Back in 1989, South Dakota implemented laws governing car window tinting. To avoid any potential fines, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the guidelines surrounding the darkness and reflectivity of your window tint. Luckily, all the information and documentation you need is readily available. It’s important to note that South Dakota also has additional regulations regarding car window tinting, so taking the time to read up on the subject will save you from any unwanted surprises.
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Visible Light Reflection (VLR) are two main concepts to understand when it comes to auto window tinting. In this discussion, you’ll explore both concepts, starting with VLT.
1. Window Tint Darkness in South Dakota (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 vary from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted through the film.
It’s essential to keep in mind that the legal restrictions on window tint darkness vary from state to state. This means that what is permissible in terms of how much light can penetrate your tinted windows in South Dakota may differ from other states. Furthermore, the regulations for passenger vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles can also differ. Therefore, it’s crucial to pay close attention to South Dakota’s car tinting laws to ensure that you’re within the legal limits. Make sure you take the time to review the guidelines carefully to avoid any potential legal issues down the road.
Tint darkness law for passenger vehicles (sedans) in South Dakota:
Windshield: You can use non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 35% tint darkness
Back Side windows: You can use up to 20% tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use up to 20% darkness for rear windows.
Tint darkness law for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) in South Dakota:
Windshield: You can use non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 35% tint darkness
Back Side windows: You can use up to 20% tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use up to 20% tint darkness for rear windows.
2. Window Tint Reflection in South Dakota (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that a window film reflects. For window tinting, the VLR or visible light reflection percentage is also a crucial factor to consider. This percentage, which ranges from 0% to 100%, determines the amount of visible light that’s reflected in the vehicle. A lower VLR percentage shows that less visible light is reflected into the car, resulting in greater sunlight blockage. It’s important to note that South Dakota’s window tint law allows for a specific percentage of window reflection (VLR) when using a tint. Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware of this guideline as well to ensure that you’re adhering to all the legal requirements.
Tint reflection law for passenger vehicles (sedans) in South Dakota:
Front Side windows: You can’t use any metallic or mirrored appearance on the front side windows.
Back Side windows: You can’t use any metallic or mirrored appearance on the back side windows as well.
Tint reflection law for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and Vans) in South Dakota:
Front Side windows: You can’t use any metallic or mirrored appearance on the front side windows
Back Side windows: You can’t use any metallic or mirrored appearance on the back side windows as well.
Other South Dakota Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
When it comes to window tinting in South Dakota, it’s essential to take the regulations seriously. In addition to adhering to specific darkness and glare requirements for each window, there are numerous other rules and regulations you’ll need to follow. Ensuring that your vehicle meets all these requirements is vital to avoid any legal issues. Here are some of the rules and regulations that you’ll need to abide by as well:
Side Mirrors: In South Dakota, there are no specific regulations or restrictions in place regarding the use of side mirrors on vehicles. This means that drivers are free to install or not install side mirrors as they see fit.
Restricted Colors: There are no restrictions on the colors of tint that can apply to vehicle windows in South Dakota. This means that drivers are free to choose any color of tint they prefer, as long as it meets the other requirements outlined in state law.
Tint Variance: The legal variance for tinting on a car window in South Dakota is 9%. This means that the amount of light that can pass through the tinted window should not be less than 91% of the amount of light that would pass through the same window if it were not tinted.
Certificates: Film manufacturers that sell window tinting film in South Dakota are required to certify their products. This means that they have to submit their film to be tested and approved by the state before it can be sold to consumers. It is important for drivers to check with their dealer to ensure that the film they are using is certified.
Stickers: In South Dakota, a sticker is required to be placed between the film and the glass on each tinted window. This sticker should identify the legal tinting and can be used by law enforcement to verify that the tinting on the vehicle complies with state law.
Medical Exceptions: There are no medical exemptions that allow for special car window tint in South Dakota. This means that even if a driver has a medical condition that is made worse by exposure to sunlight, they are still required to follow the state’s regulations for window tinting.
Penalties: Violating the state’s regulations for window tinting can cause a Class 2 misdemeanor. This is a criminal offense that can cause fines, community service, or even jail time. It is important for drivers to ensure that their tinting complies with state law to avoid these penalties.
Conclusion
In South Dakota, the laws for window tinting on passenger vehicles (sedans) and multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) are the same. On the windshield, non-reflective tint is permitted above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. For front side windows, a maximum of 35% tint darkness is allowed, while for back and rear windows, a maximum of 20% tint darkness is allowed. It is important to note that there are no restrictions on the colors of tint that can be applied, but the film manufacturers must certify the film they sell in South Dakota. A sticker is also required to be placed between the film and the glass on each tinted window. Violating the state’s regulations for window tinting can cause a Class 2 misdemeanor.
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 Dakota may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.