In South Carolina, legal tint is measured by VLT — the percentage of light the filmed glass lets through. The numbers below are the darkest tint the law allows at each window position, labeled VLT MAX: install film darker than the listed VLT and the vehicle is out of compliance. Figures are compiled from official South Carolina state sources; laws change, so confirm the current statute before you tint.
| Window | Darkest Legal (VLT MAX) | Reflectivity |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Device only along the top, not below the AS-1 line; if the AS-1 line is not visible, no device may be applied at all — subsection (B) | |
| Front side windows | 27% combined light transmission (film + factory material) — subsection (C) | |
| Rear side windows | 27% combined — subsection (C) | |
| Rear-most window | 27% combined (since January 1, 1993) — subsection (D)(2); dual outside mirrors required when the rear-most window is filmed | |
| Reflectance / colors | Every device must be nonreflective; red, yellow, and amber are prohibited colors — subsection (B) |
How to Read These Numbers
- Windshield: The windshield rule controls the strip at the top of the glass and how far film or a visor band may extend down. Most states allow a non-reflective strip above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
- Front side windows: Front side windows — driver and front passenger — are the most tightly regulated and the ones checked first at a traffic stop or inspection.
- Rear side windows: Rear side windows are usually allowed darker than the fronts, and on SUVs, trucks and vans they are sometimes exempt from the passenger-car limit.
- Reflectance / colors: Reflectivity caps limit mirror-style films. A film can comply on darkness and still be illegal if it reflects too much light.
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South Carolina Tint Law Questions
What is the darkest legal tint in South Carolina?
For front side windows, South Carolina allows tint down to 27% combined light transmission (film + factory material) — subsection (C) — the VLT MAX. Rear windows may allow darker film; check the table above for each position.
What happens if my tint is darker than South Carolina allows?
Over-dark tint can draw a citation and, in many states, a fix-it order requiring the film to be removed and the vehicle re-inspected. Laws also change — verify the current statute before tinting.