If your windshield is cracked or damaged in any way, you should contact your insurance company or an auto glass specialist to arrange for repair or replacement. Law against driving with damaged windshields real auto glass. If you do not do this as soon as possible the chip can turn into a crack overnight. Is it safe to drive with a crack in your windshield. How to correct a slide on an icy road and how to prevent them winter driving education duration. In massachusetts, there are legal restrictions on driving with damaged glass related to the size and type of crack. In the last few days, it sometime has spread to about 2 feet long ive never noticed it while driving. Its never safe to drive if your vision is blocked, whether its from a windshield crack, heavy rain, or bird droppings.
Spring in west chester, pennsylvania means unpredictable weather and severe storms. This is what you do with a cracked windshield before it becomes a major problem. Sep 03, 2014 how to correct a slide on an icy road and how to prevent them winter driving education duration. If your vehicle is a 2004 model year or newer and has less than 20,000 miles, only oem glass can be used. Windshield crack safety tips make a major difference. So would it be okay to take the test in either of these cars. I am about to go take my driving test next tuesday, but both mine and my moms cars have cracks in the windshield. Aug 31, 2016 driving with a cracked or obstructed windshield may be dangerous, and it may also leave you liable to receive an expensive ticket. Another factor to consider when deciding to drive with a broken windshield are the relative state laws. Why replacing a cracked windshield is important angies list. Driving around with a cracked windshield is never a good idea be it for a long, or even short, period of time. Boston, ma driving with a cracked windshield is never wise, but its downright poor judgement when youre illegally carrying weapons.
Windshields and windows obscured by nontransparent materials. Multiple cracks in the windshield wiper area or windshields in general disrepair will not pass. When a crack happens it is best to start seeking out a reputable auto glass company sooner rather than later. No cracks or chips are allowed within the area cleared by windshield wipers. Can i drive with a cracked windshield in massachusetts. Hail poses a particular danger for car owners as it can shatter windshields, backlites and other windows. From driving with snow on your roof to shoveling sidewalks. Its essential for the driver to determine what type of crack repairs could be delayed or ignored and which ones require urgent repairs or replacement. Massachusetts laws have detailed restrictions on the size and type of cracks allowed on windshields.
The guide to cracked windshield laws in all states autoblog. Cracked windshield laws in massachusetts prohibit driving vehicles where driver s view of the road is obstructed. However, in addition to those road rules, drivers must also. Severe damage can even impact the entire cars structural integrity, increasing the chance of injury during a collision. However, in addition to those road rules, drivers must also ensure that the windshield on their vehicle is in compliance with the regulations. School bus driver training programs and school bus driving instructo 540 cmr 11. Feb 28, 20 i am about to go take my driving test next tuesday, but both mine and my moms cars have cracks in the windshield. If your windshield is cracked or chipped and the damage blocks your line of sight, contact us immediately at 33685180 we can come to you. You want to ensure the safety of you and those riding in your vehicle, and the windshield is an integral part of that safety system. Massachusetts motorists are required to follow a variety of traffic laws when driving on the roads and highways throughout the state. The states safe driver insurance plan sdip is designed to charge drivers who accumulate points more for their car insurance than drivers who dont. In arizona, florida, kentucky, massachusetts and south carolina, the law requires insurance companies to waive the deductible to completely replace a windshield, as long as you have a comprehensive auto insurance policy. Sep 08, 2015 if you have a crack in your vehicles windshield the vehicle safety inspection requirements are.
Trooper carley timmonss cruiser was hit tuesday while driving on. Massachusetts windshield crack laws cracked windshield laws. If your vehicle fails for safety reasons, you cannot drive the. Some drivers try to drive for as long as they can before they pay for windshield repair.
Repair a cracked windshield with 6 steps infinity insurance. May 01, 2019 new automotive glass technology often prevents the windshield from collapsing, but a shattered windshield is still very dangerous for drivers. That sentiment also rings true for the states unique dmv point system. Dec 19, 2019 what are the laws around cracked windshields. Damage to personal vehicle while on company business.
The guide to cracked windshield laws in all states. Most florida residents arent aware of the laws and rules regarding driving with a cracked or chipped windshield in florida. Driving with a cracked or obstructed windshield may be dangerous, and it may also leave you liable to receive an expensive ticket. A cracked windshield makes it harder for you to see, which could increase your chances of driving off of the road or getting into an accident. No chips or cracks are permitted on the drivers side of the windshield and ticketing police officers have discretion to decide whether any cracks. Keeping a safe distance from the car in front of you can help lower the risk of gravel chipping your windshield, but its still a possibility.
