Windshield Laws 101
Windshields are a crucial component of any vehicle, serving not only to provide clear visibility, but to protect drivers and passengers from the elements, debris, and injury. They also play a major role in the structural integrity of a vehicle, supporting its roof and other safety features. This is precisely the reason why there are legal requirements for windshields, and requirements for their repair or replacement when damaged.
All 50 states require vehicles to be outfitted with a windshield, except for vehicles that aren’t subject to gross vehicle weight regulations, such as mopeds, farm equipment or trailers commonly referred to as "horse trailers." As advanced as vehicle windows have become with smart touchscreens and other innovative technologies, the basic requirements for windshields have remained unchanged—there must be glass or other transparent material, the windshield must be free of obstructions that can impair vision or hurt passengers, and certain tint and mirror requirements apply.
In all but two states, there are laws in place requiring windshield wipers, sprayers and defrosters to be present on a vehicle and in working condition. All states require rearview mirrors, and, in most states, additional mirrors are required to be present in certain situations—particularly those where blind spots could be a concern when merging into traffic, reversing or making a turn.
All 50 states also have rules and regulations regarding tinted windows. Tinted windows are not only popular because they help reduce the effects of the sun’s rays and keep your vehicle cool during the summer, but they can also be a matter of safety, protecting you from criminals who may attempt to break into your vehicle . Mirror-like tints can help obscure the view into your vehicle while allowing the driver to have an unobstructed view of your surroundings.
It’s important to note that, while tinted windows are legal on many vehicles, some state regulations are prohibitively strict, making it difficult (or impossible) to tint your windows without running afoul of the law. Generally speaking, rules will apply to tint darkness (measuring light transmittance), so as you can see, making sure you’re in compliance with these is critical. Fortunately, tint level measuring devices are available for purchase so that you can ensure your tint is within the limits if you’re pulled over.
While tinted windows make your vehicle look sleek and cool, temper your expectations when trying to drive enroute to the repair shop to fix a windshield with an obstructive tint! Only clear tinted windows are legal in most states, so make that appointment to get your windshield replaced right away. Not only will it help you avoid fines and tickets related to violating the tint requirement, but it’s also a lot safer.
There are a variety of rules and regulations when it comes to windshield repair or replacement in the event of damage. For instance, if a rock strikes your windshield, there are laws that require technicians to repair or replace your windshield if the damage spreads to the edge of the windshield, which is more likely to make your vehicle unsafe. This requirement can vary by state, and mechanics may have some discretion as to whether or not to replace the windshield based on how the damage occurred.
All of these regulations are in place to keep you and your passengers safe. While they may feel a bit excessive at times, they are an important part of daily driving.
State Law Theories
While the legality of an unregistered vehicle may be in dispute, states are largely in agreement on other issues of driving without a windshield. While some states are willing to let you get by for a few days (or longer) while you wait a replacement windshield, most are quick to respond to violations with hefty fines and penalties. The laws below give a good overview of this code across the country:
In Alabama, it is illegal to drive without windshield in all vehicles made after January 1, 1932. Alaska requires all cars, trucks and buses to have windshields if they were made after January 1, 1956. Motor homes, motorcycles, motor cycles and trailers do not require windshields under Alaska state law. In Arizona, all motor vehicles must have windshields, except for those manufactured before January 1, 1972. Arkansas law requires windshields in all motor vehicles. California law requires that all motor vehicles manufactured after 1967 have windshields. If a car was manufactured in 1967 or after, it does not qualify for the exemptions. Technically, Colorado does not require a windshield on cars. Instead, they punish if your view of the road is obstructed, as can happen without a windshield.
Delaware law requires that all motor vehicles have a windshield as well as drivers wearing seatbelts. Georgia requires windshields and seatbelts but will provide leniency if "necessary repairs" have been performed to the windshield. However, they may pull you over without a windshield. Hawaii law requires the windshields in all motor vehicles. Idaho simply requires all cars to have a windshield, while Illinois does so under a much stricter code. Iowa law requires windshields in all motor vehicles manufactured after 1970. Instead of imposing fines, Iowa will actually issue a "certificate of necessity" for $10 that allows you to drive without a windshield for 60 days while waiting for a replacement. Kansas law requires a windshield in all motor vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1968. Kentucky requires the same, but also requires windshields to be outfitted with windshield wipers. As of January 1, 2011, Louisiana law requires all 18-wheelers to have safety glass on windshields. In all other cases, however, Louisiana law only requires a windshield if the car was manufactured after 1966. Another way to get around signing a citation for breaking this law is by installing a soft top on the car. Maine windscreens must be "reasonably free" of defects. Maryland law states that all motor vehicles must be fitted with windshields. Mississippi requires that all motor vehicles have windshields fitted if they were manufactured post-1954. Missouri law requires all cars manufactured after 1968 have windshields. Montana law only requires windshields in cars manufactured after 1967. New Hampshire and North Vermont make an exception for vehicles manufactured before June 30, 1986. Texas law simply states that all motor vehicles must have windshields. Utah law requires that all motor vehicles manufactured after 1949 have windshields, except for antique cars for which driving by visual inspection is permitted. Vermont law requires that all motor vehicles have windshields, and has no exceptions for classic or antique cars. Virginia only requires all motor vehicles manufactured post-1993 have a windshield, but also requires all cars to have a side windows and an inside rearview mirror. West Virginia requires windshields in all motor vehicles. Wisconsin law requires all motor vehicles manufactured after 1937 have windshields. Wyoming law requires all motor vehicles manufactured post-1966 have windshields.
