How Windshield Laws Work
There are generally two basic legal requirements for windshields on vehicles. First, glass windows must be present and functioning. Second, all vehicular glass must be free of obstructions that may impair the driver’s field of vision, including but not limited to tinting or shades, obstructive stickers, or the presence of external objects that may fall from the vehicle.
Most states and many cities have code provisions that prohibit individuals from driving vehicles with cracked, fogged, or broken windows that may obstruct the driver’s view . Similar to the requirements for tinting, these laws can vary widely from state to state and city to city. Some jurisdictions might require the windshield to obstruct more than 25% of the driver’s view, while others may have more permissive codes that require only faulty wipers or wiper fluid to be replaced after being warned. Some laws may even require a windshield inspection sticker that is perfectly placed and maintained so as not to interfere with the driver’s view.
The Safety Hazards of a Cracked Windshield
With increasing incidents of motorists driving with a cracked windshield, it is important to understand the risks involved. While such problems may seem minor and insignificant, a damaged windshield can drastically increase the chances of an accident. Some do-it-yourself car repair enthusiasts resort to self-repair kits to fix their cracked windshields. This is not recommended, because such kits do not address the underlying problem that caused the crack in the first place. Even if the self-repair kit was applied effectively, it will not last forever. There is an excellent chance that within a few days or weeks, the crack or chips will resurface again. Some chips and cracks cannot be repaired at all, and require complete windshield replacement.
While some small chips are easily repairable, others can have undesirable consequences, especially when a driver is placed in a rear-end collision. When a vehicle has small chips from an act of nature, such as being stricken by a hail or a pebble striking the windshield, the after effects of a rear-end collision can be quite severe. When the two vehicles collide, the impact is absorbed by the structural integrity of the windshield. Sudden vehicle stoppage or collision can contribute to the sudden shattering and fracturing of the windshield.
If your windshield is otherwise in good condition but contains a chip, crack or other type of defect, it is best to replace the entire windshield right away. The windshield is tightly bonded to the entire car. This bonding holds the windshield tightly so it can absorb impacts without breaking. If a motorist must come to an abrupt stop or is involved in a collision and the windshield is not properly bonded to the car’s frame, the windshield risk rupturing upon contact with the other vehicle or object. The driver and any additional passengers can be ejected through the windshield upon impact. This could cause severe injuries or even death to occupants of the vehicle.
State Laws and Penalties
Different states have different standards when it comes to windshield regulations. For instance, according to California law, you cannot operate a vehicle that they consider to have a "deteriorated windshield obstructing your view." As outlined in the California Vehicle Code §26710, a deteriorated windshield is one that is badly cracked or discolored. When we think of deteriorated glass, we think of clear glass. However, the law also outlines how it doesn’t matter what color the windshield is because that color might block out vision just as much as badly cracked or discolored glass would. Regardless, California law requires you to replace your glass if it fits the description of deteriorated glass.
In Michigan, it’s illegal to drive with a windshield that’s cracked to the point of obstructing your view. In other words, it’s about as vague as the California regulations. According to Michigan law, a windshield is cracked when there is a dent in the glass, regardless of whether or not it’s filled in. Therefore, even if you have the dent filled in so it no longer obstructs your vision, Michigan law does not consider that enough to mean that it’s legal to drive.
In New York, Section 375 sub-section 12-a prohibits people from driving with a windshield that is "cracked, damaged or discolored." Georgia law § 40-8-7 discusses the use of safety glass. In this section, safety glass refers to glass that has some type of treatment to make it shatter proof (such as toughened glass). Under the Georgia law, if your vehicle is manufactured to use safety glass, then you are not allowed to drive with a damaged windshield containing cracks larger than 3 inches in length or 1 inch in width. If your vehicle is manufactured to use laminated glass (the type of glass used when your windshield is made of two sheets of glass with resin in between them), then you’re not allowed to drive with a cracked windshield where the crack obscures your vision of the road.
What to do With a Cracked Windshield
Practical steps for a driver to take when they discover a crack in their windshield include:
• Not driving with a damaged windshield – the law prohibits a driver from driving with a cracked, broken or shattered windshield.
• Visiting a windshield or glass repair facility near you – if you do have a crack or chip in your windshield, getting it repaired should only take a few minutes and might even be covered by a warranty you have in place. It’s important to see a reputable company that specializes in glass repair and replacement.
• Sealing the crack with superglue – this is an emergency fix, not a permanent one, and specifically designed for small , shallow cracks only, not large ones. The superglue will help to hold shards of glass together until a full repair can be made.
• Checking to see whether a replacement windshield is covered under insurance – many insurance companies will cover full replacement if the windshield is cracked, but drive carefully in the meantime. Both the windshield and any other windows on your car can become fragile over time and will shatter very easily.
• Getting multiple estimates from various repair or replacement shops – compare prices and make sure you ask about warranties. Understand how, if at all, the repair will affect any tinting or shading that appears on your windshield.
Finding a Good Repair Service
When your windshield is cracked, and you need to either repair or replace it, you should be sure to choose a reputable windshield repair service. Consider the following tips: Consider Customer Reviews You always want to look at reviews to see what previous customers are saying about the windshield repair service you’re considering. Reviews are often indicative of whether or not you should trust a company. A service center with poor reviews may get the job done for the day, but when you’re driving around with a dangerous crack in your windshield, you don’t want anything to go wrong. Inquire About Insurance Coverage One of the first questions you should ask the repair or replacement service is whether they accept insurance. If they do, you’ll have a greater chance of getting the full bill covered. Even if they don’t take insurance, however, don’t necessarily write them off. They could be able to help you fill out the paperwork and provide you with all of the necessary details to submit a claim to your insurer. Insurance can help lower your costs significantly.
How to Deal With Insurance Claims for a Cracked Windshield
Should you choose to have your windshield damage paid for by your insurance company, the process for doing so is not that complicated and can happen in short order in most cases. You will need to fill out a claim, which requires some basic information about you, your vehicle, and your insurance company or agent. After that, your insurance company will conduct some amount of visual inspection on its own either by sticking an adjuster on you or by having your vehicle appraised at a repair facility. In most cases, if your windshield is extremely cracked and inconsistent with state law requirements, you will be able to simply send in photographic evidence of your cracked windshield online, and they will review it in-house before preparing an estimate to pay. At that point , you are free to choose whether you wish to continue using the repair facility endorsed by your insurer or search for a trusted glass replacement vendor that is fair and offers a great price.
Depending on the amount of your deductible, you might be obliged to pay for part of the repairs to your windshield yourself. Remember, your insurance plays a supporting role-you are still responsible for paying anything that exceeds your deductible amount. Also, keep in mind that different states have different laws with regard to the insurance coverage required for vehicles. In some places, for example, your car note might be contingent on whether or not your insurance company requires you to have the glass coverage that will ensure you can receive compensation for glass repairs and windshield issues. Your agent will be able to go over your options with you for ensuring you are fully covered for any windshield claims you might need to file.