Windshield crack laws by state

Here are the windshield crack laws by state

Windshield crack laws by state show that every state has their own rules regarding windshield cracks and chips. Some states specify the number and size of the cracks and chips and others leave it up to the officer’s best judgment as to whether the crack or chip impairs the driver’s vision. That’s the bottom line; is the crack or chip in the driver’s line of sight. That’s usually defined as a crack or chip in the wiper area of the windshield.

Many states used chip definitions in their laws. See this post for the definition of a star, bullseye, half moon, combination, or a daisy chip. 

Driving with a cracked windshield is dangerous. Read more here

Alabama Windshield crack law

No specific state laws, relies on federal safety laws.

Windshields must be free from damage in the area starting at the top of the steering wheel up to within two inches of the top of the windshield.

A single crack that is not intersected or joined with other cracks is permissible providing it does not cross the driver’s view through the windshield.

An area of damage, such as a chip, that is smaller than 3/4 –inch in diameter is permitted providing that it is not within three inches of another area of damage.

Alaska Windshield crack law

Cracks that extend into or obstruct the driver’s view are not permitted. There is no information on how long or large the cracks may be.

Chipped windshields are also permitted, providing the chips do not obscure or hinder the driver’s ability to see clearly. There are no restrictions on how large the chip can be.

Arizona Windshield crack law

If a windshield has cracks that are intersected by one or more cracks, it must be replaced.

Chips, cracks and other damage cannot be larger than ¾-inch in diameter.

Areas of chips, cracks and other damage cannot be within three inches of another area of damage on the windshield.

Damage and discoloration is not permitted in the area between the top of the steering wheel and to within two inches of the top edge of the windshield if it is not in compliance with the above requirements.

California Windshield crack law

Illegal to drive with a windshield or rear window that has defects that impair the driver’s vision. Up to the discretion of the ticketing officer to determine whether any cracks or chips impair the driver’s view.

Driver’s must correct the issue within 48 hours of receiving the citation. The driver or owner of the vehicle can face arrest and must provide proof to the courts that the windshield or rear window has been repaired or replaced in a manner that makes it compliant with the codes in California.

Connecticut Windshield crack law

Connecticut laws state that the windshield must be in a condition that does not include defects that obstruct the driver’s view of the highway. Ticketing officer must use his or her own best judgement to determine whether the cracks or chips in your windshield obstruct your view.

Delaware Windshield crack law

Windshields must be free from damage and discoloration in the area that extends from two inches from the top of the windshield to the top of the steering wheel.

A single crack that does not intersect or is not intersected by another crack is permitted providing it does not obstruct the driver’s vision.

Chips and cracks that are smaller than ¾-inch in diameter are permitted as long as they are not within three inches of another area of damage that is similar.

Florida Windshield crack law

Cracks and chips that are smaller than ¾-inch in diameter and not located within three inches of another area of damage are permitted.

Cracks that do not have any other cracks intersecting them are permitted.

The above rules only apply if the cracks or chips are not located within the space from the top of the steering wheel to within two inches of the top edge of the windshield.

Georgia Windshield crack law

Windshields cannot have any areas of cracks or damage in a starburst pattern that is larger than three inches by three inches.

Windshields cannot have areas of cracks that create a spider web effect that is larger than three inches by three inches.

Cracks and chips cannot be larger than ¾ of an inch in diameter.
Cracks cannot have additional cracks that intersect them.
Cracks and chips cannot be within the space between the top of the steering wheel and within two inches of the top of the windshield.

Hawaii Windshield crack law

No areas of damage between the top of the steering wheel and the top edge of the windshield.
Cracks that do not have any other intersecting cracks are permitted if they do not obscure the driver’s view.
Chips and cracks that are smaller than ¾ of an inch in diameter and that are not within three inches of another area of damage are permitted.

Idaho Windshield crack law

Any crack in the windshield makes the vehicle unsafe. As such, any cracks on the windshield are illegal in Idaho.

There are no regulations listed for chips. However, federal regulations require that chips be smaller than ¾ of an inch in diameter and that there are no other areas of damage within three inches.

Illinois Windshield crack law

Motorists are not permitted to drive a vehicle if the windshield is in a defective condition that impairs the driver’s ability to see clearly.

It is up to the officer issuing the traffic citation as to whether any chips or cracks impair the driver’s vision.
Windshield damage that is within federal limits may not be permissible based on the state-level laws in Illinois.

Indiana Windshield crack law

Officers are permitted to use their own discretion as to whether cracks or chips in the windshield could cause the vehicle to be unsafe or not in good working condition, especially if the damage is in front of the driver.

