What SC Code 56-5-5015 covers
SC Code 56-5-5015 is the South Carolina statute on sunscreening devices, which is the legal term for window tint. It defines how dark a vehicle window may be by measuring VLT, or visible light transmission. A higher VLT percentage lets more light through; a lower VLT percentage is darker. The statute also creates a path for drivers who need darker tint for medical reasons.
The standard South Carolina tint limits
For most vehicles, the standard limits are roughly:
| Window | Standard limit |
|---|---|
| Front side windows | About 27% VLT |
| Back side windows | About 27% VLT |
| Rear window | About 27% VLT |
| Windshield | Tint only above the AS-1 line |
These are the limits that apply without an exemption. If your tint is darker than this and you do not have a medical exemption on file, you can be cited.
The medical tint exemption in South Carolina
This is the part most drivers do not know about. Under SC 56-5-5015, a driver with a qualifying medical condition can legally run darker tint than the standard limit when it is medically necessary. The exemption is established by an affidavit signed by a physician or optometrist licensed in South Carolina, stating that the darker tint is medically necessary.
- ✓ A South Carolina licensed physician or optometrist signs the affidavit.
- ✓ The standard VLT limit no longer applies; the provider documents what is medically appropriate (often cited as 20% VLT or darker, but the provider decides).
- ✓ You keep the signed affidavit in your vehicle at all times.
- ✓ The affidavit is valid for two years, then you renew it.
- ✓ Approval is a medical decision made by the provider. It is never automatic.
Plenty of common conditions can qualify, from light sensitivity and migraines to lupus and skin conditions. See the full list on our qualifying conditions page.
How to get a medical window tint waiver in SC
- 1
Tell us about you
Answer a few quick questions online about your health and your vehicle. It takes about two minutes.
- 2
Meet a SC practitioner
Hop on a short telehealth visit with a South Carolina licensed practitioner who reviews whether you qualify for the medical tint exemption.
- 3
Get your signed affidavit
If you qualify, you receive the signed affidavit to keep in your vehicle. You only pay if you are approved, and our approval rate is about 99%.
Questions, answered
What is SC Code 56-5-5015?+
It is the South Carolina statute on sunscreening devices, meaning window tint. It sets the standard tint limits for vehicles and provides a medical exemption that lets a driver run darker tint when a licensed provider confirms it is medically necessary.
What is the standard window tint limit in South Carolina?+
Generally about 27% VLT (visible light transmission) on the front side, back side, and rear windows, with windshield tint allowed only above the AS-1 line. Lower VLT means darker glass.
How does the medical tint exemption work?+
A physician or optometrist licensed in South Carolina signs an affidavit stating that darker tint is medically necessary for you. With that affidavit, the standard limit does not apply and the provider documents what tint level is medically appropriate.
Do I keep the affidavit in my car?+
Yes. You keep the signed affidavit in your vehicle at all times and present it if an officer asks. It is valid for two years, then you renew it.
How do I get a medical window tint waiver in SC?+
Complete a short online intake, meet a South Carolina licensed practitioner over a roughly 15-minute telehealth visit, and if approved you receive your signed affidavit. It is $600 one time, valid two years, with renewals at $400, and you only pay if you are approved.
This page is general information about South Carolina window tint law, not legal advice. SC Tint Waiver connects drivers with licensed South Carolina practitioners; the provider determines medical necessity and approval is not guaranteed.