Are you allowed to drive in the uk with a cracked windscreen. Driving around with a windscreen chip or crack could constitute use of a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition and this is an offence under section 40 of the road traffic act. Windscreen damage and the mot restricted visibility through a car windscreen is a common reason for a vehicle to fail its mot, around 8% of all mot failures are for this reason. What to do if you get a chip in your windscreen drive like. Sep, 2019 all of these dramatically increase the cost of replacing a car windscreen.
If you leave a crack to worsen it can become contaminated by the elements, this makes the repair job more involved, and may reduce the optical clarity that can be achieved with the repair. The windscreen does more than keep wind, rain, and bugs out of your face and car, they are an important part of the structural integrity of your vehicle. The windshield windscreen is an integral role in a cars support structure. Driving with a chipped windscreen windscreen vision safety. However, if youre unsure what repair work is required for your windscreen, our expert advisers can guide you on the next steps. The windscreen and structural integrity of the vehicle. Thats not the same because youd be paying for fuel if you were still driving your own car, so putting fuel in the rental car isnt an. Autoglass say that a car windscreen chip can turn into a crack at any time, and if this happens when you are driving it could have a serious effect on your safety. Mar 02, 2017 am i driving illegally if i have a cracked windscreen.
If this happens while youre driving, it could seriously compromise your safety. A crack in the windscreen can be a driving offence as a crack can cause obstruction to vision. Driving with a cracked windscreen can be dangerous novus. 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. A cracked windscreen is a common problem for drivers but if it. Driving with a cracked screen for any length of time is really not sensible. Rebecca ashton, iam roadsmart head of driver behaviour, told sun motors. It could obscure your view of the road ahead, which could make accidents more likely. Can you fail your driving test with a cracked windshield. We would like to refer to the importance of windscreen safety and why a cracked windscreen might be a significant danger to your safety inside the vehicle. Yes, its illegal and, depending on where the crack is and how deep the crack is, the police can pick you up for having a windscreen thats defective. However, technically the placement of the chip in your windscreen affects whether your car is considered roadworthy. The mot windscreen test includes all items affecting the drivers view of the road. Jan 02, 2015 but what are the safety implications of a cracked windscreen.
Windscreen laws in the uk it can be considered as a motoring offence to drive with a damaged windscreen. In some places, you may even get a serious fine for driving with windscreen damage if the police pull you over. At most dmvs the standard procedure involves the examiner checking out the roadworthiness of the vehicle youre going to use before any testing is to take place. What are the dangers of driving with a cracked windscreen.
They can tell you about your policy entitlement and any costs, and tell you how your windscreen can be fixed or replaced. Driving with a cracked windscreen can be considered a motoring offence. Driving with a cracked windscreen in the uk is a complicated issue but depending on the size and location of the chip, you may be able to repair it and continue driving legally. Driving around with a windscreen chip or crack could constitute use of a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition and this is an offence under section 40 of the road. The highway code states that windscreens and windows must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision. Uk windscreen specialist autoglass has posted a video with more information, defining an additional area zone b swept by the drivers windscreen wipers, where repairs up to 1. The maximum damage size is 10mm in the drivers line of vision a vertical strip 290mm wide centred on the steering wheel. 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.
When dealing with cracks, we recommend having your windscreen replaced at the next available opportunity otherwise you could be at risk while. Jun 11, 2019 you might not even get the opportunity to take your driving test. Is it legal to drive with a cracked windscreen in the uk. Almost half 43% dont realise driving with a cracked windscreen could be considered an offence by a road traffic officer. The highway code is essential reading for everyone. According to autoglass 1, our vehicle glass repair and replacement supplier, a car windscreen chip could turn into a crack at any time. Windscreen crack repair glass crack repair autoglass uk. The guy reassured me that it would be fine to travel at motorway speeds. Size one of the main considerations is the size of the chip or crack. If youre wondering whether or not the chip in your windscreen is worth worrying about, or if you can get away with this weeks commute after a windscreen mishap, make sure you read on to find out the rules and risks of driving with a cracked windscreen.
Before you get a price to repair your cracked windscreen, do consider this. Drivers unaware of dangers of driving with cracked. It could constitute use of a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition. Chips or cracks in the windscreen directly in front of the driver. Ignoring chips or cracks in your windscreen could cost you up to. So, first of all, how do windscreens actually crack. Suffering a cracked windscreen is a commonplace occurrence which many motorists will have experienced but is it legal to drive with a cracked windscreen in the uk. Driving around with a cracked windshield is never a good idea be it for a long, or even short. Satnavs in the windscreen, furry dice, air fresheners or trinkets hanging from the mirror are not allowed.
The first question that usually crosses a lot of peoples minds after damaging their windshields is can i drive with a cracked windshield. A single rock is all it takes to chip or crack that windshield. A cracked windscreen can obscure driver view if a motorist is stopped, it could result in a fixed penalty of three points on their licence and a fine. Your car will fail its mot if the chip or crack is wider than 10mm and in the drivers direct line of vision thats a 300mm wide vertical strip in front of the driver. Unfortunately cracked windscreens cant be repaired. One of the most common causes of windscreen cracks is ignored or unnoticed chips.