Although windshield damage can result from a variety of causes, the most common is flying rocks and debris cast off from loads of commercial trucks as well as debris projected from road surfaces. Apr 01, 2015 the cars windshield plays an important role in supporting other parts of the car, particularly the roof. Regulations for massachusetts car inspection it still runs. Driving with a broken windshield should also be avoided whenever the damaged glass impairs the vision of the driver. Massachusetts has strict laws regarding the type of glass that can be used for windshield replacement. Mine is in a similar spot and a similar size, but has spider legs coming off of it, not into the drivers side of the windshield. And its a good thing too, because a cracked or damaged windshield can be dangerous for both you and your passengers. I worked for a city school district, and they covered anything that happened while driving for work flat tires, jumps, broken windows, tows etc.
Read more to find out what to look for when you have a cracked windshield. A chipped or cracked windshield is not only an unsightly blemish on a car, it can be a major safety issue, auto experts say. Cracked windshield laws united states cracked window laws. Contact capital auto glass to schedule a sameday appointment so they can come to you and fix the crack in your glass so you can drive your vehicle without having to worry about the potential dangers of a damaged windshield. That was allegedly the case for one boston man tuesday. Driving with a cracked windshield is not safe learn why you. What are the no deductible glass coverage laws in massachusetts. Will my auto insurance pay to repair a cracked windshield.
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. So youve passed your written test, and now think youre ready to get behind the wheel for the last piece of the driving puzzle. New york cracked windshield laws new york car laws. Massachusetts massachusetts is frequently cited as a zero deductible state. Like driving while wearing flipflops or driving barefoot, it is not illegal to drive with opentoe shoes. Safety safety is an equally important part of the massachusetts vehicle check program. Experts say driving with a damaged windshield risks your life and the lives of drivers around you because you are more susceptible to get into an accident. Pulled over for cracked windshield, arrested for loaded. Why you shouldnt drive around with a cracked windshield. Dangers of driving with a cracked windshield glass. This is how long you can drive with a cracked windshield. Recently while warming up the car, a 6 crack developed in my windshield on the drivers side about 5 off the bottom of the window, shaped in an s. Windscreen damage remains a hazard and reality experienced by all south african motorists. Driving with a chipped or cracked windshield may be annoying, but most drivers are not aware of how dangerous it is.
When a windshield has to be replaced, is there full glass coverage. Driving with a damaged windshield may be safe, but in some cases, it might be hazardous to drive with a cracked windshield. Its easy to ignore what seems like an insignificant cosmetic issue, and you might think that getting a ticket is the worst possible consequence of driving with a cracked windshield. Driving with a cracked windshield anandtech forums. If you get into an accident with a cracked windshield, this could cause the entire windshield to shatter, which could then cause the roof to collapse. Massachusetts already bans texting while driving, as well as all handheld phone use by drivers under the age of 18.
Although there isnt a specific law in place that prohibits drivers from operating their vehicles with a broken windshield, depending on the location of the crack or chip, police officers can write a citation for them. In some cases, your insurance coverage will cover the cost of repair, in the event they dont we have some alternative options for you. Even more, its entirely possible that driving with a damaged windshield in massachusetts is against the law. The new law means that handheld phone use is now banned for adult drivers. It goes without saying that a driver needs to be able to see well in order to drive safely. Apr 04, 2018 a compilation of registry of motor vehicles regulations by the trial court law libraries. The previous day, a massachusetts state troopers windshield was cracked when struck by ice. Mar 31, 2011 massachusetts is usually lumped together with zero deductible windshield replacement states because you can choose a zero deductible for your glass coverage. License suspensions and hearings pursuant to mgl c. It could also increase your chances of getting injured in an accident. Because a windshield full of cracks blurs your vision of the road ahead, most states have regulations against driving with a shattered front or rear windshield. Cracked windshield, safe driving and the law introduction. Jul 12, 2016 driving with a chipped or cracked windshield may be annoying, but most drivers are not aware of how dangerous it is. Jun 10, 2010 who is responsible for my cracked windshield.
A damaged windshield can make it difficult to see, putting drivers at risk for an accident. Think driving with a cracked windshield poses no danger. Finding out that your cars windshield is chipped or cracked can be the beginning of a headache. The irony of putting off repairing your windshield because of the cost is that waiting until a crack grows to eleven inches or longer will mean full replacement, a much more expensive and timeconsuming process. May 19, 2016 massachusetts motorists are required to follow a variety of traffic laws when driving on the roads and highways throughout the state. Further clarification of the law is available below. The crack cannot affect the operation of the windshield wipers. Driving with a cracked windshield may or may not be safe, depending on the crack. The following is from californias vehicle code vc section 26710. A broken taillight, cracked windshield, defective suspension component or other defect can make a vehicle unsafe to drive. Is it safe for me to keep driving with a cracked windshield. In case of multiple cracks or a crack on the inside, a windshield will need to be replaced since repairing it becomes rather difficult.