Exceptions and Special Situations
While the general rule is that driving without a windshield is against the law, there are some exceptions and special circumstances where a vehicle without a windshield may be legal. Racing vehicles and other vehicles specially designed for certain uses can be exempt from parts of the law in order to keep with their intended purpose.
One example is Formula 1 racing cars, which are designed to go around tracks at very high speeds. While these cars have a windshield, they may be exempt from having to keep it area clear of obstructions just like some motorbikes are. This is the same even if the law requires a defrosting device for a standard windshield because the F1 racing cars have no heat so no way to melt away any frost. Another example is sand buggies. In Utah, there is an amendment that allows sand buggies to drive without a windshield or mud or dirt flaps if they truly have no way to pop on some without damaging the function for the intended use and purpose of the vehicle.
Another vehicle type that is given some leeway is the golf cart. These slower-driving vehicles are allowed in Utah to not have a windshield in some cases. There are also local ordinances that allow e-bikes that are like bicycles with a small electric motor to be left without a windshield for the rider to safely move and keep balance. While the vehicle has to have some sort of safety to keep the user and other road users safe, it does not have to be a windshield.
Penalties for Driving without a Windshield
Driving without a windshield is illegal in virtually every state across the nation. Pennsylvania and Minnesota are two notable exemptions, which is unfortunate, because the fines and other consequences that can follow from driving without a windshield might just persuade many people to start driving with their windshields reinstalled.
If you do decide to drive without a windshield, you can expect to receive a citation for your traffic violation. The fines for driving without a windshield carry a wide range of possible penalties. For example, in some states, you could face up to $1,000 in fines. In others, the fine could be as low as $10. This money could be better spent on new windshield wipers, or a new windshield. Furthermore, numerous states impose demerit points on your driving record when you get caught driving without a windshield. If you rack up enough points, you could lose your driver’s license entirely.
Aside from the court-ordered penalties, your decision to drive with a broken windshield or none at all will almost certainly cost you more in terms of safety and car insurance . Your risk of being involved in an accident increases significantly when you drive a vehicle with a cracked or missing windshield. Because the windshield is such a major component of the vehicle, its absence can have a drastic effect on whether you and your passengers stay safe. In fact, many people involved in car accidents sustain preventable head injuries when another vehicle hits them from behind, because their windshields shatter during the collision.
Adding to the trouble is the fact that if you have an accident while driving a vehicle without a windshield, your car insurance company may refuse to cover the damages. This is because most major car insurance companies won’t pay for damages when the driver was engaged in illegal or reckless behavior. Since driving without a windshield is illegal, in some cases, your car insurance provider may name that as a special exception and decline to pay for the damages you caused, leaving you with the burden of paying for repairs out of your own pocket.
How to Follow the Rules for Windshields
To comply with all the windshield laws, drivers need to be proactive and attentive to their vehicle’s maintenance and repair needs. In most cases, it is far better to prevent defects from becoming an actual problem than it is to wait for an issue to arise and attempt to fix it.
Drivers can take a few steps in order to ensure that they are in compliance with their state’s windshield laws: It is imperative for any driver with a cracked or chipped windshield to get it repaired as soon as possible. Even the smallest crack or chip can put the driver, passengers and other vehicles at risk of danger. In addition to this, states enforce a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to any damage to windshields, including dings, chips and cracks.
Thus, drivers should always get repairs done, both for their own safety and so they are in compliance with the law. If you suspect a chip or crack is developing, you should not wait any longer to have it repaired.
Conclusions and Advice
In conclusion, it is clear that driving without a windshield is illegal and can result in criminal charges, upwardly enhanced insurance premiums and more serious problems if you are involved in an accident. The laws regarding tinting or obscured windows are similarly stringent .
For these reasons, it is recommended that you always keep your car’s windshield in good condition by inspecting it regularly for cracks and obstructions, including debris. Any problems detected should be addressed promptly by a qualified windshield replacement technician who will remove any current glass and replace it with new glass, while installing it in a safe, secure manner that adheres to the set safety standards.
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