2024 South Dakota Legal Tint Laws Explained

South Dakota Tint Darkness Guidelines

In South Dakota, the darkness of your vehicle’s window tint is measured by Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage, which indicates the amount of visible light allowed through your car windows. This key aspect of South Dakota tinting is integral to the Dakota window tinting laws. These laws are designed to ensure not only your comfort and privacy but also your safety and that of other road users.

Under South Dakota tint laws, different vehicle types have specific tint darkness requirements. If you drive a sedan, the laws dictate that your front side windows must allow more than 35% of light in. Your back side and rear windows should let in over 20% light. These specifications are identical for SUVs and vans, making it easy for you to remember and abide by the Dakota window tint law.

Reflectivity is another crucial element of South Dakota window tinting. Though window tint can reflect incoming light, the Dakota Window Tint Laws prohibit a metallic or mirrored appearance on the front and back side windows of all vehicles. This restriction is put in place to avoid unnecessary glare that could potentially impair drivers’ vision.

Interestingly, South Dakota window tint laws do not explicitly restrict tint colors and there are no restrictions on side mirrors. Additionally, the law allows a 9% variance in tint darkness.

It’s essential to be aware of these Dakota window tint laws. Whether you’re considering a new tint application or checking the legality of your current tinting, this knowledge can spare you from potential fines and ensure your vehicle’s compliance.

Reflectivity Rules for Tint

You’ll need to pay close attention to the reflectivity of your window tint in South Dakota, as the law regulates this to prevent a metallic or mirrored appearance on your vehicle’s front and back side windows. The regulations in South Dakota allow window tint to contain metallic elements to reflect incoming light, but they must not give a mirrored effect. This is a crucial aspect of the car window tint rules that you must remember.

Tint reflection for SUV and sedans varies, with specific requirements for each to avoid a metallic or mirrored appearance. This distinction is another important part of the tinting rules. Non-reflective tint is allowed on the front side windows to reduce the glare and heat generated by the sun’s rays. The window must allow more than a certain percentage of light in, which differs for sedans and SUVs or vans.

Reflective window tint can help in reducing the glare and heat generated from visible light, making your journey more comfortable. However, it’s important to ensure that your tint meets South Dakota’s regulations.

The Dakota Codified Laws sections provide a detailed guide on these rules, ensuring your car’s tint doesn’t violate the law. It’s always a good practice to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or law enforcement authorities to ensure that your window tint is compliant.

Understanding and adhering to these tint laws will keep you on the right side of the law while ensuring a comfortable and glare-free drive in South Dakota.

Additional Tint Regulations

South Dakota’s additional tint regulations encompass specific Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentages for different vehicle types, stringent rules on reflective tint appearance, and certification requirements for film manufacturers, among others. In Dakota, the law mandates a 78% VLT for front side windows and windshield on cars, ensuring that a substantial amount of visible light can penetrate the window for safe driving.

Reflective tint is allowed in South Dakota; however, it must not exhibit a metallic or mirrored appearance. This law is enforced to prevent potential distractions for other motorists and to maintain the aesthetic integrity of the vehicle.

Another critical aspect of South Dakota’s tint law is the certification requirement for film manufacturers. If you’re considering window tinting, it’s crucial to ensure that your chosen product is certified. This requirement guarantees that the tinting film meets specific standards of quality and safety.

In South Dakota, there are no restrictions on tint colors, but the law stipulates that stickers are required to identify legal tinting. The sticker is placed between the film and glass on the driver’s side window to certify that the tint meets legal requirements. Additionally, a 9% variance in VLT percentages is allowed, providing a bit of flexibility.

Lastly, it’s advised to verify the local interpretation of tinting laws with authorities. This is because while the state sets the overall guidelines, the enforcement and interpretation may vary across different counties. Understanding these additional tint regulations in South Dakota will ensure you stay compliant while enjoying the benefits of window tinting.

Understanding Tint Medical Exemptions

Navigating the ins and outs of tint medical exemptions in South Dakota can seem complex, but it’s essential to note that the state doesn’t grant any such exemptions for special car window tint. In other words, there aren’t medical exemptions that would allow using special car window tints that deviate from the standard Visible Light Transmission percentage or VLT%. Unlike some states, South Dakota’s regulations hold firm, requiring all vehicles to adhere to the specified VLT% irrespective of any medical need. This percentage refers to the amount of visible light allowed to pass through both the film and glass of your car windows.

It’s crucial to remain updated with these rules and regulations, especially if you’re considering tinting your side mirrors in South Dakota. Always verify information with your local DMV or law enforcement authorities to ensure your understanding is up-to-date. Remember, interpretation of these tinting laws can vary across different counties within the state.

Now, when it comes to identifying legal tinting, manufacturers need to certify the film sold in South Dakota. A sticker that certifies the film is required between the film and glass on each tinted window. This certification is a crucial aspect to consider when purchasing and applying any window tint.

Cost of Legal Window Tinting

Having understood the regulations and requirements for window tinting in South Dakota, it’s crucial to also consider the potential expenditure involved in legal window tinting. The cost can vary significantly depending on factors such as the type of tint, the number of car windows you want to tint, and whether a warranty is included.

For a basic tint using classic film, the cost for a sedan can be less than $150. However, if you opt for a high-quality film, such as ceramic, the cost of legal window tinting can go up to $400 per vehicle. Side windows must allow a certain amount of light to penetrate; remember that no metallic films are allowed on these windows in South Dakota.

An alternative option to consider is a DIY tint kit. Often costing less than $100, they present a more affordable option. However, be careful to make sure the film they sell in South Dakota adheres to the state’s tint laws. A sticker to identify legal tinting is required, so check with your dealer to ensure it is provided.

The regulations in South Dakota may differ from those in other states, so it’s essential to be well-informed before deciding. The key is to balance your preferences, budget, and the state’s requirements to make the best decision. The cost of legal window tinting is just one part of the equation. Your dealer can provide detailed information and help guide your decision to ensure you meet South Dakota’s legal tinting requirements.