South Dakota Car Window Tinting Laws : South Dakota’s car window tinting laws came into effect in 1989. Window tinting serves as a dual-purpose enhancement for vehicles, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. However, to ensure road safety and compliance, states like South Dakota have established regulations governing the darkness of tinted windows. This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of South Dakota’s window tinting laws, shedding light on what vehicle owners and enthusiasts need to know.
Understanding Window Tinting: Window tinting involves applying a thin film to vehicle windows to modify the amount of light that enters. It can provide protection from UV rays, reduce glare, and enhance privacy. However, striking the right balance between personalization and safety is vital.
South Dakota Window Tinting Laws:
South Dakota’s regulations are designed to ensure road safety while allowing for a degree of customization. Let’s delve into the specifics of these regulations:
Window Tint Darkness in South Dakota:
The measure of visible light permitted to penetrate your vehicle’s windows is referred to as VLT, or Visible Light Transmission. South Dakota’s regulations dictate specific VLT percentages for different types of vehicles, ensuring a harmonious balance between customization and safety.
Tint specifications for sedans in SD:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint can be applied above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line, facilitating unobstructed vision.
- Front Side Windows: A minimum of 35% of light must be allowed to pass through, ensuring adequate visibility.
- Back Side Windows: At least 20% of light should penetrate, striking a balance between style and safety.
- Rear Window: A similar requirement of at least 20% light penetration applies to the rear window.
Tint specifications for SUVs and vans in SD:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint can be applied above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line, keeping the top portion of the windshield clear.
- Front Side Windows: Maintaining consistency with sedans, a minimum of 35% light transmission is mandated for front side windows.
- Back Side Windows: The same rule of allowing more than 20% of light applies to the back side windows.
- Rear Window: Similar to sedans, a minimum of 20% light penetration is stipulated for the rear window.
Window Tint Reflection in South Dakota:
Window tinting is renowned for its ability to diminish glare, heat, and incoming light, thus enhancing driving comfort. South Dakota’s window tint regulations are cognizant of these advantages, allowing for a measured level of reflection while prioritizing road safety.
Tint reflection criteria for sedans in SD:
- Front Side Windows: South Dakota law prohibits any metallic or mirrored appearance on the front side windows.
- Back Side Windows: Similar to the front, back side windows must also avoid any metallic or mirrored appearance.
Tint reflection criteria for SUVs and vans in SD:
- Front Side Windows: The same regulations apply to SUVs and vans, mandating no metallic or mirrored appearance on front side windows.
- Back Side Windows: Consistency persists for the back side windows of SUVs and vans, maintaining the ban on metallic or mirrored appearances.
Diving Deeper into South Dakota’s Window Tinting Rules:
Beyond the basics, South Dakota enforces a series of additional regulations to ensure responsible and safe window tinting practices:
- Side Mirrors: South Dakota doesn’t impose any restrictions on side mirrors when it comes to window tinting. This allows vehicle owners to maintain their preferred tint levels while keeping side mirrors functional.
- Restricted Colors: The choice of tint color is left to the discretion of the vehicle owner in South Dakota. There are no explicit restrictions on tint colors, offering flexibility in personalizing the appearance of your vehicle.
- Tint Variance: A variance of up to 9% is allowed in South Dakota, acknowledging the potential variations that may occur during the application of window tint.
- Certificates: Film manufacturers are required to certify the window tint film they sell in South Dakota. This certification ensures that the film meets the state’s regulations. To ensure compliance, it’s advisable to verify whether your dealer uses certified film.
- Stickers: In adherence to state law, a sticker indicating legal tinting is mandatory. This sticker must be affixed between the film and glass on each tinted window, providing a clear indication of compliance.
- Medical Exceptions: While South Dakota’s laws do not accommodate medical exemptions for special car window tint, they prioritize the standardized application of tint regulations across all vehicles.
- Penalties: Violations of South Dakota’s window tint regulations are classified as Class 2 misdemeanors. This emphasizes the importance of adhering to the established guidelines to avoid potential legal consequences.
By understanding and following these nuanced regulations, vehicle owners in South Dakota can confidently personalize their window tint while staying within the legal framework and contributing to road safety.
Benefits of Compliant Tinting: Adhering to South Dakota’s window tinting laws offers several advantages:
- Safety: Compliant tinting ensures optimal visibility for both drivers and law enforcement.
- Legal Compliance: Abiding by the regulations helps avoid fines and citations.
- Heat and Glare Reduction: Properly regulated tinting can enhance driving comfort by reducing heat and glare.
