Understanding Window Tint Laws in South Carolina
The rising number of hemp and cannabis enthusiasts in South Carolina have been pushing for the State to define their drug laws. This push has expanded to include window tinting laws. When it comes to cannabis in South Carolina, these window tint laws are quite relevant to those who wish to protect their privacy and security while traveling, especially if driving through other states on the way to the beach or mountains.
Cannabis users, growers, and merchants are subject to the laws of those states as they travel and transport their goods. It’s only natural that some haven’t thought through how the tinted windows in their car would affect their lives.
For instance, window tints can be used to prevent detection and preserve some privacy for those who use cannabis in South Carolina. Savvy users considering their options for tint would do well to consider the laws in their state, but also those in the neighboring and states they will travel through. Likewise, if traveling to another state to obtain cannabis, vehicle privacy may offer some security for users about to or in possession of cannabis.
South Carolina law requires all vehicles to have some level of tint applied. The law is defined in S.C. Code Ann. § 56-9-10 as follows:
- ‘Window tinting device’ means material, film, or glazing material which alters the manufacture’s original equipment tinting on the vehicle windows.
- ‘Vehicle’ has the same meaning as defined in Section 56-5-20(A).
As for due process, the law mandates the following:
Section 56-9-10(A). A person may not drive any motor vehicle with in excess of the maximum degree of light transmission or light reflection for windows on the front windshield or windows, except a tinting device which complies with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard ANSI 125.4 (1995), as recommended by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) D 1043, as determined by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 108 and 49 C.F.R. Sections 571.205 and 571.205a. The tinting device must be certified to be compliant with ANSI 125.4 (1995) by the Society of Automotive Engineers. A person may not drive any motor vehicle using a tinted window on the rear windshield or windows when the commissioner has prohibited the tinting device for that particular make and model.
Given those rules, and the rising interest in cannabis use in South Carolina, there are a few things users need to know about window tint laws and the dark tint levels in the Palmetto State.
For instance, the darkest legal tint in South Carolina allows 27% of light in if you just tint the side windows to keep the police from seeing into your car. By tinting the front windows a little lighter, keep in mind, you will avoid the presence of officers unless they happen to be crafty enough to peer through the front windows.
Since the law requires that 27% of light is allowed to penetrate, you can cut the tint to 10%-15% on the rear passenger side windows. If you want to match the rear and allow for more light in the passenger areas and rear windshield, simply use 15%.
To get the legal tint as described, you need to use Llumar ATC 5% Double Layer Film. The dark sides & rear 5% Double Layer tint works for most hatchback and SUV windshield if it is tinted lightly enough. Keep in mind that a dark bricks style tint is what a lot of people would like. However, it will prevent any officer from seeing into your vehicle at night.
That doesn’t mean South Carolina window tint is a lost cause if you’re planning on growing, dispensing, or transporting cannabis. For this reason, consider using privacy shades that are interchangeable and detachable. In some municipalities, even the legal tint in South Carolina is illegal. This is why some prefer to do the tinting themselves since an official service provider may be the one to report you.
When choosing privacy shades for your vehicle, be sure to think about the areas you will be stopping before leaving home. You don’t want to enter that nightclub in Charleston with an abundance of hemp or cannabis along for the ride. Unless you can mix and match, and store them out of view, window tints or another layer of shade could be the basis for cops to tear your car apart.
Even if they do, window tint should inspire some thought about the laws and your rights under the Constitution. All it may take is some informative posts to bring some privacy back on the road.
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