every tinted window. This sticker must go between the tint and the glass and must show that the tint film is certified. If you don’t have the sticker, you could be stopped by police—even if your tint is legal.
Legal Window Tint Certificates in South Carolina
In South Carolina, every tinted window must have a legal compliance sticker. The law requires this sticker to be placed between the tint film and the glass on each tinted window. It helps officers easily confirm that the tint follows state rules.
Also, window tint film must be certified by the manufacturer or vendor before it can be sold or used in South Carolina. That means your installer should use only state-approved tint products. Before getting your windows tinted, ask your dealer or installer if the film they use is certified and if they will provide the required stickers.
Skipping this step can lead to tickets, fines, or having to remove the tint. It’s always better to follow the law from the start to avoid costly problems later.
Medical Exemptions for Window Tint in South Carolina
South Carolina allows medical exemptions for people who need darker window tint due to health issues. If sunlight causes harm to your skin or eyes—like in cases of photosensitivity, skin disorders, or certain eye conditions—you may qualify for darker tint than normally allowed.
To begin, you must speak to a licensed doctor about your condition. If the doctor agrees, they’ll give you a note explaining your medical need for extra tint protection. After that, work with a tinting professional to apply the film legally. Make sure to keep documentation of your exemption in the vehicle in case police ask for it.
Even with an exemption, tint must still allow safe visibility, and colors like red, amber, and yellow are still banned. Mirrored or metallic tints that reflect too much light are not allowed either.
Medical Exemption Application Flowchart (South Carolina)
Start ➡️ Visit Licensed Doctor ➡️ Get Medical Note ➡️ Choose Certified Tint ➡️ Install With Legal Sticker ➡️ Keep Proof In Vehicle
Window Tint Violation Penalties in South Carolina
In South Carolina, breaking window tint laws is a misdemeanor offense. Police use tint meters to measure whether your windows let in enough light—at least 27% VLT is required. If they find your tint is too dark or improperly installed, you can be fined.
A single violation starts at $200, but fines can increase with additional offenses. In serious cases, you could be sentenced to up to 30 days in jail, although this is rare. The best way to avoid these penalties is by using certified tint, placing the correct stickers, and following the law.
Risks of Illegal Window Tint in South Carolina
Driving with illegal tint in South Carolina can lead to more than just a fine. If your tint doesn’t meet the state’s rules, you risk failing a vehicle inspection, which means you won’t be able to renew your registration. You may also face trouble during a traffic stop if police cannot easily verify that your tint is legal.
More importantly, illegal tint can become a problem with insurance claims, especially if visibility is found to be a factor in an accident. The smart move is to install legal, certified film and follow the rules. It’s faster, safer, and more affordable than dealing with repeated tickets, inspections, or legal trouble.
Common Mistakes to Avoid – South Carolina Tint Law 2025
Using tint darker than allowed on front side windows
South Carolina requires front side windows to let in at least 27 percent of visible light. Many people use film that blocks too much light, which can lead to fines or failed inspections.
Tinting too much of the windshield
Only the top portion of the windshield above the AS-1 line can be tinted. Tinting below this line is not allowed and may result in a ticket.
Assuming the same rules apply to all vehicles
Tint laws differ between cars and multipurpose vehicles like SUVs. For example, rear windows on SUVs can be tinted darker than those on sedans. Applying the wrong film for your vehicle type can make it non-compliant.
Using reflective or mirrored tint
South Carolina law does not allow mirrored or metallic finishes. These films increase glare and can be unsafe for other drivers.
Ignoring factory tint levels
Some vehicles already have tint from the manufacturer. Adding more tint without checking the total light transmission can make the windows too dark.
Not keeping documentation for medical exemptions
If you qualify for a medical exemption, you must carry the approval with you. Without it, even legal tint could be questioned during a stop or inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions – South Carolina Tint Law 2025
What is the legal tint limit for front side windows in South Carolina?
Front side windows must allow more than 27 percent of visible light.
Can I tint my windshield in South Carolina?
You may only tint the windshield above the AS-1 line. Tinting below this line is not allowed.
Are tint rules different for SUVs or trucks?
Yes. Rear windows on multipurpose vehicles like SUVs and trucks can have darker tint. Front window rules remain the same for all vehicle types.
Can I use reflective or metallic window tint?
No. Reflective, mirrored, or metallic tint is not allowed on any windows in South Carolina.
Is a medical exemption available?
Yes. South Carolina allows medical exemptions for darker tint, but you must carry the proper documentation in your vehicle at all times.
Will I get fined for illegal tint in South Carolina?
Yes. You can be ticketed and required to remove or replace any tint that does not meet state laws.
Do I need a sticker or certificate for legal tint?
Yes. South Carolina law requires a compliance sticker placed between the tint film and the glass on each tinted window.
Conclusion
Following South Carolina’s tint law helps you avoid tickets and stay safe. Front side windows must let in over 27 percent of light, and only the top part of the windshield above the AS-1 line may be tinted. Reflective or dark film beyond the legal limit can lead to fines.
If you have a medical need for darker tint, apply for an exemption and keep the form in your vehicle. Always ask for a compliance sticker from your installer and check the law before applying tint. A little care now can save you trouble later.
Resources for South Carolina Drivers
South Carolina DMV Window Tint Rules: https://www.scdmvonline.com
South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-5-5015: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t56c005.php
Medical Exemption Application: https://www.scdmvonline.com/Forms-and-Manuals
Find Certified Tint Installers in South Carolina: CarKitAdvisor.com/tint-installers-sc
Window Tint VLT Calculator Tool: CarKitAdvisor.com/vlt-checker
Printable South Carolina Tint Checklist (PDF): CarKitAdvisor.com/sc-tint-checklist