Iowa Windshield crack law

It is up to the discretion of the ticketing officer whether any cracks or chips in the windshield prevent clear vision.

Kansas Windshield crack law

It is illegal to drive a vehicle if the damage to the front windshield or windows presents a substantial obstruction to the driver’s view of the road and intersecting roads.

Officers can use their best judgement as to whether the cracks or chips in the windshield present an obstruction for the driver.

In addition, the federal regulations also include the following:

Cracks that do not intersect with another crack are permitted providing they do not obstruct the driver’s vision.
Chips that are less than ¾ of an inch in diameter and that are not closer than three inches to any other area of damage are permitted.

Kentucky Windshield crack law

Windshields cannot have damage or discoloration in the area running from within two inches of the top edge to the height of the steering wheel and within one inch of the side edges of the windshield.
Cracks that do not have any other intersecting cracks are permitted.
Chips that are smaller than ¾ of an inch and not within three inches of other cracks or chips are permitted.
It is up to the ticketing officer’s discretion whether a crack or area of damage hinders a driver’s view of the road.

Louisiana Windshield crack law

No cracks are permitted in the area directly in the line of the driver’s vision.
No more than two chips, half-moons, nicks or stars larger than half of an inch are permitted within the driver’s line of vision.
No stars larger than two inches are permitted in the area outside of the driver’s side windshield wiper sweep.
No more than two stars greater than one and a half inches in diameter are permitted in the area outside of the driver’s side wiper sweep.
Two or more cracks greater than eight inches are not permitted in the area outside of the driver’s side windshield wiper sweep. Failing to be in compliance with these regulations can result in citations and fines, which are not defined in the Louisiana statutes.

Maine Windshield crack law

Chips, cracks, star fractures, bull’s eye fractures and stone bruises greater than one inch are not permitted if they block the driver from having a clear view of the road.
It is illegal to drive with a windshield that has a crack longer than six inches located in any area.
Any marks made by the windshield wipers that are over four inches long and a quarter of an inch wide that are within the driver’s view of the road are not permitted.
Repairs must not affect the driver’s view due to cloudiness, black or silver spots or any other blemishes that cover an area greater than one inch.

Maryland Windshield crack law

Maryland does not specify a permissible size for cracks and chips in the statutes.

But, large cracks and those that are in a starburst or spider web pattern may be considered an obstruction of the driver’s clear view. It is up to the discretion of the ticketing officer as to whether an area of damage presents a danger due to obstructing the driver’s sight line.

Federal regulations state that cracks that do not intersect with another crack are permissible.
Federal regulations also state that chips smaller than ¾ of an inch are permissible if they are not three inches or less from another area of damage.

Massachusetts Windshield crack law

Windshields cannot have chips that are larger than the size of a quarter.
No cracks or areas of damage are permitted within the path that the windshield wipers follow when clearing the windshield.

Cracks, chips, discolorations, and other areas of damage cannot interfere with or obstruct the driver’s clear view of the roadway and intersecting roadways.

It is also important to understand that it is generally up to the ticketing officer’s discretion as to whether cracks, chips or areas of damage hinder the driver’s view of the roadways.

Michigan Windshield crack law

No regulations concerning cracks, chips and other areas of damage on a windshield. However, the vehicle must be in a safe operating condition that does not endanger the driver or others who are on the roadways.
Law enforcement can stop any vehicle that they deem as being in an unsafe condition on the roadways, which would include any chips or cracks in the windshield that prevents the driver from seeing clearly.

Minnesota Windshield crack law

No specific regulations as to the size of allowable cracks or chips. However,illegal to drive a vehicle if the windshield is discolored or cracked in a way that limits the driver’s clear view. It is up to the ticketing officer’s discretion as to whether a crack or chip in the windshield obscures or limits the driver’s view in a way that is or could be considered unsafe.

Mississippi Windshield crack law

Any cracks or breaks present cannot obstruct or hinder the driver’s ability to see through the windshield.
Cracks that do not enter the area cleared by the wiper on the driver’s side may be permitted providing there are no other areas of damage or discoloration that obscure the driver’s view.
Multiple chips, pits or areas of shattering are not permitted.

Missouri Windshield crack law

All vehicle windshields allow clear views of the roadway and intersecting roadways. The regulations concerning cracks, chips and other defects are as follows:

Windshields cannot have any areas of breakage that are shattered, have missing pieces or have sharp edges.
Any star type breaks, which are those that have a point of impact surrounded by radiating cracks, are not permitted.
Half-moon and bull’s eye chips in the glass that are within three inches of another area of damage and within the driver’s viewing area are not permitted.
Any cracks, chips or areas of discoloration that are located within an area four inches above the bottom of the windshield and within the swipe of the windshield wipers in the driver’s view are not permitted.
Any chips, bull’s eye or half-moon chips that are larger than two inches in diameter are not permitted anywhere on the windshield.
No cracks longer than three inches are permitted within the swipe area of the windshield wipers.

