License Plate Frames in South Carolina
Frames and decals are expressly lawful if they do not obscure any letters or numbers, and a trailer hitch may obscure up to 2 inches.
Verified against primary sources · August 2026
What the law says
Frames and decals are expressly lawful if they do not obscure any letters or numbers, and a trailer hitch may obscure up to 2 inches. Covers: tinted covers expressly prohibited. This section was rewritten by 2024 Act No. 178 (H.4674), effective November 20, 2024. A separate bill that would have barred stops for obscuring frames (H.3373) died in committee and is not law, despite what some aggregators report.
Specific Limits
- Covers
- tinted covers expressly prohibited
- Must stay visible
- letters and numbers
Exceptions & Exemptions
License plate frames are permitted as long as they do not cover or obscure any part of the license plate number, letters, or registration validation decals
Frequently Asked Questions
Are license plate frames legal in South Carolina?
What are the exact license plate frames limits in South Carolina?
Are there exceptions for license plate frames in South Carolina?
Street-legal license plate frames picks
Gear that helps you mod without a ticket in South Carolina.
A low-profile frame that doesn't cover the state name, tags, or registration stickers.
Shop on AmazonMost states require the plate lit in white — not a tinted or colored bulb.
Shop on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, Is My Mod Legal earns from qualifying purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear that helps you stay street-legal.