South Dakota window tint laws
In South Dakota, front side windows must have 35% VLT or higher, back side windows must have 20% VLT or higher, and the rear window must have 20% VLT or higher for passenger cars, SUVs, and vans. Medical exemptions are available for darker tint.
Tint darkness limits in South Dakota
In South Dakota, the amount of light that must pass through your windows is set by statute. Darker film has a lower VLT percentage. The rules below apply to aftermarket window film; factory tint on back windows is usually permitted regardless of percentage.
Sedan — VLT limits
SUV / van / truck — VLT limits
Reflectivity — sedan
Reflectivity — SUV / van
Windshield, mirrors, colors & certification
Windshield
Non-reflective tint is permitted on the windshield above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
The AS-1 line is a factory-etched mark near the top of most windshields.
Side mirrors
Dual outside mirrors are required if rear-window tint limits visibility.
Restricted colors
- Red, amber, and other colored tint that resembles emergency or signal lighting is prohibited.
Compliance sticker
A compliance sticker is not required by statute.
Film certification
Film manufacturer certification is not required by statute.
Darker tint with a medical exemption in South Dakota
South Dakota offers a medical window-tint exemption for drivers with a qualifying medical condition. A physician certification is typically required. Applicants should confirm the current process with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.
Who typically qualifies: Drivers with a licensed physician’s certification of a medical condition requiring limited exposure to sunlight.
What you need to apply
- Physician certification of medical necessity.
- Submission to the issuing state agency per current instructions.
- Carry documentation in the vehicle while operating it.
Common mistakes drivers make in South Dakota
- Tinting front side windows darker than 35% VLT or higher.
- Using colored tint that can be confused with signal or emergency lighting.
- Assuming South Dakota enforces the same rules as a neighboring state.
South Dakota tint law FAQ
Is 20% tint legal in South Dakota?
Front side windows in South Dakota must allow at least 35% of light through on a sedan. Tint darker than that is not legal without a medical exemption.
Are SUV and van rules different from sedan rules in South Dakota?
No. South Dakota applies the same back side and rear window rules to sedans, SUVs, and vans.
Does South Dakota offer a medical exemption for darker window tint?
Yes. South Dakota offers a medical tint exemption for drivers with a qualifying, physician-certified condition. See the Medical Exemption section for details.
Official references
Sources below are the primary official documents we consulted for this page. If you notice an outdated link or discrepancy, please report it to our editors.
Editor’s notes
Baseline entry. Our editorial team is re-verifying all fields line-by-line against state statute and agency guidance. See our sources methodology page for details.
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