South Dakota window tint laws
Middle of the national pack for front-side tint (17 of 51 jurisdictions are stricter).
The legal limits
Will your film pass in South Dakota?
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 | Fail | 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 Dakota's law changes.
Across the state line
Shops near a border tint cars registered in both states. South Dakota front side: 35% VLT min — the neighbors:
South Dakota tint law FAQs
What is the darkest legal tint in South Dakota?
Front side windows must let through at least 35% of light, back side 20%, and the rear window 20%. Anything darker fails a meter check.
Is 20% tint legal in South Dakota?
A 20% film over factory glass meters about 15.6% VLT. That fails South Dakota's 35% front-side rule and it also fails the back-side limit (20% vlt min).
Does South Dakota allow medical exemptions for darker tint?
Yes — South Dakota allows darker film with a qualifying medical exemption. Keep the exemption paperwork in the vehicle.
Is reflective or mirrored tint legal in South Dakota?
South Dakota permits some reflectivity within state limits — check the current administrative code for the exact percentage before installing mirrored film.
What is the windshield tint rule in South Dakota?
South Dakota 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 Dakota authority before installing. This is reference material, not legal advice.
Run a tint shop in South Dakota?
Wraptor quotes tint, wrap, and PPF jobs with the legal limits built in — plus scheduling, deposits, and a CRM that remembers every VIN.