IS MY MOD LEGAL?

Headlight & Taillight Tint in South Carolina

Illegal

Smoked or tinted film on headlights and taillights is illegal in South Carolina. Headlights must emit white light and taillights must show red at the required visibility distance, and tint that dims or discolors them violates those requirements.

Verified against primary sources · August 2026

What the law says

Smoked or tinted film on headlights and taillights is illegal in South Carolina. Headlights must emit white light and taillights must show red at the required visibility distance, and tint that dims or discolors them violates those requirements. Taillamps must show red plainly visible at 500 feet to the rear.

Specific Limits

Film permitted
No
Headlight color
white
Taillight color
red

Exceptions & Exemptions

Headlights and taillights must not be tinted or covered with any material that reduces light output or changes the color of the light emitted

Statute

S.C. Code §§ 56-5-4490, 56-5-4510, 56-5-4830

Read the statute →

Frequently Asked Questions

Are headlight & taillight tint legal in South Carolina?
Smoked or tinted film on headlights and taillights is illegal in South Carolina. Headlights must emit white light and taillights must show red at the required visibility distance, and tint that dims or discolors them violates those requirements.
What are the exact headlight & taillight tint limits in South Carolina?
Film permitted: No. Headlight color: white. Taillight color: red. Source: S.C. Code §§ 56-5-4490, 56-5-4510, 56-5-4830.
Are there exceptions for headlight & taillight tint in South Carolina?
Headlights and taillights must not be tinted or covered with any material that reduces light output or changes the color of the light emitted

Street-legal headlight & taillight tint picks

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