Montana Windshield crack law

No regulations on cracks and chips in the windshield. However: windshields cannot be shattered in way that obstructs the driver’s view of the roadway.
Windshields cannot have defects that obstruct or impair the driver’s clear view of the roadway.
It is up to the discretion of the ticketing officer as to whether a crack, chip or defect obstructs the driver’s clear view.

Nebraska Windshield crack law

No laws stating that cracks and chips in the windshield are not permitted. However, any shattered glass or multiple intersecting cracks in the windshield that obstructs the driver’s view of the roadway and intersecting roadways may be cause for a traffic stop.

Nevada Windshield crack law

Nospecifications for cracks and chips in the windshield. Instead, the law states only that there can be nothing that interferes with the driver’s clear view of the roadway through any required glass in the vehicle.

It is up to the discretion of the ticketing officer as to whether any cracks or chips in the windshield obstruct his or her view of the roadway. Motorists may be stopped for chips and cracks of nearly any size that an officer has reasonable suspicion to believe it presents a vision obstruction.

New Hampshire Windshield crack law

Windshields cannot be cracked.
Windshields cannot have shattered areas.
Windshields cannot be clouded or otherwise distorted.

New Jersey Windshield crack law

No specific size or placement of cracks and chips in the windshield.

The laws state only that cracked or chipped windshields should be replaced.
This broad explanation means that any cracks or chips that an officer believes could hinder your clear view while driving could result in a citation.

New Mexico Windshield crack law

No specific regulations concerning the permissible cracks or chips in windshields. However; motorists cannot drive a vehicle on the roadways that is in an unsafe condition that could endanger the driver, passengers or others on the road.
It is up to the discretion of the ticketing officer whether any cracks, chips or defects may obscure the driver’s vision and thus endanger others.

New York Windshield crack law

New York limits the possible cracks and chips that are permitted on the windshield/

Vehicles on the roadway must not have cracks, chips, discoloration or defects that distort the driver’s visibility.
It is up to the ticketing officer’s discretion as to whether the cracks, chips or defects affect the driver’s ability to see while driving.

North Carolina Windshield crack law

No specific regulations concerning cracks or chips in the windshield. However, state laws require insurance companies to waive the deductibles for those with comprehensive coverage that are having a windshield replaced.

An officer can pull you over if there are any large areas of cracks or chips in the windshield that he or she believes could fall under the windshield obstruction regulations.

North Dakota Windshield crack law

No specific regulations concerning cracks, chips and discoloration in the windshield, federal regulations state that:

The area ranging from the top of the steering wheel to within two inches of the top edge and one inch of either side of the windshield must be free from cracks, chips and discoloration that obstruct the driver’s view.
Cracks that are not intersected by any other cracks are permitted.
Any chips or cracks that are smaller than ¾ of an inch in diameter and not located within three inches of another area of damage are permitted.

Ohio Windshield crack law

No specific sizes and shapes of cracks and chips. However, vehicles that are in an unsafe condition or that could pose a danger to others are not permitted on the roadways.
Windshields with large cracks, chips or other defects located in front of the driver may be considered unsafe due to vision obstruction.

Oklahoma Windshield crack law

Windshields with shot damage or star breaks that are greater than three inches in diameter are not permitted.
It is illegal to drive a vehicle on the roadways if the windshield has two or more hairline or stress cracks that equal 12 inches or more when combined if they are located in the windshield wiper swipe area on the driver’s side.
Areas of damage or outright breaks that are severely cracked, allow air to pass through or can be felt with a fingertip are not permitted on any portion of the windshield.

Oregon Windshield crack law

No specific regulations to describe the permitted sizes of cracks and chips in the windshield. However, officers use the following statute:

Drivers are not permitted to drive a vehicle on the roadways that is or could be dangerous to those in the vehicle and other drivers.
Officers can use their discretion in determining whether a crack or chipped area on the windshield renders the vehicle dangerous to operate. In most cases, cracks or large chips on the driver’s side of the windshield can be grounds for issuing a citation.

Pennsylvania Windshield crack law

Glass with shatters or sharp edges that are exposed are not permitted.
No cracks or chips in the center of the driver’s side of the windshield are permitted.
Large cracks or chips or areas of discoloration that interfere with the driver’s vision are not permitted in any area of the windshield, side windows or rear window.
Any areas of etching in the glass other than those required for identification of the vehicle are not permitted on the windshield.
Etchings that extend more than three and one-half inch from the lowest exposed point of the rear window and back side windows are not permitted.

