There’s no doubt that cars with tinted windows look cool, but do you know the South Carolina tint laws? If you have tinted windows or plan to get your car windows tinted, you are in the right place. We’ve gathered all the legal information you need to know about South Carolina window tint law.
Contents
First, Let me Explain What VLT Means?
VLT Visible Light Transmission is the percent of visible light that gets through your car windows. In other words, the lower the VLT%, the darker the tint gets. For example, 5 % would be a very dark tint. Furthermore, the state of South Carolina has a different VLT% for front and back windows, as you can see below.
Legal Tint in SC for Passenger vehicles
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint allowed above AS-1 Line
- Front side windows: 27% VLT
- Backside windows: 27% VLT
- Rear window: 27% VLT
Legal Tint in SC for Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint allowed above AS-1 Line
- Front side windows: 27% VLT
- Backside windows: No limitations
- Rear window: No limitations
South Carolina Tint Laws- Regulations
South Carolina Tint Laws – Exemption
Below are the exemptions to Window Tint requirements.
- Law Enforcement – Vehicles that are maintained by a law enforcement agency and used for law enforcement purposes.
South Carolina Tint laws- Medical Exemption
The Driver must obtain an optometrist or a physician’s written certification, indicating that the special window treatment or application is a medical necessity.
Side mirrors
a vehicle with a rear tinted window must be equipped with side mirrors
Tint Reflection
non-reflective tint
Color Tint
Red, yellow, and amber are prohibited
Window Tint Certification / Label
Certification required
Benefits of Window Tinting
Window tinting blocks up to 99% of the UV rays. The car interior cools by 60%. It also can help protect from ultraviolet radiation and help protect your car’s interior from cracking or fading and looking worn-out. Another great benefit is the level of privacy, which can prevent someone who walks by to peer inside.
Car Window Tint Cost
In general, the cost may vary; for example, a basic tint for a sedan car using the classic film can cost less than $150 per vehicle. However, suppose you want a top-quality film such as ceramic window tint. In that case, it can cost up to $400 per vehicle. Of course, all depend on different factors (number of windows, type of tint, warranty). On the other hand, a cheaper option for professional tinting services is a DIY tint kit, which usually costs less than $100.
Sources
SOUTH CAROLINA LEGISLATURE -CODE 56-5-5015- WINDOW TINTING
Note: Keep in mind that South Carolina tint laws can change daily and be interpreted differently in your city or county. To be sure, we recommend double-checking our information with your local DMV or Law Enforcement Authorities. Furthermore, please let us know if there are any further changes to be made.