An Introduction to the Laws Surrounding Window Tint in SC
Understanding how window tinting laws apply can mean the difference between getting a citation or ticket and simply being left alone. That’s why it’s so important to know the rules prior to applying them to your vehicle. South Carolina has a set of laws governing the allowable amount of tint on windows. These laws restrict the amount of light that can pass through a window, thereby prohibiting darker films like 5%, 15% or even 20% from going on the car. But, because of the way it is worded, drivers can still often get away with having slightly darker tint films installed on their windows without incident. The law in charge of window tint laws in South Carolina is called S.C. Code §56-9-501. This code basically requires all drivers to apply window tint films that allow at least 27% light transmittance through the window panes. This means that in order to get legal tint, a total of 27% or more of the light must be able to pass through the tint film completely. Many local laws also require that tint be clear or "lifetime" tint that is free of any type of color. That means that light shades like 20% or 30% tint are the darkest a vehicle can have. Much darker and you’re at risk of receiving a citation for improper use of tint. Some drivers believe that because darker tint may be allowed on windows in other states, it makes sense to just install it on their own vehicle anyway. This is not recommended because stopped drivers can and will be punished for illegal tint. If it is discovered , the driver could be charged a fine or penalty as a result. Some drivers have also been slapped with additional citations for other crimes such as driving on a suspended license after getting pulled over for having dark tint. Aside from the discoloration issues, the tint itself can be faded or tattered, causing it to peel or bubble after prolonged use on windows. This can create a blind spot for drivers while operating their vehicles. These issues could give rise to liability for personal injury to another party involved in an accident that was caused by the driver being unable to see properly through the tinted windows. In South Carolina, there are multiple levels of tint, so you have to be very careful about what you choose and how dark you go. The tint must allow at least 27% of light to pass through, and should contain no color whatsoever. You may also be fined or given an administrative penalty for excessive tint. It was determined in In re: The Matter of Kenneth Patrick Sparks vs. S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles that window tint does not specifically fit into the category of 56-5-625(A) which describes violations that are subject to administrative penalties. Whether you are in South Carolina or out of state, always familiarize yourself with the tint that is available to you and which shades are acceptable before committing to applying it to your vehicle.
What Is the Tint Limit Under South Carolina Law?
As per S.C. Code Ann. 56-5-4770, different vehicles have different legal tint limits for their windows. In South Carolina, you can tint the front windshield shield as long as you do not block 4 inches from the top and the window tint does not reflect more than 35%. The front side doors and rear side doors can be tinted to 35% throughout South Carolina. The rear of cars in general can be 6% tinted. SUVs and vans can be tinted to 6% as well.
As mentioned above, the chart below will explain the legal limits for each window on each vehicle across the state:
Legal Penalties for Violating Tint Laws
If you are stopped and found to be in violation of the tinting laws, you may be penalized for the transgression. However, the legal ramifications are much less severe than those in many other states. In South Carolina, a window tint law violation is considered a non-criminal traffic infraction and is not treated as a misdemeanor or felony offense. In 1998 the laws were modified to have tinting law violations be a civil offense. Therefore, it is a non-criminal and non-traffic ticket type violation. Penalties for being stopped and found in violation of tinting laws is usually a ticket that has been changed into a warning ticket. A law enforcement officer has the option to issue an official warning in lieu of writing an actual ticket, which comes with a $150 fine. A citation for window tint law violations can be given out at any time. Most tickets are issued when officers of the law make traffic stops. When pulled over for another alleged traffic violation, if officers find that your windows are tinted past the legal limit, they may issue a tint infraction at the same time they give the ticket for something else. However, if pulled over for window tint violation officers must issue a ticket so motorists will have their day in court or have a chance to pay the fine. Conversely, officers should use their discretion when giving out a warning versus a ticket. Offenders also may be required to remove the film from windows and have a law enforcement officer check to see the tint is compliant with the law. If disobedience continues, court fines can run about $250. Officers will only return confiscated window film when they have reason to believe the violator won’t reinstall them again.
Why Tint Restrictions Exist
When it comes to automotive window tinting in South Carolina, there are two primary concerns for the window tint laws— safety and law enforcement. When you think about tinted windows, how much do you actually see behind them? It is difficult to see not only into the vehicle, but also out of the vehicle when they are tinted very dark. With darker tinted windows, including both the front and rear, the driver will have limited field of vision, not to mention their rear view. And a dark tint can easily conceal someone hiding from view. These are just some of the reasons why having tinted windows is regulated by laws.
The next reason is that law enforcement officers need to be able to see easily, uninterrupted by tinted windows, inside the vehicle of the person they stop for a traffic violation. These tinted windows can make it difficult for an officer to see what is happening inside a vehicle when they are pulled over. The officers believe this activity can hide potential criminal activity occurring inside the car. It is for these reasons that various states, including South Carolina, have set regulations on how dark tint can be, where it can be placed, and what levels of tint are acceptable.
Tint Exemptions and Exceptions
Certain exemptions are made concerning the legal limit on window tint. Exempted from the normal tint limits are windows that have a medical explanation or are of professional nature. Any individual seeking an exemption must obtain this from the Department of Motor Vehicles or another state-approved board.
A treatment for certain medical conditions may be worsened, for instance, when the eyes are exposed to bright sunlight. This is the primary rationale for allowing some patients to obtain exemption certificates in South Carolina.
The morning or afternoon sun may interfere with drivers’ vision, as well. For this reason, daytime window tinting can be legally exempted for vehicle drivers .
Any additional request for exemption should be formally requested of the SCDMV through a letter from the employee’s employer or supervisor. The letter is then to be accompanied by the employee’s paystub or invoice. If and when permission is granted, the employee is to maintain regular tint on his or her windshield.
It is also important to remember that, as might be expected, a failure to maintain these exceptions on a continuous basis may result in penalties. The Department of Motor Vehicles may rescind the exempt status of the driver whose tint has been found to be too dark or not uniform. A window tint exemption is likely if a doctor’s letter is issued on medical grounds. In other cases, exemption can be requested from the employer and subsequently granted.
South Carolina Tint Laws — Tips for Staying Compliant
To ensure your window tint complies with South Carolina laws, always choose a reputable product and installer. Consider certified manufacturers who can provide documentation for legal proof. Get your window tint checked by a professional, using an optical quality light meter or other device that complies with SC regulations. You can also have a law enforcement officer test the tint at any time. Certain materials are prohibited, such as the tint reflective material that contains aluminum, bronze, or other metal flakes. Adhere to the legal limits by choosing only the tint shown as authorized on SC Department of Motor Vehicles pages. Finally, when in doubt, refer to Chapter 7, Title 56 of the South Carolina Code of Laws or the SC DMV website for the authoritative text.
Where to Learn More
A few additional resources for learning more about legal tint limits include the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles and the Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs (OHSJP) under the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. Both organizations should be able to provide you with information on legal tint limits for passenger vehicles and their windshield status.
As always , it pays to check with the organization responsible for the enforcement of Window Tint laws in your area: local law enforcement. Furthermore, many storefronts for professional tinting and film organization provide detailed information regarding tint limits per vehicle type as well as common questions asked.