Back in 1992, South Carolina introduced strict laws regarding car window tinting. These laws specify the maximum darkness and reflectiveness allowed for window tints in the state. As a responsible driver, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with these regulations to avoid any unwanted fines. Besides the tinting laws, there are other rules and regulations you should know for auto window tinting in South Carolina. To ensure that you’re fully informed, I’ve compiled all the relevant information and documents below. Read on to learn more!
If you’re considering auto window tinting, it’s important to know about two fundamental concepts: Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Visible Light Reflection (VLR). In this discussion, I’ll explain both concepts, starting with VLT.
1. Window Tint Darkness in South Carolina (VLT)
Window Tint Darkness or Visible light transmission (VLT) is a measure of the amount of light that passes through a film. It’s measured in percentages and can stretch from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted through the film.
For auto window tint darkness, each state has its own set of legal restrictions. In South Carolina, the amount of light that can pass through tinted glass may differ from other states, and this can also vary depending on whether you are driving a passenger vehicle or a multi-purpose vehicle. Therefore, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific tinting laws in South Carolina and to ensure that you follow them carefully. By doing so, you’ll avoid any potential legal consequences and stay safe on the road.
Tint darkness law for passenger vehicles (sedans) in South Carolina:
Windshield: You can use a non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 on the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 27% tint darkness.
Back Side windows: You can use up to 27% darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use up to 27% darkness for rear windows.
Tint darkness law for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) in South Carolina:
Windshield: You can use a non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 on the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 27% tint darkness.
Back Side windows: You can use any tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use any tint darkness for rear windows.
2. Window Tint Reflection in South Carolina (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that a window film reflects. The level of tint reflection is typically measured in percentages, ranging from 0% to 100%. The VLR percentage, or window reflection, is also a critical factor to consider when selecting your window tint. A lower VLR percentage means that less visible light is reflected into the car, resulting in more sunlight being blocked.
In South Carolina, there are specific legal restrictions on the level of VLR allowed when using a tint. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that you adhere to these regulations to avoid any potential legal issues. By doing so, you can enjoy the benefits of a window tint while also staying within the bounds of the law.
Tint reflection law for passenger vehicles (sedans) in South Carolina:
Front Side windows: Must be non-reflective but the levels are not specified on the front side windows.
Back Side windows: Must be non-reflective but the levels are not specified on the back side windows as well.
Tint reflection law for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and Vans) in South Carolina:
Front Side windows: Must be non-reflective but the levels are not specified on the front side windows
Back Side windows: Must be non-reflective but the levels are not specified on the back side windows as well.
Other South Carolina Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
Window tinting laws in South Carolina are strictly enforced, and as a vehicle owner, it is imperative that you comply with the set rules and regulations. Apart from adhering to the specific percentage of darkness and glare allowed on each window, there are several other regulations that you must take into consideration.
Side Mirrors: In South Carolina, dual side mirrors are required by law if the back window of a vehicle is tinted. This is to ensure that the driver has an adequate field of vision while driving, and that they can see the vehicles behind them in the side mirrors.
Restricted Colors: The state of South Carolina has specific laws regarding the colors of tint that are permitted on vehicles. Tint colors that are not allowed include red, amber, and yellow. These colors are considered to be too dark and can obstruct the driver’s view, which is why they are not permitted by law.
Certificates: In South Carolina, film manufacturers are required to certify the film they sell in the state. This means that the film has been tested and approved by the state for use on vehicles. When purchasing tint, it is important to check with your dealer to ensure that they are using certified film.
Stickers: In South Carolina, a sticker is required to identify legal tinting on vehicles. This sticker must be placed between the film and glass on each tinted window. This ensures that the tint has been approved by the state, and that it meets the legal requirements.
Medical Exceptions: South Carolina allows for medical exemptions for special tint. This means that individuals with certain medical conditions may be permitted to have a darker tint on their vehicle, as it may be necessary for their health and well-being. For more details about the specific terms of the exemption, it is important to consult with your state law.
Penalties: If a person is found to violate the state’s tint laws, they may be charged with a misdemeanor. The penalties for this include a minimum fine of $200 or 30 days in prison for each offense. It’s important to note that these penalties can increase depending on the severity of the violation and the number of offenses.
Conclusion
In South Carolina, laws regarding the darkness of tint on passenger vehicles (sedans) and multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) vary. On passenger vehicles, the windshield is permitted to have a non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. The front side windows are allowed to have up to 27% tint darkness and the same is for the rear side and rear windows. However, for multi-purpose vehicles, the windshield is still permitted to have a non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. The front side windows are also allowed to have up to 27% tint darkness, but the backside and rear windows can have any tint darkness. It’s important to note that any color of tinting other than red, amber, and yellow are not allowed by law. Dual side mirrors are required if the back window is tinted. Film manufacturers need to certify the film they sell in South Carolina and a sticker is required to identify legal tinting on vehicles. Sometimes, medical exemptions for special tint may be permitted, but it’s important to consult with the state law for more details. Penalties for violating the state’s tint laws include a minimum fine of $200 or 30 days in prison for each offense.
Disclaimer
The information on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or as a substitute for the advice of an attorney. No user of this site, or any other person or entity that may have received this information, shall rely upon the information contained as creating an attorney-client relationship between such user and Car Glass Advisor. The rules and regulations pertaining to car window tint in South Carolina may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.