Rhode Island Windshield crack law

No chips, cracks or defects within the wiper swipe area in front of the driver are permitted.
Minor cracks that have no areas of separation are permitted in areas other than those directly in front of the driver.
Slight discolorations around the perimeter of the glass are permitted.
Cracks that allow the glass to move or that damage the safety seal inside the glass layers are not permitted.

South Carolina Windshield crack law

No specific regulations on cracks and chips in the windshield. However, state law requires insurance companies to waive the deductible for windshield replacement. Cracks and chips in the driver’s view are likely to lead to a traffic stop.

South Dakota Windshield crack law

No vehicle may be driven on the roadways that has any cracks, chips or other defects in the windshield or any other window.

Tennessee Windshield crack law

No regulations concerning cracks and chips in the windshield or other windows. However, federal regulations are as follows:

Any cracks located in the area measuring from the top of the steering wheel to within two inches of the top edge of the windshield cannot have any other cracks intersecting them.
Chips and cracks must be smaller than ¾ of an inch and cannot be within three inches of another area that is damaged.

Texas Windshield crack law

No regulations concerning cracks in the windshield. Cehicles will pass the mandatory inspections if there are cracks in the windshield. However, any crack that causes the glass to change shape by becoming convex or concave is not permitted. Any cracks that obscure the driver’s clear view of the roadway could be grounds for a traffic stop by law enforcement.

Utah Windshield crack law

Any windshield that is pitted, scratched, clouded or discolored in a way that obscures the driver’s vision are not permitted.
Windshields cannot have cloudiness that extends more than one inch from the side edge, greater than four inches from the top edge or more than three inches from the bottom edge.
Decorative etching other than that applied by the manufacturer is not permitted.
Cracks or chips larger than one inch are not permitted in the area six inches from the top of the windshield, six inches from the bottom and six inches from either side edge.

Vermont Windshield crack law

Any cracks, chips or other defects that interfere with the driver’s view of the roadway are not permitted.
Star breaks larger than two inches are not permitted within the area in front of the driver.
Two or more bulls-eye or star breaks that are larger than ¾ of an inch in diameter are not permitted in the area in front of the driver.
Windshields with three or more bulls eye or star breaks greater than two inches in diameter are not permitted.
Star cracks, bulls eye cracks or chips and discoloration larger than half an inch in diameter are not permitted in the area in front of the driver.
No cracks or combination of cracks may measure over 24 inches.

Virginia Windshield crack law

Scratches larger than 6 inches by ¼ inch within the area cleared by the wipers are not permitted.
Star cracks, chips and pits larger than 1-1/2 inches in diameter are not permitted anywhere on the windshield above the bottom three inches of the glass.
Multiple cracks from the same area with any one being larger than 1-1/2 inches long are not permitted.
Multiple cracks starting from a star crack that are above the bottom three inches of the windshield are not permitted.

Washington Windshield crack law

No specific guidelines concerning the size and placement of cracks or chips in the windshield. However, the following do apply:

No motorist is permitted to drive a vehicle on the roadways that is in a condition that is unsafe and could harm another person.
Vehicles that have equipment that is not in proper adjustment and working condition are not permitted on the roadways.
These regulations mean that a ticketing officer must use his or her own discretion to determine whether any cracks or chips obscures the driver’s view of the roadway and intersecting roadways.

West Virginia Windshield crack law

No cracks, chips, defects or repairs are permitted in the 8-1/2 by 11 inch area directly in front of the driver.
Cracks and chips larger than one and a half inches are not permitted in the area wiped by the windshield wipers.

Wisconsin Windshield crack law

Cracks that extend into the area directly in front of the driver are not permitted.
No cracks may be inside the area directly in front of the driver.
No cracks may extend greater than eight inches from the edge of the windshield.
Chips and stone damage larger than half an inch in diameter are not permitted in the area directly in front of the driver.
Chips and stone damage larger than 1-1/2 inches in diameter are not permitted on any part of the windshield.
Etches, abrasions, and scratches that distort or block the driver’s view are not permitted in the area right in front of the driver.

Wyoming Windshield crack law

No specific regulations concerning cracks and chips in the windshield other than the following:

No cracks or chips that impair or obstruct the driver’s clear view of the roadway are permitted.
The above regulation leaves it up to the ticketing officer’s discretion as to whether a crack or chip impairs the driver’s view of the roadway and intersecting roadways.

©, 2019 Rick Muscoplat