South Carolina window tint laws
Among the more permissive states for front-side tint — 41 of 51 jurisdictions require more light through the front windows.
The legal limits
Will your film pass in South Carolina?
A trooper's meter reads the film and the glass. Factory glass runs about 78% VLT, so net VLT = film × glass — which is why "35% film" can fail a 35% state. Common shades over factory glass:
| Film | Meters at | Front side | Back side | Rear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70% | 54.6% VLT | Pass | Pass | Pass |
| 50% | 39.0% VLT | Pass | Pass | Pass |
| 35% | 27.3% VLT | Pass | Pass | Pass |
| 20% | 15.6% VLT | Fail | Fail | Fail |
| 5% | 3.9% VLT | Fail | Fail | Fail |
Different glass or an odd shade? Run the exact numbers in the tint-law tool — it also emails you if South Carolina's law changes.
Across the state line
Shops near a border tint cars registered in both states. South Carolina front side: 27% VLT min — the neighbors:
South Carolina tint law FAQs
What is the darkest legal tint in South Carolina?
Front side windows must let through at least 27% of light, back side 27%, and the rear window 27%. Anything darker fails a meter check.
Is 20% tint legal in South Carolina?
A 20% film over factory glass meters about 15.6% VLT. That fails South Carolina's 27% front-side rule and it also fails the back-side limit (27% vlt min).
Does South Carolina allow medical exemptions for darker tint?
Yes — South Carolina allows darker film with a qualifying medical exemption. Keep the exemption paperwork in the vehicle.
Is reflective or mirrored tint legal in South Carolina?
No — South Carolina does not allow reflective or mirrored window film.
What is the windshield tint rule in South Carolina?
South Carolina allows windshield tint only at the top of the glass: Top AS1 line. Full-windshield film (outside a medical exemption) fails inspection.
Reviewed against state DOT/DPS regulations as of 2025. States amend tint law — verify with the South Carolina authority before installing. This is reference material, not legal advice.
Run a tint shop in South Carolina?
Wraptor quotes tint, wrap, and PPF jobs with the legal limits built in — plus scheduling, deposits, and a CRM that remembers every VIN.