A Guide to South Carolina Window Tinting Laws

If you’re a car owner or driver in South Carolina who is thinking about installing window tints, it’s important to understand the state’s window tinting laws. These regulations determine the allowed degree of window tinting and can vary by county or area, but is generally consistent throughout the state.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about South Carolina window tinting laws, including the allowed degree of visible light transmission (VLT), rules for non-reflective window tinting, regulations for the installation of sunscreening devices, penalties for violating the regulations, and more.

South Carolina Window Tinting Laws

Visible Light Transmission (VLT)

The degree of window tinting allowed in South Carolina is determined by visible light transmission (VLT), which is the percentage of visible light that passes through the windows. For sedan cars, the allowed degree of window tinting is different from that of SUVs and vans.

South Carolina regulations also require that window tinting and sunscreening devices be non-reflective and prohibit the use of red, yellow, or amber colors for sunscreening devices.

• Sedans:
  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
  • Front side windows: Must allow more than 27% of light in.
  • Back side windows: Must allow more than 27% of light in.
  • Rear window: Must allow more than 27% of light in.
• SUVs and vans:
  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
  • Front side windows: Must allow more than 27% of light in.
  • Back side windows: Any darkness can be applied several (unspecified) inches from the top of the window.
  • Rear window: Any darkness can be used.

Note that for windshields, the AS-1 line the law mentions refers to to a marking that is found on most vehicle windshields. It is a small strip of glass located at the top of the windshield that has been treated to help reduce glare and increase visibility.

This line is typically about 5 inches below the top of the windshield, and it serves as a reference point for determining where window tinting can be applied. Window tinting is generally allowed above this line, but not below it.

Exceptions to the window tinting requirements include medical conditions and law enforcement vehicles.

Regulations for Sunscreening Devices

Sunscreening devices on the windshield and back window of a vehicle must also comply with specific regulations:

• Windshield: Sunscreening devices may be used only along the top of the windshield and may not extend downward beyond the AS1 line. If the AS1 line is not visible, no sunscreening device may be applied to the windshield.
• Back window: The sunscreening device must be non-reflective and have a light transmission of not less than twenty percent.

Again, exceptions to the requirements for sunscreening devices include medical conditions and law enforcement vehicles.

Penalties for Violating South Carolina Window Tinting Laws

South Carolina takes its window tinting laws seriously, and violating these regulations can result in serious consequences. If you are caught violating these laws, you may be subject to fines and even imprisonment.

The penalties for violating South Carolina window tinting laws can vary based on the severity of the violation and the number of offenses. For example, a first-time offender may face a fine of up to $200, while a repeat offender may face a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 30 days in jail.

It’s important to note that there is a distinction between professional window tinters and consumers in terms of penalties. If a professional window tinter violates these regulations, they may face a misdemeanor charge that could result in a fine of at least $1,000 and up to 30 days in jail.

Consumers, on the other hand, may face a misdemeanor charge that could result in a fine of at least $200 and up to 30 days in jail.

To avoid potential penalties and fines, it’s important to adhere to South Carolina’s window tinting regulations and make sure that any aftermarket sunscreening devices are properly certified and installed.

Certificate of Compliance

Vehicles with after-factory installed sunscreening devices must bear a certificate of compliance, which must be attached to the vehicle on the inside and lower right-hand corner of each window containing an after-factory installed sunscreen device. The certificate must include the percentage of light transmission allowed by the sunscreening device, the identity of the installer, and the date of installation.

Conclusion

In summary, it is important for car owners and drivers to understand these regulations to avoid potential penalties and fines when tinting their windows. Remember that the allowed degree of window tinting varies based on the type of vehicle and the location of the windows.

Additionally, non-reflective and specific colors of sunscreening devices must be used. Make sure to obtain a certificate of compliance for any after-factory installed sunscreening devices and keep it with the vehicle at all times.

Always double-check the information with local DMV or law enforcement authorities to ensure compliance with the regulations, as they may vary by county or area. Feel free to reach out to them with any questions.