Rhode Island Tint Laws
The year 1992 marked the inception of car window tinting laws in South Carolina. To ensure full compliance and avoid potential legal complications, it is imperative for vehicle owners in the state to be well-versed in these regulations. This comprehensive guide offers an extensive understanding of South Carolina’s car window tinting laws.
Understanding the Terminology Regarding Tint Laws
The most important part of the legislation is understanding what VLT is and how law enforcement services check or test the percentage.
What is VLT
VLT, or Visible Light Transmission, is a measure of the amount of visible light that can pass through a window tint or film. It is commonly used to determine the darkness or opacity of window tints, and it’s an important factor in window tinting laws and regulations.
VLT is typically expressed as a percentage. For example, a window tint with a VLT of 20% allows only 20% of visible light to pass through, making it relatively dark and less transparent. Conversely, a window tint with a VLT of 70% allows 70% of visible light to pass through and is much lighter and more transparent.
How do Law Enforcement services test the VLT percentage?
Window tinting laws vary by jurisdiction, and they often specify the maximum allowable VLT for different types of windows on a vehicle, such as the front windshield, front side windows, rear side windows, and rear window. These laws are designed to ensure that drivers have adequate visibility and that law enforcement can see into vehicles for safety and identification purposes. The manner that they go about testing the VLT is by using a VLT gauge/meter.
Here is a YouTube Short from @TrafficServices and @TorontoPolice showcasing the device and how it works. Even though it is in Canada, it still is helpful to understand how the tint darkness is measured.
Window Tint Darkness in South Carolina:
South Carolina’s regulations primarily revolve around Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which defines the percentage of visible light permitted through car windows. Specific standards apply to sedans, SUVs, and vans, each with distinct criteria.
South Carolina Car Tint Law For Sedans:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line, promoting clear visibility and safety. No specific VLT percentage is provided.
- Front Side Windows: These windows must permit more than 27% of light, ensuring adequate visibility while providing some level of privacy.
- Back Side Windows: The law dictates that back side windows must allow more than 27% of light, striking a balance between privacy and safety.
- Rear Window: Similar to back side windows, the rear window must permit more than 27% of light transmission.
Tint Law For SUVs and Vans in South Carolina:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is permitted above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line without specifying a particular VLT percentage.
- Front Side Windows: Front side windows on SUVs and vans must allow more than 27% of light, ensuring safety and visibility.
- Back Side Windows: While the law does not specify an exact darkness level for back side windows on SUVs and vans, it permits “any darkness” as long as it begins at an unspecified distance from the top of the window.
- Rear Window: Like back side windows, the rear window of SUVs and vans can have “any darkness” as long as it adheres to the law’s guidelines.
| Type of Window | Sedans | SUVs/Vans |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Non-reflective tint above AS-1 line | Non-reflective tint above AS-1 line |
| No specific VLT percentage provided | No specific VLT percentage provided | |
| Front Side Windows | Must allow more than 27% of light | Must allow more than 27% of light |
| Back Side Windows | Must allow more than 27% of light | Any darkness allowed, starts at unspecified distance |
| Rear Window | Must allow more than 27% of light | Any darkness allowed, complies with guidelines |
Window Tint Reflection in South Carolina:
Window tints can serve as a reflective barrier to reduce glare and heat, and South Carolina’s law permits a certain degree of light reflection.
Tint Reflection for Sedans and SUVs/Vans:
- Front Side Windows: The state law necessitates that front side windows must be “non-reflective,” without specifying the precise degree of reflection. This directive aims to maintain clarity of vision while reducing glare.
- Back Side Windows: The law also stipulates that back side windows should be “non-reflective,” with no specific description of what this means.
Additional South Carolina Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
South Carolina’s window tinting laws encompass various crucial rules and regulations:
Side Mirrors
Dual side mirrors are obligatory if the back window is tinted, ensuring that drivers maintain adequate visibility.
Restricted Colors
South Carolina law explicitly prohibits the use of certain tint colors, including red, amber, and yellow.
Certificates
Film manufacturers must certify the film they sell in South Carolina. Vehicle owners should confirm that their dealer is using certified film.
Stickers
A sticker indicating legal tinting must be applied between the film and glass on each tinted window for quick and easy verification.
Medical Exceptions
South Carolina allows medical exemptions for special tint. These exemptions may be subject to specific terms defined by state law.
Regulations for Out-of-State Drivers
The same regulations apply to out-of-state drivers as those for drivers living in the State.
If you are from States such as North Carolina, and Georgia, you are expected to abide by these laws and regulations.
Penalties
Non-compliance with these tint regulations is classified as a misdemeanor and may result in a minimum fine of $200 or 30 days in prison for each offense.
It’s important to note that South Carolina’s tinting laws may be subject to varying interpretations depending on the county or local area. For complete compliance, it is advisable to cross-verify this information with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or consult with law enforcement authorities.
Our information regarding South Carolina’s window tint laws was most recently updated in 2023. We are committed to providing accurate, up-to-date information. If you discover any inaccuracies or outdated details, please feel free to contact us, and we will promptly address them.