Under california vehicle code 26710, it is illegal to drive a car if the crack in your windshield prevents you from clearly seeing the road. This border measurement is taken on the outside of the glass from the edge where the glass and the molding meet. Part 393 federal motor carrier safety administration. Windshield crack laws by state ricks free auto repair. A damaged windshield on your car can lead to all kinds of hazardous situations, but florida traffic laws do allow driving with a damaged windshield under certain circumstances. New york cracked windshield laws different states have different laws regarding cracked windshields.
Arizona windshield replacement law states that if a crack impedes driver line of vision, the windshield must be replaced. What are the no deductible glass coverage laws in illinois. A damaged windshield on your car can lead to all kinds of hazardous situations, and new york traffic laws do not permit driving with a damaged windshield which may impair visibility. However, in addition to the road rules, motorists must also make sure their vehicles are in compliance with the following windshield laws when driving on. Below you can find our currently researched laws, regulations, and guidelines, and the general interpretation of them. Windshield laws in texas the laws pertaining to cracked windshields vary from one state to another. Florida cracked windshield laws different states have different laws regarding cracked windshields. You will want to have the windshield replaced entirely.
Obstructed windshields, cracked windshields, windshield replacement and other laws and regulations are different for every state. Arizonas ars 20263 law states that filing a no fault cracked windshield replacement claim will not raise your rates. Every windshield wiper blade and windshield wiper mechanism upon a motor vehicle shall be maintained in good working order. The use of studded tires on all motor vehicles using the highways of this state is permitted from october 15 to april 15. There may be a single crack in the space if it has no intersecting cracks. This isnt totally free windshield replacement, though, since you do have to pay to carry comprehensive insurance coverage as part of a personal auto insurance policy written in one of these states in order to make a claim for your windshield. They may vary, such as in the case of length or size of damage, but they all share a common denominator. Arkansas does not clearly state the laws concerning chips and cracks. The annual emission and safety vehicle inspection process in north carolina can be a simple inconvenience or a nightmare.
Each state has different laws, rules, regulations and guidelines and we are dedicated to providing easy to understand information about cracked windows for each of the 50 states. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall not place, install, affix or apply a transparent material on the windshield or side or rear windows of a motor vehicle if the material alters the color or reduces the light transmittance of the windshield or side or rear windows. Windshield laws in pennsylvania yourmechanic advice. Windshield laws in alaska that you need to know injury attorneys. California laws on a cracked windshield legal beagle. Is it against the law to have a cracked windshield. West virginia state police traffic safety windshield and windows. Windshield crack laws by state show that every state has their own rules regarding windshield cracks and chips. Violating utahs windshield safety laws will result in the failure of the states mandatory vehicle inspection, if your vehicle still qualifies as one that requires inspection after the january 1 st, 2018 law change. Find out information about cracked windshield laws by state, windshield replacement laws, and more. Windshield and windows chapter 17c, article 15, sections 36 and 38, motor vehicle law. Vehicle is not equipped with approved safety glass wherever glass is used. The guide to cracked windshield laws in all states autoblog.
A damaged windshield on your car can lead to all kinds of hazardous situations, and. This is how long you can drive with a cracked windshield. Florida car laws florida car laws, rules and regulations. Illinois cracked windshield laws illinois car laws. Learn the laws, rules, regulations and guidelines for cracked windows and windshields. Cracked windshield laws united states cracked window laws. Your windshield will not pass inspection if it has a crack more than 11 inches long, with any part of the crack in the windshield wiper path, or a star crack which is more than three inches in diameter, according to the new york governors. Is it a ny state law to replace a broken windshield. Is it illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a cracked windshield even if it does not necessarily interfere with a drivers field of view. Be sure that the crack does not cause the wipers to tear and that the crack has not caused the windshield to become concave or convex so.
The rules and regulations governing windshields, including damage, permissible tints and objects, etc. Be sure to read up on your states windshield laws and rules, and if you have any windshield issues that require inspection, make sure to reach out to a reputable mechanic, such as the ones here at yourmechanic. Interestingly, there are federal regulations for cracked windshields. Laws that address cracked windshields vary state by state. Windshield wipers are mandatory for every vehicle that is equipped with a windshield to ensure that rain and moisture from the glass can be removed effectively. Some states specify the number and size of the cracks and chips and others leave it up to the officers best judgment as to whether the crack or chip impairs the drivers vision. Each state has its own rules and regulations for windshields. If the crack is long and more spread out, chances are good that your state actually has laws in place against driving in this circumstance. Thats to keep the roads safe from the potential hazards cracked windshields bring. We constantly update the information we provide to make sure it is up to date but in the event you notice any incorrect data please let us know via our contact page. Windshield crack laws by state here are the windshield crack laws by state. The bottom line is, state laws make it illegal to drive with a cracked windshield. California cracked windshield laws california car laws.
