South Dakota tint limits at a glance
| Front side windows | 35% |
|---|---|
| Back side windows | 20% |
| Rear window | 20% |
| Windshield | Above the AS-1 line only |
| Reflectivity | Check statute |
| SUVs, vans and trucks | Same as cars |
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 Dakota?
This table shows whether a film with each rating is legal on a sedan in South Dakota. 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 | Likely too dark once installed | Likely too dark once installed |
| 35% | Likely too dark once installed | 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: 45% film or lighter
- Back side windows: 25% film or lighter
- Rear window: 25% 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
Class 2 misdemeanor.
Medical exemptions
Contact the South Dakota DMV or state police for current medical exemption rules before installing darker tint.
Meter tolerance
South Dakota allows a tolerance of 9% when officers meter a window. A tolerance covers meter error. It isn't extra room to go darker.
The law
South Dakota's tint rules are set by SDCL § 32-15-2.4. 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 Dakota?
On a sedan, front side windows: 35%. Back side windows: 20%. Rear window: 20%.
Is 20% tint legal in South Dakota?
Front: Not legal. Back: Likely too dark once installed. Rear: Likely too dark once installed. See the 20% film row.
Is 35% tint legal in South Dakota?
Front: Likely too dark once installed. Back: Legal. Rear: Legal. See the 35% film row.
Is tint allowed on the windshield in South Dakota?
Above the AS-1 line only
Are the rules different for SUVs and trucks in South Dakota?
Same as cars
What is the fine for illegal tint in South Dakota?
Class 2 misdemeanor.
Related
Back to the full chart: Window tint laws by state
Neighboring states:
Data set last updated: