Tinting
South Carolina Window Tint Laws: What’s Legal in 2026
South Carolina requires window tint to let in at least 27% of light (27% VLT). On sedans, coupes and pickup trucks, the 27% limit applies to the front side, back side and rear windows. On SUVs, vans and other multipurpose vehicles, it applies to the front side windows only, and the windows behind the driver can be any darkness. The rule is S.C. Code § 56-5-5015.
Legal tint limits by window
| Window | Sedans, coupes and pickup trucks | SUVs, vans and multipurpose vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line only | Non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line only |
| Front side windows | At least 27% VLT | At least 27% VLT |
| Back side windows | At least 27% VLT | Any darkness |
| Rear window | At least 27% VLT | Any darkness |
VLT means visible light transmission. The 27% figure is the combined reading of the film and the factory glass, so a film rated at 30% can still measure below the limit once it is on tinted factory glass.
Other rules in the statute
- Tint must be non-reflective. Mirrored films are not allowed.
- Red, yellow and amber tint are not allowed.
- If the AS-1 line is not visible on the windshield, no windshield tint may be applied.
- Each tinted window must carry a certificate of compliance on the inside lower right corner. It lists the light transmission percentage, the installer’s name, address and phone number, and the install date.
Penalties for illegal tint
Violations carry fines or jail time under § 56-5-5015. A person who installs illegal tint on their own vehicle can be fined not less than $200 or jailed up to 30 days for each offense. A professional installer can be fined not less than $1,000 or jailed up to 30 days, or both, for each offense. Driving a vehicle with illegal tint can bring a fine of up to $200 or up to 30 days.
Medical exemption
Darker tint is allowed with an affidavit signed by a physician or optometrist licensed in South Carolina. The affidavit must state that a physical condition makes the tint necessary, and it must be updated every two years.
How we handle it at Upstate Auto Styling
We install every vehicle to South Carolina legal specifications and walk you through the legal shades for your vehicle type before we start. See film options and prices on our window tinting page or the tint price guide.
This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. Laws change. Read the current text of S.C. Code § 56-5-5015 before you decide.
SC Tint Law Questions — Answered by the Experts
Is 5% limo tint legal in South Carolina?
Only on the windows behind the driver of an SUV, van or other multipurpose vehicle. On sedans, coupes and pickup trucks, every side window and the rear window must let in at least 27% of light, so 5% is not legal there.
Is 20% tint legal in South Carolina?
Not on the front side windows of any vehicle, and not on any side or rear window of a sedan, coupe or pickup truck. The legal minimum is 27% VLT. On SUVs and vans, 20% is allowed behind the driver.
Can I tint my windshield in South Carolina?
Only along the top of the windshield, above the AS-1 line, with a non-reflective film. If the AS-1 line is not visible, no windshield tint may be applied.
Do I need a sticker for window tint in South Carolina?
Yes. Each tinted window must carry a certificate of compliance on the inside lower right corner showing the light transmission percentage, the installer’s details and the install date.
What is the darkest legal tint for a sedan in South Carolina?
27% VLT on all side windows and the rear window, measured with the film and factory glass combined.
Get a legal tint quote for your vehicle
Tell us the year, make and model and we’ll show you the legal options and prices. Call (864) 707-9991 or request a quote online.