South Carolina Window Tint Laws (2025)
Contributor
Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
Summary
- South Carolina generally requires tint with at least 27% VLT
- Violations may lead to $200 fines or 30 days in jail
- If you’ve been ticketed, an attorney may be able to help
South Carolina is home to the historic Lowcountry, pristine beaches, and the classic Southern charm of Charleston. It’s also one of the sunnier states, so if you spend a lot of time behind the wheel, you might have thought about tinting your windows a shade or two darker.
However, South Carolina places limits on how dark you may tint your windows. Before you consider tinting yours further, make sure you’re familiar with South Carolina window tint laws.
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Window Tint Darkness Limits in South Carolina
South Carolina allows darker window tint than many other states. Window tint darkness is usually expressed as a percentage of visible light transmission (VLT).
These are the limits in place for sedans when it comes to VLT:
- Windshields: Can only use non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line
- Front-Side Windows: Must allow at least 27% of light through, or ≥ 27% VLT
- Back-Side Windows: Must allow at least 27% of light through, or ≥ 27% VLT
- Rear Windows: Must allow at least 27% of light through, or ≥ 27% VLT
The state has slightly different window tint rules for other types of vehicles.
For example, these are the limits for SUVs and vans:
- Windshields: Can only use non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line
- Front-Side Windows: Must allow at least 27% of light through, or ≥ 27% VLT
- Back-Side Windows: Can use any tint
- Rear Windows: Can use any tint
Keep in mind that lower percentages correspond to darker tints.
Window Tint Reflection Limits in South Carolina
In South Carolina, reflective tint is illegal. Any tint with a mirror-like finish is illegal as well.
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Other Tint Regulations in South Carolina
South Carolina window tint laws impose a few other restrictions. Like many states, it bans red, yellow, and amber tint. It also requires tint installers to include a compliance sticker on each tinted window.
Penalties for Illegal Tint in South Carolina
If an officer sees your vehicle on the road and believes your tint is illegal, they might initiate a traffic stop. South Carolina treats window tint violations as misdemeanors, and you may receive a $200 ticket.
However, this is one of the few states that might send you to jail for a violation. If you break South Carolina window tint laws, you also could be sentenced to 30 days in jail.
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Need Legal Help With Tint Violations?
Whether you’re looking for a motorcycle accident lawyer in Myrtle Beach, hoping to find a divorce lawyer, or seeking advice about a window tint ticket, you don’t have to choose a lawyer alone.
ConsumerShield matches consumers like you with qualified local lawyers. Getting started is free and takes only minutes. Contact us for a free case review today!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Usually, the only types of traffic tickets that add points are moving violations. Tint violations aren’t moving violations, so they shouldn’t add points to your license.
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Probably not. Past court rulings have held that the law only applies to cars that are required to be registered in South Carolina.
