South Dakota Tint Laws
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South Dakota Tint Laws
South Dakota tint laws were first enacted for cars more than 30 years back in the year 1989, making the state one of the earliest in the nation to do so. This means that lots tint laws on the books in South Dakota were created before lots of modern window tint products were even imagined, so the tint laws governing the state may pose a problem if you are using a window tint that was not conceived of when the rules were passed.
You should consult the installer to be sure the car tint you have is legal in South Dakota. That often means determining then exact VLT (or visible light transmission, meaning how clear or how dark the tint is) percent and making sure it meets VLT% rules of the state.
Car window film is a smart upgrade for those concerned both about short-term function and style of a vehicle and long-term re-sale value of the automobile. In South Dakota car tint adds privacy and style the same day is installed and it reduces interior cabin heat even during long, hot summer days, keeping the car cooler and comfortable and reducing battery use and increasing fuel savings through less AC usage.
Over the years, window tint blocks 99% of the UV light that causes interior bleaching, discolor, and cracking of upholstery and dash surfaces so a vehicle keeps its interior look and its value.
Please note: The accuracy, completeness, adequacy or currency of the content is not warranted or guaranteed. We are not lawyers or a law firm and we do not provide legal advice. We recommend you consult a lawyer or other appropriate professional if you want legal advice.
CLICK ON INDICATORS TO VIEW TINT LAWS FOR SPECIFIC WINDOWS
laws for suvs, trucks, & vans
Front Windows
All Vehicles
35% Tint (VLT%)
Rear Passenger Windows
Includes rear window and rear passenger
Any shade of tint can be used for trucks, SUVs, and vans ONLY
Rear Window
Includes rear window and rear passenger windows
Any shade of tint can be used for trucks, SUVs, and vans ONLY
Windshield Visor
ALL VEHICLE TYPES
Any shade of tint can be used from the AS1 Line up. This is the line extending from the letters AS-1, found on most motor vehicle windshields, running parallel to the top of the windshield.
laws for sedans & coupes
Front Windows
ALL VEHICLE TYPES
Includes Trucks, SUVs, Vans, Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks
35% Tint (VLT%)
Rear Passenger Windows
for Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks
20% Tint (VLT%)
Rear Window
for Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks
20% Tint (VLT%)
Windshield Visor
ALL VEHICLE TYPES
Any shade of tint can be used from the AS1 Line up. This is the line extending from the letters AS-1, found on most motor vehicle windshields, running parallel to the top of the windshield.
% of Tint or Visible light transmission (VLT) is the measurement used to assess the amount of light passing through a piece of glass. This is the percent of visible light that passes through the film and glass to give you a net transmission percentage. The lower the VLT%, the darker the window.
Law Enforcement uses a tint meter which measures the Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) of window film and glass for illegal tint.
Windshield: Several states allow medical exemptions for drivers or passengers who frequently travel in the vehicle. These exemptions usually require a licensed physician in that state to sign a waiver. Please visit your states .gov site for details.
AS-1 Line: This is the line extending from the letters AS-1, found on most motor vehicle windshields, running parallel to the top of the windshield.
South Dakota Codified Laws sections 32-15-2.4 through 32-15-5: Sunscreening devices
Click above to download the Nationwide Medical Exemptions Window Tinting Directory.
If you’re driving a truck or SUV built in the last decade, chances are it’s equipped with factory tinted glass on all windows behind the front doors.
Many owners of vehicles like this often choose to only have the front windows tinted to match the back because they believe that they are already set with the rear windows.
UV Protection
While this factory tint improves the looks of the vehicle, and offers rear passengers some privacy, it does very little to help reduce the heat entering through the glass or protect them from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Heat Rejection
The same also goes for heat rejection. Some assume that the level of heat rejection they will on the front glass is already present in the rear glass because of the factory tint. Nothing can be further from the truth. Other than having the tinted look, these windows do very little to stop the heat.
To find out what options you have to protecting your passengers and vehicles interior, click here.