Did you know that regardless of the size or position of a crack in either your front or back windshield, in California, its illegal to operate a vehicle that causes an impairment to the driver.
Whether public, private, truck, bus, or even a tractor, a cracked windshield can set up a hazardous traffic situation and you can bet on receiving a citation if you get pulled over.
Here’s what the California Vehicle Code 26710 has to say about defective windshields and rear windows:
It is unlawful to operate any motor vehicle upon a highway when the windshield or rear window is in such a defective condition as to impair the driver’s vision either to the front or rear.
In the event any windshield or rear window fails to comply with this code the officer making the inspection shall direct the driver to make the windshield and rear window conform to the requirements of this code within 48 hours. The officer may also arrest the driver and give him notice to appear and further require the driver or the owner of the vehicle to produce in court satisfactory evidence that the windshield or rear window has been made to conform to the requirements of this code.
Any exceptions?
One. Only if your vehicle did not require a windshield at the time it was registered, would it be exempt from this law.
Naturally, windshield repairs will cost less than a full replacement, and this would apply if your chip is smaller than a quarter or the crack is less than 3 inches in length. You might even look to your insurance company for the repair cost if you have road hazard coverage. Keep in mind, if the repair area is directly in front of the driver most shops will recommend replacing the windshield simply because it would still obstruct the driver’s vision to repair it.
Remember that a damaged windshield is weaker and can’t offer the protection of an undamaged one, which can lead to greater injury should you find yourself in a collision.
Some Stats:
- In a rollover wreck, the strength of the windshield/sealant system is designed to keep the roof from crushing more than 5 inches when there is a force of approx 1-1/2 times the weight of the vehicle on the roof.
- In a front end collision at approximately 30mph, the windshield/sealant system is designed to keep at least 50% of the glass sealed to the car which could keep occupants from being ejected.
Please travel safely out there and don’t run the risk of driving with a damaged windshield which could lead to further damage in the event of a collision but if you should receive this citation please don’t hesitate to give Ticket Dismissers a call. We’re here for you!