South Carolina’s rear-window exception does not cover pickup trucks. Its windshield rule also requires a visible AS-1 line; do not substitute a generic five-inch strip.
Read the official sources ↓Rules by window
| Window | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Windshield | Nonreflective top strip only, no lower than AS-1. If the AS-1 line is not visible, the statute does not allow an added windshield device. |
| Front side | At least 27% combined transmission; a single nonreflective device. |
| Rear side | At least 27% ordinarily, including pickups. Listed other trucks, buses, trailers, mobile homes, qualifying multipurpose and recreational vehicles have a rear transmission exception. |
| Rear window | At least 27% for ordinary installations since January 1, 1993; both outside mirrors are required when tinted. The listed rear-class exception may apply. |
Colors and compliance certificates
Devices must be nonreflective and not red, yellow or amber. Each aftermarket-tinted window needs its compliance certificate in the inside lower-right corner, recording transmission, installer identity and installation date. Regulation 38-621 also specifies a non-transferable certificate no larger than two inches square, placed between the film and glass at the lower-left corner when viewed from outside.
Medical affidavit
The owner or legal guardian must have an affidavit from a South Carolina-licensed physician or optometrist explaining the necessary exception. Keep it in the vehicle and update it every two years.
Older and factory installations
The statute separately addresses unaltered factory tint and original pre-1993 rear devices. Do not apply their exceptions to a new aftermarket installation.
Before you rely on this guide
This is general information, not legal advice, a vehicle inspection, or permission to install a particular film. Exceptions and enforcement procedures can depend on your circumstances.
- A vehicle must satisfy the statutory multipurpose definition; body-style marketing alone does not settle it.
- No universal numerical reflection allowance is stated here: the verified standard is nonreflective material.
The research date shows when the sources were checked. It is not the date the law took effect, and it does not mean this page is monitored continuously. This research preview still awaits human editorial review; we do not claim attorney review.
Official sources
- South Carolina Legislature: §56-5-5015 ↗
Official current chapter; see the sunscreen-devices section for installation, vehicle-class, medical and certificate rules.
- SC Department of Public Safety: Regulation 38-621 ↗
PDF page 199, Regulation 38-621: certificate size, position and placement between the film and glass.