The area of the windshield that falls on the inside of this border is known as the acute area. Where the crack occurs, the severity of the crack, and the state that you are driving in determine whether or not the windshield needs to be replaced. Any cracks or chips must not be directly in drivers vision. When replacing the wiper blade, the length of the blade shall not be reduced from the manufacturers specification.
Cracked windshield laws are some of the more important rules of the road, because they make sure that drivers have a clear and safe view from their vehicle. You should never settle for driving with a cracked windshield but if youre temporarily forced into this situation, heres what you. Pennsylvania laws have detailed restrictions on the size and type of cracks allowed on windshields. A damaged windshield on your car can lead to all kinds of hazardous situations, but texas traffic laws do allow driving with a damaged windshield under certain circumstances. What are the no deductible glass coverage laws in florida. New york cracked windshield laws new york car laws. Driving with a cracked or obstructed windshield may be dangerous, and it may also leave you liable to receive an expensive ticket. Each state has its own department of transportation and may set regulations that go. But too many people worry about seeing a check engine light, which could mean thousands of dollars in repairs, while ignoring the safety component of. Any large cracks or discoloration which interferes with clear view of the. However, if the crack is small and insignificant, then driving with a.
Even if your vehicle does not require an inspection, driving with a. Windshield cracks at any length may be present anywhere within the six inch border that surrounds the outside edge of a windshield. According to 26710 vc, if you have a cracked or broken windshield and are pulled over by an officer, you must fix the windshield within 48 hours. Further clarification of the law is available below. Simply click your state of residence above and well present you with all necessary and relevant cracked window laws. Motor vehicles may be inspected without windshields, side glasses, or any kind of glazing, except that any motor vehicle other than a motorcycle that was manufactured, assembled, or reconstructed after july 1, 1970, must be equipped with a. Is a crack that runs horizontal from side to side below the middle about two inches against the law.
Only in florida, kentucky, and south carolina, your. New york states laws on windshield damage ray sands. Legal penalties for driving with a cracked windshield. Although having a cracked or chipped windshield is not illegal in alaska, you must fix it.
A damaged windshield on your car can lead to all kinds of hazardous situations, but illinois traffic laws do allow driving with a damaged windshield under certain circumstances. The guide to cracked windshield laws in all states yourmechanic. However, in addition to the road rules, motorists must also make sure their vehicles are in compliance with the following windshield laws when driving on pennsylvania roadways. This stems from the fact that colorado does not have specific laws that target cracked windshields. A damaged windshield on your car can lead to all kinds of hazardous situations, and california traffic laws do not permit driving with a damaged windshield. If you live in illinois, dont run to just any local auto glass company to get your repairs done right away without first researching into glass coverage laws in your state. To pass the state inspection in virginia, no chip, pit, or starshaped crack can be. Any driver who is stopped and issued a citation for failing to comply with the windshield laws in arizona is subject to fines. Glass with shatters or exposed sharp edges is not allowed. How cracked windshields affect the annual car inspection. Alabama alaska arizona arkansas california colorado connecticut delaware florida georgia. Different states have different laws regarding cracked windshields. Will i fail my inspection if my windshield is cracked.
Read our summary of texas state laws and regulations for driving with cracked windows and windshields. Pennsylvania has a variety of traffic laws that drivers are required to follow on the roadways. California cracked windshield laws different states have different laws regarding cracked windshields. New york states laws on windshield damage posted on november 18, 2011 by raysandsglass most people are aware that they can get a citation for driving with a damaged windshield, but most arent familiar with the parameters of the law and what makes a crack or break unacceptable. Cracked windshield laws in pennsylvania prohibit driving vehicles where drivers view of the road is obstructed can i drive with a cracked windshield in pennsylvania. The guide to cracked windshield laws in all states. Can you drive a car with a cracked windshield in your state.
169 1334 226 1004 899 890 680 1080 1429 843 963 431 795 99 1107 1299 676 697 252 1212 952 854 223 826 745 408 1487 504 1123 226 1053 227 436 815 987 1406 1389 1181 448 826