Before you pull up to the curb in your refurbished, repaired, and recycled heap of metal you call your vehicle there are a couple things you need to know before using it for your dmv driving test. Driving on any road, but especially a gravel road, means that your vehicle and the vehicles around you are spinning gravel and other debris into the air as they drive. Hers is very small smaller than a dime and kind of behind the rearview mirror. 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. If your windshield is cracked, you should have it as soon as possible to keep you and your passengers safe from harm. I called the city hall and they told me it was the construction companies responsibility to clean the gravel off the road. Unlike other states, massachusetts allows the state government to dictate most auto insurance rates. Inspection stations can charge more for commercial inspection. California cracked windshield laws california car laws. Driving with a cracked or pitted windshield is dangerous, making it important to. Small cracks and chips in your cars windshield are something everyone experiences, so you may be wondering. Windshield laws in massachusetts yourmechanic advice. A compilation of registry of motor vehicles regulations by the trial court law libraries.
Massachusetts is usually lumped together with zero deductible windshield replacement states because you can choose a zero deductible for your glass coverage. Cracks, chips, discolorations, and other areas of damage cannot interfere with or obstruct the drivers clear view of the roadway and intersecting. I have a bulls eye crack and chip in my windshield that was a result of a large rock in the road in front of a construction zone. When a small pebble strikes your windshield, a tiny chip or crack. Different states have different laws regarding cracked windshields. To learn more about the quality of massachusetts air, as well as programs and initiatives in the commonwealth, visit the massdep website. May 31, 2018 if your windshield is cracked, you should have it as soon as possible to keep you and your passengers safe from harm. If you have a crack in your vehicles windshield the vehicle safety inspection requirements are. Massachusetts is known for its progressive stances and its willingness to try different things. 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. Your commercial vehicle will be tested against state and federal requirements at the same time. This means your driving record is most likely directly tied to your car insurance payments the safe driver insurance plan allows the state to punish you doubly for each driving violation you get, through extra feeshigher rates on your auto insurance bill. If your shoe falls off and you attempt to reach down for it, you can become distracted at the wheel. Mine is in a similar spot and a similar size, but has spider legs coming off of it, not into the drivers side of.
You could be issued a citation and required to replace the glass immediately. Dangers of driving with a cracked windshield auto body. How dangerous is driving with a cracked windshield. Jan 16, 2017 driving around with a cracked windshield is never a good idea be it for a long, or even short, period of time. According to the massachusetts division of insurance, if an object damages your windshield, you are covered for this loss if you have comprehensive coverage sometimes also referred to as other than collision coverage on your. Even more, its entirely possible that driving with a. But opentoe shoes can also pose a hazard when driving as they can get stuck on a pedal and fall underneath. A windshield could suffer from more than one type of damage, which includes a bulls eye, linear crack, pit, crack chip, or even a starshaped break. The massachusetts division of insurance told us that there is not an actual regulation or law in their commonwealth that requires the waiving of the glass deductible if you have chosen to. Our goal is to keep drivers safe, so read on for windshield crack. Feb, 2018 boston, ma driving with a cracked windshield is never wise, but its downright poor judgement when youre illegally carrying weapons. No cracks or chips are allowed within area cleared by windshield wipers. Annual safety and combined safety and emissions inspection of all mo 540 cmr 8.
Auto glass question for the state of massachusetts. Likewise, your cars airbag could go off in an accident and hit the windshield. Cracked windshield laws in massachusetts prohibit driving vehicles where drivers view of the road is obstructed. Jan 12, 2016 the previous day, a massachusetts state troopers windshield was cracked when struck by ice. The crack cannot obstruct the drivers vision, meaning it cannot be cracked on the drivers side of the windshield at all. Glass inspection and cleaning to keep windshields and other glass clean, use nonammonia cleaners and soft cotton or microfiber towels that will remove dirt and grime without causing. Furthermore, you could possibly be fined if you are caught driving with a cracked windshield. Windshield damage is a common occurrence thats usually caused by flying rocks and other airborne debris. The massachusetts vehicle check program is the vehicle emissions testing and safety inspection program for the commonwealth.