Can You Get Pulled Over For a Cracked Windshield? – Explained 

Law enforcement on vehicles is rigorous, and violating them can result in penalties. Thus being cautious about the rules and regulations is mandatory to avoid negative consequences. Can you get pulled over for a cracked windshield? Are windshield-related violations serious? What are the outcomes of driving with a cracked windshield? 

Drivers tend to have many queries regarding the windshield of their vehicles. Many people do not take a cracked windshield seriously, which might result in mishaps and penalties. Yes, you read that right. Broken windshields can make the cop by the road pull you over and might even affect your license strength, depending on the state of the crack on your windshield. 

As we proceed, we shall discuss all your FAQs about driving with a cracked windshield. 

Can you Drive with a Cracked Windshield? 

Driving with a cracked windshield is not advised under any circumstances. Unlike how unserious it seems, it can result in potentially adverse outcomes. Driving with a cracked windshield threatens your and others’ safety. You put the people and property on the verge of risk when driving with a broken or cracked windshield. 

Possibilities of accidents are high as it can impede the driver’s vision when driving. It is not safe when the picture is blocked, even at the slightest angle. Even if it does not obstruct the driver’s view, it can be highly prone to disasters as it will not be in a firm and rigid condition. 

According to law enforcement, the windshield should satisfy four requirements when driving. The four stated requirements are as follows, 

1. The windscreen must be fit upright along with proper safety glazing 
2. The wipers on the windshield should be present in good condition without any repairs and ill functionality 
3. There should be no unnecessary/ prohibited or unauthorized stickers or signs on the screen 
4. You shouldn’t have placed any objects to shade from the sun in a way that impedes the vision of the driver

If your windshield does not align with any of the rules mentioned above, it is not advised to drive before you get the windshield repaired or replaced as per the situation. 

Can you Get Pulled Over for a Cracked Windshield? 

To cut to the chase, yes, you can.

Cops can pull over a vehicle with a cracked windshield and take necessary precautions. The outcome you will face after being pulled over will depend on the state of your windshield. It won’t be an issue if the windshield does not have many cracks and only minor and tiny damages. However, it won’t be an issue only if it is away from the zone of your vision. A small crack that does not hinder your driving will not be a severe complication. 

On the contrary, if the crack on the windshield is more intense or hinders the driving capability by impeding the driver’s view, it will be an issue. In such cases, you might get fined or a citation. 

In any circumstance driving with a cracked screen will make the cops pull you over, as they have the right to do so. 

What will Happen If you Get Pulled Over with a Cracked Windshield? 

The two main factors that will be taken into note when you get pulled over by the traffic police are, 

• The location of the crack 
• The intensity of the crack 

The results you will face will be calculated depending on the two factors mentioned above. 

Getting pulled over by the traffic police when found with a damaged windshield can result in two consequences. You could either be fined with a penalty fee or receive a citation.  

If you are fined, the fine can vary depending on the state you live in. It can range from a few to more bucks based on the type of crack on your windshield. It can become a trouble as you will have to spend money on the fine and additional court charges. 

Receiving a citation, on the other hand, can also be severe. A citation can directly affect your driver’s license, which can cause damages to your future driving-related affairs.

However, it is not illegal to drive with a cracked or damaged windshield. When the damage is considered severe, and in a state where it could pose a disaster to the vehicle and people, it could become an offence. 

But remaining calm when you notice a small crack or chip on the windshield isn’t a good idea either. Because with movements, the gap can further spread and increase the chances of danger and damage. It can also increase the cost of getting it repaired or replaced if left to be. 

So it is vital to take action if you ever notice cracks or damage on the windshield, even if it is minor damage. 

How Long Can you Drive with a Cracked Windshield? 

In an emergency, sometimes you can move around with a cracked windshield only if the crack is minor and not found in a vulnerable spot on the screen. With such a chip, you can drive around without complications for weeks to months. 

However, cracks on the screen can make the windshield brittle. And cracks on specific spots can trigger it to spread wider with movements (when you drive the vehicle). 

So it is always better to be vigilant and fix the issues before it gets complex. 

When should I be Worried about Your Windshield? 

When the crack is spread to the nearest quarter or more than a quarter of the screen, it indicates getting your windshield replaced as soon as possible. Failing to do so can result in getting pulled over by the cops or colliding with an accident. 

Takeaway

It is unsafe to drive with a cracked windshield in your vehicle. Traffic law enforcement strictly advises not to do it as it can be hazardous to people and property. It’d be best to get the windshield-related issues fixed as soon as possible to ensure the safety of everyone

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