South Carolina State Window Tint Law

This page is dedicated to explaining South Carolina State’s window tint laws. This includes how dark the windows are allowed to be, how much reflectiveness these tints can have. It also has information on how to get a medical exemption if you need stronger tints. Every state has different laws, so do not rely on other state’s information.

South Carolina State Automotive Window Tinting Rules 

How dark can window tint be in South Carolina? – Sedans

Tint VLT: Windshield: Non-reflective tints are allowed if they are above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. 

Tint VLT: Front Side Windows: Tints must allow in more than 27% of light.

Tint VLT: Back Side Windows: Tints must allow in more than 27% of light.

Tint VLT: Rear Window: Tints must allow in more than 27% of light.

How dark can window tint be in South Carolina? – SUVs and Vans

Tint VLT: Windshield: Non-reflective tints are allowed if they are above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. 

Tint VLT: Front Side Windows: Tints must allow in more than 27% of light.

Tint VLT: Back Side Windows: Any level of darkness can be applied at the top of the window.

Tint VLT: Rear Window: Any level of darkness can be applied.

How reflective can window tint be in South Carolina?

Tint Reflection: Front Side Windows: Must be non-reflective.

Tint Reflection: Rear Side Windows: Must be non-reflective.

Other South Carolina automotive window tinting rules & regulations:

Resisted Colors: Tint colors red, amber, and yellow are not legal.

Side Mirrors: If the back window is tinted, then dual side mirrors are required.

Certificate Requirements: The film needs to be certified by the manufacturers.

Sticker Requirements: Stickers are required to identify the legal tinting. Stickers should be placed between the film and the glass on every tinted window.

Penalties for Non-Compliance: Misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $300, or 30 days in prison for each offense.

South Carolina Tint Law Reference

South Carolina Code of Laws Section 56-5-5015: Sunscreen devices. (scroll to section 56-5-5015)

Exterior Window VLT Tint

How Much Does Car Window Tinting Cost in South Carolina State 

Tinting a 4 door sedan with dyed film will cost you on average $200 – $250. Dyed film is often the cheapest form of tinting.

Removing a tint from a 4 door sedan can cost you between $100 – $150. 

How Does Car Window Tinting Work?

When you tint a window, a lightweight film is applied to the inside pane of the glass. It is not applied to the outside of the glass. This is to protect the tinting from wear and tear, flying debris, and harsh sunlight. 

The first layer will be a strong polyester laminate which should improve the performance of the windows. The polyester is a transparent film. 

The next film will have tinting agents like metals and dyes, which create the shading effect. This is the layer that blocks UV rays to protect your skin from overexposure to harsh sunlight.

What Is The Best DIY 35% Tinting Product?

With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to find a tint that will actually work well on your car, especially if you buy it online. We have done a lot of research to figure out the best tinting product to apply to your vehicle yourself, and we recommend using the MKBROTHER.

Why Is This The Best?

We praise MKBROTHER so highly because of their easy-to-apply directions, their 99% UV blocking, and their scratch-resistant materials.

The MKBROTHER has a strong tint which allows in visible light but rejects the heat of the sun and the UV rays up to 99% while still sticking to the 35% restriction. This blocking doesn’t create a glare which means you won’t be distracted by the moving sunlight. The lack of glare also means that your vehicle’s interior won’t be affected by the sun rays, allowing it to stay showroom-ready for longer.

As the film is not made from metal fragments, you don’t have to worry about the tinting blocking any of your technology which normally relies on signaling.

How To Apply To Your Car

The tint is made of an adhesive film, which means all you need to do is apply the tint to the car’s window, with no special equipment on hand. 

First, you need to clean the glass on your car to remove any impurities. Next, you want to cut the film to match your car’s window size. We would advise that you check their sizing section before buying, as you will want more than enough to cover your window.

After that, you can pull one corner of the tint’s protective layers to expose the adhesive. You will be given a spray solution. Spray this solution onto the adhesive side of the film and onto the inside of the window you are planning on tinting.  At this point, depending on your state, you would apply the legalization sticker.

Lastly, you should place the film onto the window with the adhesive sides connecting. Then flatten out any bubbles which may have occurred in the process. If you have left any film on the edge of the window, you can cut it off with an extractor knife. 

Pros & Cons Of DIY vs Professional Fitting

There is an obvious reason for doing a DIY fitting instead of hiring a professional, and that’s the price. DIY tinting is so much cheaper that it is definitely worth considering. This can help you either save money or allow you to buy better quality film without the higher charge that the professional will ask for.

However, there is a reason why professionals charge these higher prices. It’s because creating a seamless installation isn’t always easy. If you put the tinting on incorrectly, it won’t last as long, nor will it protect you as much as it should.

Medical Exemption 

If the vehicle operator or the person they are transporting has a physical condition that means reduced sunlight exposure is necessary, they can apply for an affidavit.

The affidavit must be signed by a physician or an optometrist licensed to practice in South Carolina. 

The affidavit must be in the tinted vehicle at all times so it can be shown to a member of law enforcement if necessary.

The affidavit must be updated every two years. 

This information can be found on SECTION 56-5-5015, 2, H of the tint law reference above.