1. How Much Does a South Dakota Window Tint Ticket Cost?
The cost of a window tint ticket in South Dakota can vary based on the specific violation, jurisdiction, and local regulations. Generally, fines for window tint violations range from around $20 to $100 or more, depending on factors such as the severity of the violation and any previous offenses.
2. How Do You File for a Window Tint Medical Exemption in South Dakota?
To apply for a window tint medical exemption in South Dakota, follow these steps:
- Obtain a written statement from a licensed medical professional explaining your medical condition and the need for window tinting due to health reasons.
- Download the “Medical Exemption Application” form from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety’s website.
- Complete the application form, providing accurate information about your vehicle and medical condition.
- Attach the medical statement to the application form.
- Submit the completed application and required documents to the address specified on the form.
3. Medical Exemptions for Window Tint Rules in South Dakota
South Dakota permits medical exemptions for window tinting. Individuals with specific medical conditions that require reduced exposure to sunlight can apply for an exemption allowing them to use darker window tints. The medical exemption application must be submitted to the appropriate authorities for approval.
4. Legal Window Tint Certificates in South Dakota
South Dakota does not require window tint film manufacturers to certify the film they sell in the state. As such, there is no specific legal certificate for window tinting that needs to be provided to consumers.
5. Window Tint Violation Penalties in South Dakota
Violations of South Dakota’s window tinting laws can result in fines and penalties. The amount of the fine can vary based on the specific violation and local regulations. It’s important to adhere to the state’s window tinting rules to avoid potential fines.
6. What Does VLT Mean According to South Dakota State Law?
VLT stands for “Visible Light Transmission.” In South Dakota state law, VLT refers to the percentage of visible light that is allowed to pass through both the window glass and the window tint film. The permissible VLT varies for different windows on a vehicle, such as front side windows and rear windows. It’s essential to adhere to the specified VLT percentages to comply with the law.
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Conclusion:
South Dakota’s car window tinting laws strike a balance between personalization and road safety. Understanding and complying with these regulations is essential for vehicle owners. Whether you’re looking to enhance the appearance of your vehicle or seeking practical benefits, adhering to the laws ensures a harmonious driving experience. For the most accurate and up-to-date details on South Dakota’s window tinting regulations, consult official sources such as the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. By adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to a safer and more enjoyable journey on the roads of the Mount Rushmore State.
FAQs About South Dakota Window Tinting Laws
1. Is 35 Percent Tint Legal in South Dakota?
No, 35 percent tint is not legal for front side windows in South Dakota. The state requires front side windows to allow more than 35% of light in.
2. Is 30 Tint Legal in South Dakota?
No, 30 percent tint is not legal for front side windows in South Dakota. Front side windows must allow more than 35% of light in.
3. Is 20% Tint Legal in South Dakota?
Yes, 20 percent tint is legal for front side windows in South Dakota. The law mandates that front side windows must allow more than 35% of light in.
4. Is 15 Percent Tint Legal in South Dakota?
Yes, 15 percent tint is legal for front side windows in South Dakota. The requirement for front side windows is to allow more than 35% of light in.
5. Is 5 Percent Tint Legal in South Dakota?
No, 5 percent tint is not legal for front side windows in South Dakota. The law stipulates that front side windows must allow more than 35% of light in.
6. Where Can We Download South Dakota Window Tint Exemption Form?
To obtain the South Dakota window tint exemption form, you can visit the official website of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. The form is intended for individuals seeking medical exemptions from the standard window tinting regulations.
7. Does Car Insurance Cover Tinted Windows in South Dakota?
Car insurance in South Dakota typically does not specifically cover window tinting. However, comprehensive coverage may include the cost of repairing or replacing tinted windows if they are damaged due to covered events such as accidents, vandalism, or severe weather.
8. Can You Get a Window Tint Ticket Dismissed in South Dakota?
It may be possible to contest a window tint ticket in South Dakota, but success depends on factors such as the circumstances of the violation and the local court’s discretion. Consult legal experts or seek professional advice if you wish to challenge a window tint ticket.
9. Is Windshield Tint Legal in South Dakota?
Yes, non-reflective tint is legal on the top 4 inches of the windshield in South Dakota.
10. Is Ceramic Tint Legal in South Dakota?
Ceramic tint is legal in South Dakota as long as it adheres to the state’s Visible Light Transmission (VLT) requirements for each window. Ceramic tint is known for its effective heat and glare reduction while maintaining good visibility.
Tint law references:
South Dakota Codified Laws sections 32-15-2.4 through 32-15-5
Contents of Car Tinting Law
