Window Tint Laws in South Carolina (2026): Legal VLT Limits and Exemptions

South Carolina regulates window tint through S.C. Code §56-5-5015; S.C. Code Regs. 38-621. Below: the minimum visible light transmission (VLT) for each window, the windshield rule, what counts as too reflective, who can get a medical exemption, and how an officer checks a car at the roadside.

Legal tint limits in South Carolina

• Front side windows: at least 27% VLT.
• Back side windows: at least 27% VLT.
• Rear window: at least 27% VLT.

SUVs, trucks and vans follow a different rule behind the driver: back side windows any darkness and the rear window any darkness.

VLT is measured through film and glass together. Factory glass already blocks some light, usually landing between 70% and 80% VLT before any film, so a roll sold as "35%" on a window that started at 75% ends up darker than 35% once installed. Officers meter the finished window, not the box the film came in.

Windshield

Nonreflective film only along the top, not below the AS-1 line; if no AS-1 line is visible, none at all; not red, yellow or amber.

Federal standard FMVSS 205 sets the baseline for the glass itself: the windshield and front side windows of a new car must transmit at least 70% of visible light. State law decides what film may be added afterwards, which is why the windshield rule is usually a strip above the AS-1 line rather than a percentage.

Reflective and colored film

All sunscreening must be nonreflective; no numeric reflectance figure is set. Film colors not permitted: red, yellow, amber.

Medical exemptions

South Carolina allows darker tint with a medical exemption. Affidavit from an SC-licensed physician or optometrist stating the condition requires the film; kept in the vehicle, shown on request and renewed every two years.

Stickers, mirrors and enforcement

A certificate or sticker identifying legal tint is required. A certificate of compliance (max 2 in square; VLT, installer or retailer name, address, phone, install date) goes between film and glass in the lower corner of each tinted window, lower-left as seen from outside (Reg. 38-621). If the rear window is tinted, the car must have outside mirrors on both sides. Misdemeanor, up to $200 or 30 days for the owner or driver; installers breaking the labeling or sale rules face at least $1,000 or 30 days per offense (§56-5-5015).

In practice

The 27% figure is the combined transmission of film and factory glass, with no stated tolerance. It applies to every window behind the windshield on cars and pickup trucks, but windows behind the driver on other trucks, buses, multipurpose passenger vehicles (most SUVs and vans), trailers, mobile homes and RVs are exempt. Rear-window film installed before Jan 1, 1993 at the old 20% level is grandfathered. Law-enforcement vehicles that regularly carry a canine are exempt.

Sources

• S.C. Code §56-5-5015; S.C. Code Regs. 38-621
• www.scstatehouse.gov

Checked Nov 5, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the statute before tinting.