What are Cracked Windshield Laws?
Windshield laws require that drivers maintain an unobstructed view of the road in order to ensure that they can easily see debris, pedestrians, other vehicles, and changing traffic conditions. These laws also protect drivers from the harmful glare of the sun and other bright lights that might cause a temporary lapse in judgment. State cracked windshield laws vary from state to state. Some states have very lenient laws that allow for larger cracks and other types of damage, while some have stricter laws with little room for interpretation. States that require annual or bi-annual inspections take strict stances to make sure that people do not need to drive with damaged or broken windshields. Some states with less strict glass laws have free or low-cost inspection stations that allow agents to quickly check whether drivers have compliant glass. In some states, any crack or damage is an automatic ticket, while other states have specific sizes for different types of glass and damage. A windshield that is broken but does not impede the driver’s view may be permitted in certain parts of the country , but others may require total replacement. Certain states allow drivers to request permission from their state DMV to drive temporarily with damaged glass, while others will only allow exceptions in certain circumstances, such as natural disasters. Some states that have broader leeways for chipped or broken glass allow drivers to waste as much as 6 inches in the sun visor area, which should account for many chips, while the remaining visor cannot be more than 4 inches wide. Other states require no lines in this area at all. Fallen chips that interfere with the driver’s line of site are automatic reasons for a citation, while some states permit chips that are within 1 inch of the perimeter of the glass. Many states allow chips below the rearview mirror, provided that they are not in the driver’s line of sight. Broken glass on the door windows is often not a reason for a ticket, but even minor cracks in the driver’s glass can be grounds for an infraction.
Summary by State
The cracked windshield laws vary significantly from state to state, both in terms of what is covered and the penalties for violations. Here’s how some of the states stack up:
New Jersey State law mandates that all motor vehicles are required to be equipped with safety glass that conforms to the specifications laid out in the law, and all motor vehicles manufactured after 1952 must be outfitted with safety glass in the front windshield. Glass adhesives must also be certified and approved by the manufacturer. Violators can face steep fines of up to $100 for each violation, such as driving with a cracked front windshield.
Massachusetts Drivers in the state of Massachusetts are required to obey rules about maintaining their windshields. Radar detectors, which are illegal in the state, may not be placed on the windshield, with the exception of certain electronic toll collection device set-ups. There are also laws about not obscuring a driver’s view of the road with hanging objects such as rearview mirror decorations, even if they are not actually on the windshield. Fines may be imposed of up to $200 for violations of these regulations.
Pennsylvania The Pennsylvania vehicle code states it is "unlawful to drive any motor vehicle upon the highways…with…a windshield…which is in any way illegal." This refers to tinted windows or a driver’s inability to reduce reflections on the interior of the windshield. It’s important to be aware that what some law enforcement officers may consider cracks in the windshield may simply be surface scratches, particularly on older vehicles. A police officer may issue a citation for a crack which really just needs to be polished out.
Delaware Delaware has rules in place for damaged windshields. For covered windshield damage, a driver is prohibited from driving a motor vehicle or having one parked on a roadway, which has a crack in the front windshield which reduces the driver’s ability to use the rearview and side mirrors, has a 3-inch hole or crack within the driver’s direct line of sight, or has a ½ inch or greater separation which impairs the driver’s view of the road.
Connecticut The state law in Connecticut does not specifically mention cracked windshields, but rather requires that all motor vehicles must be fitted with safety equipment that conforms to state statutes, such as safety glass upon the windshield. Some vehicles may even be required to meet additional specifications set forth in regulations developed by the state police. Fines of $75 may be levied for violations.
Is it Illegal to Drive with a Cracked Windshield?
You might run into legal trouble if you drive with a cracked windshield. There are visual obstruction laws that make it illegal to operate a vehicle when your vision is partially blocked by something on or in the car.
The specifics of visual obstruction laws vary from state to state. In Rhode Island, for example, the law states that it is "unlawful for any person to drive… any vehicle upon a highway when there is an obstruction on the windshield… unless the obstruction is removed or the vision is restored in some other way."
While most states have some form of a visual obstruction law, Rhode Island takes a more aggressive stance in this area than many other states. In fact, all states require a clear field of vision for at least 200 degrees.
The penalty for violating this law typically involves a fine, which may vary depending on whether it is a first or subsequent offense, or how severe the obstruction is. Some places may also issue points to your driver’s license (and increased insurance rates) if you are found in violation of obstructed driving laws.
Causes of Cracked Windshields
The outside world is constantly trying to breach the sanctity of your car, so it’s not surprising that some of the most common causes of windshield cracks involve, you guessed it, the outside world.