All in all, you shouldnt drive at all with a crack in your windscreen even if you think the crack is small, it can make your whole car unroadworthy. Dangers of driving with a cracked windshield glass. Mar 14, 2018 driving with a cracked windshield is it safe. Your car can fail the mot if a wiper blade is insecure, missing, or in such a condition that it doesnt clear the windscreen effectively to give you an adequate view of the road through the windscreen to the left and right sides of the vehicle, as well as to the front. Windscreen crack repair depending on the size of the damage, we strongly recommend getting a windscreen replacement if youve noticed a crack but if youre worried about a cracked windscreen and are looking for guidance, we can be contacted around the clock, every day of the year. Cracked windscreen on rental car fair to pay for it. However, you could be breaking the law and be levied with a substantial fine if stopped by the police. Some common questions you should ask when driving with a cracked windscreen. Windscreens are tough, but theyre still one of the most fragile parts of your car.
New research reveals a worrying lack of awareness among uk drivers about the dangers of driving with a cracked or incorrectly fitted windscreen. This doesnt mean its safe to drive with a cracked windshield. This is how long you can drive with a cracked windshield. As a general rule, if you have any cracks or even chips in your windscreen that are bigger than 10mm and are in the azone which is a 290mm area directly in front of the driver, your car will fail its mot. The answer is yes, but it will depend on a few key factors. Windshields are held in place with strong urethane adhesives, which prevent. Your windscreen has a big job to do protecting you and your family, it needs to be looked after too. Noticing a crack in your windscreen is incredibly frustrating, but while it might appear relatively small to begin with, it has the potential to spread considerably, which can be incredibly dangerous. Mot windscreens rules and regulations autoglass uk. Worn wipers, dirty windscreens or no washer fluid are reasons for failure but cracks and windscreen chips are also a common cause. Drivers unaware of dangers of driving with cracked windscreen. When a crack happens it is best to start seeking out a reputable auto glass company sooner rather than later. Being able to see clearly is vital to safe driving, a cracked or. When i moaned this was a long time as i need the car to take my disabled husband to a hospital appointment tomorrow i was told it was safe and legal to drive a.
Mot test of windscreen visibility what is checked mot. It is illegal to drive with a smashed windscreen, or one with a major crack. Aug 18, 2009 while driving today something hit my windscreen and caused it to crack,my insurance company put me in touch with autoglass who cannot replace my windscreen until sometime on thursday. Hail poses a particular danger for car owners as it can shatter windshields, backlites and other windows. Vision depending on the extent of the damage, a cracked windscreen can impair your view of traffic and other hazards. Cracked windscreen law is designed to keep everyone safe, so in looking up the law regarding your cracked windscreen you are doing the right thing. Another consideration is that driving with a cracked windscreen can be considered driving a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition and that can be a motoring offence. Repairing the auto glass will also ensure that you keep your original factoryinstalled glass. Spring in west chester, pennsylvania means unpredictable weather and severe storms. You may be tempted to carry on about your business if the car youre driving suffers a chip or crack to the windscreen. If youre driving with a cracked windscreen and you have an accident, you could be charged with a more serious driving offence. Reduced strength going over a speed bump too fast, for example, could cause just a small crack to grow, leaving you with a structurally unsound windscreen.
Firstly the safety of driving with a cracked windscreen windshield. Chip you can drive with a small chip in the glass, as long as it doesnt obscure the view directly in front of you. What to do if your windscreen breaks while driving the. Jun 02, 2016 having new, clean windscreen wiper blades is another way to help make sure that your screen is clean and clear, and reduce the dazzling effect of the suns rays. Can you drive your car even if it has a chip in the windscreen. Under section 40 of the road traffic act, driving a motor vehicle with a crack or chip in the windscreen constitutes as driving a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition. Windscreen repair cost a look at your options and prices. Find out more about the law and the risks of driving with a cracked windscreen. Under the highway code, drivers should have a full view of the road ahead. If stopped, you could be fined and receive 3 penalty points on your license for driving a car in a dangerous condition.
The risks faced when driving with cracked windscreen in. If the crack is large long, then chances are good that your state actually has laws against driving in this situation. You must not use a vehicle with excessively dark tinting applied to the windscreen, or to the glass in any front window to either side of the driver. Feb 29, 2016 in any case, if you continue driving with cracked windscreen in bedford it could prompt the roof collapsing or the casing tumbling down on the travellers of the vehicle bringing on additional damage that would not have been created if a windscreen was appropriately altered and fitted. Is it illegal to drive with a cracked or chipped windscreen. When mine cracked similarly the windscreen place told me that modern windscreens are absolutely safe when cracked as theyre laminated, and to just carry. One of the most important considerations is the size of the crack or chip. There are actually several reasons why it is illegal to drive with a cracked or smashed windscreen, starting with the crack potentially obscuring your vision. Millions of drivers admit to car windscreen damage despite the risk. In practice, the annual test will check that items placed in or stuck to the windscreen or surface damage, cracks or discolouration in the windscreen do not seriously obscure the vision of the driver. A cracked windscreen is a common problem for drivers but if. Cracked windscreens can happen very easily and if youre in the car every day, the consequences can be severe. Remember, driving with a cracked windscreen can be dangerous, so you shouldnt risk driving if you do, you could be prosecuted. All it takes is a stray bit of gravel to cause a crack.