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South Carolina: Everything You Need to Know

• South Carolina Window Tint Exemption Laws

  South Carolina's medical window tint exemption is authorized under SC Code § 56-5-5015(G) and is available to any motor vehicle registered in the state in the name of a qualifying individual or their legal guardian. The exemption is written directly into the state's sunscreen device statute and does not require a separate application form from a state agency, the physician's signed affidavit is the operative document.

  • A licensed physician or optometrist licensed to practice in South Carolina must sign an affidavit stating that the person has a physical condition making it necessary to equip the motor vehicle with sunscreening material that would otherwise violate state law.
  • There is no state-mandated form, the affidavit must be signed by a South Carolina-licensed physician or optometrist and clearly state the qualifying physical condition.
  • The affidavit must be in the possession of the exemption holder at all times while being transported in the vehicle and must be produced upon request by a law enforcement officer.
  • The affidavit must be updated every two years — it is not a lifetime exemption.
  • There is no specific VLT minimum for exemption holders. The physician determines the appropriate tint level based on the patient's medical condition.
  • Violations of South Carolina's tint law are a misdemeanor with a minimum $200 fine or up to 30 days imprisonment per offense under SC Code § 56-5-5015.
  • Submitting false medical documentation to obtain an exemption is subject to applicable penalties under South Carolina law.
• Documents You'll Need

  To apply for a medical window tint exemption in South Carolina, you'll need:

  A signed physician affidavit completed by a licensed South Carolina physician or optometrist

  The affidavit must be completed by one of the following:

  • Licensed physician or dermatologist licensed to practice in South Carolina
  • Licensed optometrist licensed to practice in South Carolina

  The affidavit must clearly state:

  • That the patient has a specific physical condition
  • That the condition makes it medically necessary to equip the vehicle with sunscreening material that would otherwise violate SC Code § 56-5-5015
  • The recommended tint level based on the patient's condition

  If applying through a telehealth service like TintedMD (coming soon), you will receive:

  • A signed physician affidavit delivered via email, ready to carry in your vehicle

  Note:

  The affidavit must be carried in the vehicle at all times and presented to law enforcement upon request. South Carolina does not issue a state certificate or sticker for this exemption — the physician affidavit itself is the required documentation.

• Legal Tint Limits

  South Carolina law sets specific tint limits under SC Code § 56-5-5015. Patients with a valid physician or optometrist affidavit under subsection (G) are exempt from these limits.

  Standard South Carolina Tint Limits (Without Exemption):

  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint permitted only above the AS-1 line. If the AS-1 line is not visible, no tint may be applied to the windshield.
  • Front Side Windows: Combined light transmittance of the tint and factory glass must not be less than 27% VLT.
  • Back Side Windows: Combined light transmittance must not be less than 27% VLT.
  • Rear Window: Combined light transmittance must not be less than 27% VLT. Dual side mirrors required if rear window is tinted.
  • Prohibited Colors: Red, yellow, and amber tints are not permitted.
  • Reflectivity: All sunscreening devices must be nonreflective.

  With a Medical Exemption:

  • Patients who hold a valid physician or optometrist affidavit may install tint darker than the standard 27% VLT limit.
  • No specific VLT minimum is set by statute for exemption holders, the physician determines the appropriate level based on the patient's condition.
  • The exemption covers the front side windows, back side windows, and rear window.
  • The affidavit must be carried in the vehicle at all times and presented to law enforcement upon request.