Debris
A small rock, metal object, or other debris striking your windshield can cause a chip or crack. Even when you have an expertly tinted car window to protect you against adverse sunlight, if the tinting film is applied improperly and it starts to bubble, the integrity of the tint could be diminished. In these cases, you should contact the installers of the window tint and let them know that the bubbles created are diminishing the tint’s protective properties. As for the window film’s adhesive not sticking because of dirt and dust on the bonding surface, your installers should take care of this, too.
Weather
Mother Nature can throw some pretty serious curveballs at us, like severe ice storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and hail. These types of extreme weather events can also cause windshield cracks. Strong winds during these inclement weather events can fling rocks or other debris into your windshield. Strong winds can also cause trees and power lines to sway dangerously close to your windscreen. These hazards could potentially cause windshield chips , scratches, and cracks as well. In these situations, you are likely covered by comprehensive auto insurance.
Temperature Changes
Another cause of windshield cracks is sudden changes in temperature. If left in the sun with the A/C off, your windshield can heat up quickly, sometimes to several hundred degrees above the ambient temperature. If the outside air temperature is much lower than the inside air temperature, the sudden shift in temperature can potentially weaken the glass and cause it to shatter. This is especially true in cars left in direct sunlight. The best way to combat this is to park your car in a garage or keep it in covered carport. If you cannot do this, at least try to leave a window slightly open.
Windshield Cracks: Know Your Rights
If your windshield is cracked or damaged, understand your rights according to the law of your state. In some states, you have the right to have your window repaired for free if the damage occurred while you were traveling, granted you have the right insurance and the deductible on the insurance policy is less than the amount you would pay out of pocket to have the window repaired.
Dealing with a Cracked Windshield
Your first action should be to assess the condition of your windshield. California state law (CVC 26710) does not permit the use of a vehicle with a cracked and/or broken windshield. So, if you can tell that a portion of the glass is no longer clear for safe operation of the vehicle, then you should promptly have it repaired. If there is any obstruction in your view, the vehicle should not be driven until the obstruction is removed and the necessary repairs made.
You might be able to repair minor surface imperfections to your windshield. Road debris, like small rocks, can create chips and cracks, but they are often tiny enough in size to be repaired. Sometimes, the damage comes from something as harmless as a wayward twig, creating a chipped area about the size of a pencil eraser.
You might also be able to fix scratches on the glass surface. These scrapes can occur naturally with use over time or from an outside source, such as opening a hard object that brushes against the glass momentarily or a random contact with a tree limb. An expert may be able to smooth out the rough edges of the scratch, remove it or at least buff out the blemish to the point where it is less noticeable.
If, however, there is a crack or crease across the windshield, the car will require complete replacement of the glass panel. Replacement or repair must be handled by a certified professional who has the right tools and experience to do the job. This is not something you want to try to fix yourself. There are many variables to consider, such as the type of material, the thickness of the glass and the manufacturer requirements for installation. You will want your auto glass replacement service to meet or exceed the OEM specifications for quality. Otherwise, the glass could easily shatter upon sudden impact with a road object.
The cost of repairing or replacing a windshield may vary by model and year. You can expect to pay anywhere from $250 up to $1000 to have a new windshield installed. Your insurance company typically will cover the full amount, but you will still be charged a deductible. As the consumer, you should be aware that the arrangement between an insurance company and a contractor is strictly between them. It is disallowed for an insurance agent to recommend specific repair shops or be involved in the negotiations with the contractor.
How to Prevent a Cracked Windshield
To prevent cracks to the windshield and the associated legal pitfalls, there are a few preventive measures you can take. Key among them is routine maintenance at competent facilities, and the best time to have your windshield and other glass in your vehicle inspected is during routine service intervals with your dealer or independent mechanic to have your vehicle serviced. Further, be sure to get the scratches out of your windshield in a timely manner. And ensure your windshield wipers are in good working condition so that you use them as appropriate, rather than rely upon them as your sole means to keep your windshield clear, thereby extending your windshield’s life.
Obviously, one of the biggest threats to the windshield is severe weather , so when you know that such weather is approaching, park your vehicle in a garage or produce a shield to protect the windshield from hail, stones or debris. Despite your best efforts, however, potholes, road work and construction sites along your travel route can lead to chips and cracks over time, so whenever you see such conditions, exercise additional caution and drive slower than usual, as a chip or crack resulting from such an incident can be more serious than it might otherwise be.
If you do suffer a chip or crack, repair it as soon as possible to avoid more extensive damage. If you need a windshield replacement, go to a reputable auto glass dealer and take the time to ensure it is properly installed by a qualified technician.