South Dakota DMV Tint Laws: Window Percentage, Legal Requirements & Insurance Overview

Important Points to Remember

• The front side windows in South Dakota must allow over 35% of light to pass through.
• The back side and rear windows can have a tint as dark as 20%.
• Windshields can only have tint above the AS-1 line.
• South Dakota does not allow medical exemptions for darker tints.
• If your tint violates state laws, your insurance rates can go up.

South Dakota DMV Tint Laws: Window Percentage, Legal Requirements & Insurance Overview

The Importance of Window Tinting Regulations

Window tinting regulations are not arbitrary. They are designed to ensure drivers can see clearly, which is critical for road safety. Additionally, these laws are designed to protect law enforcement officers during traffic stops by ensuring they can see into the vehicle.

Not following these rules can result in fines and sometimes even harsher punishments. So, knowing and following these laws is not just a legal duty; it’s also about safety for everyone who uses the roads.

South Dakota’s Main Window Tint Restrictions

South Dakota has particular restrictions on the darkness and reflectiveness of your car windows. These restrictions are gauged by the percentage of Visible Light Transmission (VLT) through the windows. The lower the VLT percentage, the darker the tint.

Window Tint Percentage Limits

Reference:

https://www.tinting-laws.com/south-dakota/

Visible Light Transmission (VLT) Rules

VLT represents the amount of visible light that can pass through the window and tint film. For example, a 35% VLT means that 35% of the light can pass through, while 65% is blocked. This is an important measurement because it directly impacts how much you can see and how much others can see into your vehicle.

Tint Restrictions for Sedans

The regulations for sedans are pretty straightforward. Refer to the Maryland MVA tint laws for more information on similar regulations.

• Windshield: Tinting is only allowed above the AS-1 line.
• Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 35% of light to pass through.
• Back Side Windows: Tint can be as dark as 20%.
• Rear Window: Tint can also be as dark as 20%.

Tint Limits for SUVs and Vans

The rules are slightly more relaxed for the back windows of SUVs and vans:

• Windshield: Tint can only be applied above the AS-1 line.
• Front Side Windows: Must permit more than 35% of light through.
• Back Side Windows: Tint can be as dark as 20%.
• Rear Window: Tint can also be as dark as 20%.

Legal Requirements for Window Tint

Complying with the legal requirements for window tint is vital for staying within the law. In South Dakota, these rules are in place to ensure that both drivers and law enforcement officers can maintain clear visibility, which is crucial for safety. Let’s examine the specific requirements for different parts of your vehicle’s windows.

Windshield and Front Side Windows

South Dakota law is quite clear regarding windshields. The tint is only permitted above the AS-1 line, a marking found on most vehicle windshields. This area is usually the top few inches of the windshield, allowing for some shading without compromising the driver’s view of the road.

Rear Side Windows and Back Window

The rules for the rear and back windows are a bit more relaxed than those for the front side windows. Sedans and SUVs/vans can have tints as dark as 20% on these windows. This provides more privacy and sun protection for the passengers in the back.

Remember that the front side windows must let in more than 35% of light. This is to ensure drivers can clearly see their side mirrors and spot other cars and people walking. For more details, you can check the South Dakota Tint Laws.

• Windshield: Only allows tint above the AS-1 line.
• Front Side Windows: Must let in over 35% of light.
• Back Side Windows: Tint can be as dark as 20%.
• Rear Window: Tint can be as dark as 20%.

Reflectivity and Appearance

Besides the dark tint, reflectivity is another key factor that South Dakota law controls. Reflective tints reduce glare and heat by bouncing back incoming light. However, too much reflectivity can lead to visibility problems for other drivers. As a result, South Dakota bans the use of highly reflective or mirrored tints on any vehicle windows.

Required Certificates and Labels

To meet these laws, South Dakota mandates that all tinted windows have a certificate label between the film and the glass. This label should be easily seen and show that the tint is in accordance with state requirements. Putting this label on is simple and can typically be done by the professional who applies the tint.

These stickers show that you’re following the rules during regular inspections and help you avoid fines and penalties. Whenever you have your windows tinted, make sure to request this certification.

