South Carolina tint limits at a glance
| Front side windows | 27% |
|---|---|
| Back side windows | 27% |
| Rear window | 27% (mirrors on both sides) |
| Windshield | Above the AS-1 line only (none if no AS-1 mark) |
| Reflectivity | Non-reflective; no red, yellow or amber |
| SUVs, vans and trucks | Multipurpose vehicles and trucks: exempt behind the driver |
Percentages are the minimum visible light transmission with the film installed, including the factory glass. A lower number means darker tint.
Is 5%, 20%, 35% or 50% tint legal in South Carolina?
This table shows whether a film with each rating is legal on a sedan in South Carolina. Factory glass blocks some light, so a film reads darker once it's installed.
| Film rating | Front side windows | Back side windows | Rear window |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | Not legal | Not legal | Not legal |
| 15% | Not legal | Not legal | Not legal |
| 20% | Not legal | Not legal | Not legal |
| 35% | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| 50% | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| 70% | Legal | Legal | Legal |
'Likely too dark once installed' means the film rating meets the limit, but on typical factory glass the combined reading usually falls under it. Meter the window to be sure.
Choosing a film that stays legal
Assume factory side glass passes about 80% of light.
- Front side windows: 35% film or lighter
- Back side windows: 35% film or lighter
- Rear window: 35% film or lighter
Factory privacy glass on many SUVs already reads well under 30%, so any film added over it will read darker still. Always meter after the install.
Fines and penalties
Driver: fine up to $200, up to 30 days in jail, or both. Professional tinter: fine of at least $1,000 per offense.
Medical exemptions
Keep an affidavit from a South Carolina-licensed physician or optometrist in the vehicle. Update it every 2 years.
For South Carolina tint shops
A certificate of compliance goes in the lower right corner of each tinted window, showing the VLT, installer name, address, phone and install date.
The law
South Carolina's tint rules are set by S.C. Code § 56-5-5015. Read the source
This page is a reference for drivers and installers, not legal advice. Enforcement can vary by city and county.
Frequently asked questions
How dark can you legally tint your windows in South Carolina?
On a sedan, front side windows: 27%. Back side windows: 27%. Rear window: 27% (mirrors on both sides).
Is 20% tint legal in South Carolina?
Front: Not legal. Back: Not legal. Rear: Not legal. See the 20% film row.
Is 35% tint legal in South Carolina?
Front: Legal. Back: Legal. Rear: Legal. See the 35% film row.
Is tint allowed on the windshield in South Carolina?
Above the AS-1 line only (none if no AS-1 mark)
Are the rules different for SUVs and trucks in South Carolina?
Multipurpose vehicles and trucks: exempt behind the driver
What is the fine for illegal tint in South Carolina?
Driver: fine up to $200, up to 30 days in jail, or both. Professional tinter: fine of at least $1,000 per offense.
Can I get a medical exemption for window tint in South Carolina?
Keep an affidavit from a South Carolina-licensed physician or optometrist in the vehicle. Update it every 2 years.
Related
Back to the full chart: Window tint laws by state
Neighboring states:
Data set last updated: