Window Tint Laws in South Carolina
Laws change. Verify current requirements with your local DMV/RMV before choosing or installing film. This is not legal advice.
VLT is visible light transmission: lower percentages mean darker windows. A film's labeled shade is not necessarily the finished glass-plus-film reading. The limits below cover ordinary passenger cars unless stated otherwise.
- Front side windows
- At least 27% combined VLT.
- Rear side windows
- At least 27% combined VLT.
- Back window
- At least 27% combined VLT; older original installations have separate grandfather rules.
- Windshield strip
- Nonreflective upper strip only above AS1; if AS1 is not visible, no windshield sunscreening device.
Vehicle class and conditions
Measurement basis: Combined glass-plus-film visible light transmission, not the film label alone.
SUV, van and multipurpose-vehicle rear sides: Behind-driver MPV windows exempt from light-transmission minimum; pickup trucks remain subject to it.
SUV, van and multipurpose-vehicle back window: Behind-driver MPV windows exempt from light-transmission minimum; pickup trucks remain subject to it.
- The 20% rear-window clause is historical; general current back-window minimum is 27% for installations beginning January 1, 1993.
- Nonreflective devices, not red/yellow/amber. Back-glass tint requires both outside mirrors. Compliance certificates and medical exceptions have separate requirements.
Sources and verification
Official source: State statute/regulation. Reviewed 2026-10-29. Laws and agency guidance can change after this review.
Laws change. Verify current requirements with your local DMV/RMV before choosing or installing film. This is not legal advice.