Exemptions for Medical Conditions

Some states allow individuals with certain medical conditions to apply for exemptions that will enable them to use darker window tints. However, this is not the case in South Dakota. The state does not allow any medical exemptions for window tinting. So, regardless of your medical condition, you must comply with the standard tinting rules if you own a vehicle in South Dakota.

Even though these rules might seem a bit limiting, they’re necessary for keeping safety standards consistent among all cars. If you have a medical condition that requires less exposure to sunlight, consider other protective methods, like UV-blocking films that follow state laws.

How Tinting Affects Insurance Costs

Many car owners don’t consider how window tinting might affect their insurance rates. Insurance providers may see illegal tint as a liability, which could result in higher premiums. So, ensuring your window tint is legal is essential to prevent it from negatively affecting your insurance.

Illegal tint can increase your premiums and may even lead to denied claims if you get into an accident. Your insurance company might argue that the unlawful tint contributed to the accident, thus lessening their responsibility. To avoid these issues, ensure your tint follows the rules in South Dakota.

Insurance and Legal Tinting

Ensuring your window tint meets South Dakota’s laws isn’t just about staying out of trouble; it’s also crucial to keeping your insurance intact. If your car’s tint is legal, you won’t encounter any unexpected problems when making an insurance claim. More importantly, if your tint is legal, you’re less likely to see your premiums increase because of perceived risk.

If you’re not sure your tinted windows are up to code, it’s wise to get them inspected by a professional. They can gauge the VLT percentage and confirm that your tint aligns with South Dakota’s rules. If your tint is excessively dark, you might want to consider getting it redone to sidestep any legal or insurance complications.

What Happens If You Break the Rules?

If you don’t follow the window tint laws in South Dakota, you could face a range of penalties. The most common is a fine, which can be higher or lower depending on how severe the violation is. And if you break the law repeatedly, you could be charged with a misdemeanour, which would mean even more legal problems for you.

If police officers think your tint is too dark, they can stop you. At that time, they can check the VLT percentage and give you a ticket if your tint is not within the legal limits. So, staying within the law can help you avoid tickets and better interact with the police.

Insurance Premiums

Non-compliant window tint can also affect your insurance premiums. Insurance companies assess various risk factors when determining your premium, and illegal tint can be considered risky. Darker tints can impede visibility, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Thus, maintaining a lawful tint can help keep your insurance rates under control. It’s a minor move that could save you cash in the future. Always notify your insurance company of any changes to your car, including window tinting, to keep your policy valid.

Final Thoughts on Tint Compliance

Following South Dakota’s window tint laws is crucial to maintaining safety on the road and avoiding legal trouble. These rules ensure drivers have good visibility and law enforcement officers can see inside cars during traffic stops. By obeying these laws, you’re helping to create a safer driving environment for all.

Aside from the legal implications, adhering to tint laws can also keep your insurance rates low. Tints that don’t meet the legal requirements can lead to higher insurance rates and even rejected claims if you’re in an accident. So, ensuring your window tint meets all the legal requirements is in your best interest.

Commonly Asked Questions

These are some of the most frequently asked questions about window tint laws in South Dakota to help you stay informed and avoid potential legal trouble.

What are the penalties for illegal tint in South Dakota?

Getting caught with illegal window tints in South Dakota can result in fines and potentially misdemeanour charges for repeated offences. The penalties can vary depending on how much your tint exceeds the legal limits. Law enforcement officers can measure your window tint and issue citations immediately.

Is a sticker required to show that my tint is legal?

In South Dakota, a certification sticker should be placed between the film and the glass on each tinted window. The sticker serves as evidence that your tint complies with state laws. It is essential to have this sticker installed by a professional when you have your windows tinted.

South Dakota DMV tint laws are crucial for vehicle owners to understand. These laws dictate the permissible window tint percentages and ensure drivers maintain clear visibility while on the road. It is essential to stay informed about these regulations to avoid fines and ensure that your vehicle complies with state laws. You can refer to the South Dakota Tint Laws page for a comprehensive guide on the latest updates.