Driving with a cracked windshield is dangerous to the driver and anyone within its reach. In some parts of the world, it is termed “Illegal” and officers are equipped with a right to determine if a car is too risky or “Unsafe” to be on the road. Therefore, can you get pulled over for a cracked windshield?
Yes, you can get pulled over for a cracked windshield if the cracks are too severe and prevent you from seeing the road. It depend on how severe the crack is and the law of the state.
Can You Get Pulled Over for a Cracked Windshield?
Yes, you can get pulled over for a crack windshield depending on how severely cracked the windshield is. An officer is conditioned with the right to detect and eliminate any damage from the road. If the officer finds the crack too severe, he can pull you over for it.
For example, according to the Florida law:
Florida statute section 316.610 (Safety of vehicle; inspection) “In the event the vehicle is found to be in unsafe conditioned or any required part or equipment is not present or is not in proper repair and change, and the continued operation would probably present an unduly hazardous operating condition, the officer may require the vehicle to be immediately repaired or removed from use”.
If your windscreen is cracked to the extent that it is affecting the rate at which you clearly see the road ahead of you, you are likely to be pulled over by police. So it depends on the nature of the crack and how severe it is.
Meanwhile, if it’s just a minor crack caused by a key that fell on the windscreen or something similar, as long as it is not too visible, and not located in a strategic area where it is preventing you from seeing the road very well, you won’t be pulled over for cracked windshield.
Driving a car with a cracked windshield is like driving a car with a nail on your tire. It is very risky depending on the level of the damage. Well, a word they say, is enough for the wise.
Dangers of Cracked Windshield?
The following are the dangers of having a cracked windshield:
1. Your Car Will Become Vulnerable.
Nobody leaves the home hoping to get into any form of accident and neither do we know what will happen in the next few minutes driving, more reasons a car is built with components that are in its little ability able to shield you from extra harm.
Supposedly you got into an accident and you have a cracked windshield, however renders your car vulnerable to a fatal injury.
Windshields aren’t just there for the fun of it, they also act as support to the car roof. Without it, you reduce the ability of the car roof to stay supported, which can be a big issue whenever any form of accident happens.
Aside from causing you accidents, a car with a cracked windshield can add to the effect or impact of an accident on your car and on you who drives the car.
2. You Will Become Exposed
A little hit on a cracked windshield can cause it to crash. Having your windshield break suddenly is deadly to whoever is sitting closer to it.
The glasses are not cautioned or programmed to stick to a spot. They are naturally licensed to fly around. It exposes you to getting hit by fragments of broken glasses.
3. It Can Cause Distraction
A cracked windshield is easy to spot, the eye never misses it.
You might wonder how staring at a windshield will cause an accident. It is simple: if the cracked windshield is located straight opposite your sight; you might be the better “Shaw” with the superb driving skills but even with that, you need to see the road well to exercise your skill properly.
If the sunlight is in your favor, I am glad, but if the sun shines directly on the cracked windshield, all you get is a few seconds of distraction, and Boom!! You have yourself trying to balance the vehicle to fit into the road.
You are likely to affect other drivers and end up getting someone hurt, getting yourself hurt, paying extra fees to fix whatever car you destroyed, an extra fee to explain yourself in court, and many more extra fees you will have to pay just because the sun chooses to shine directly on your cold spot. Don’t risk it.
When Can You Drive With A Cracked Windshield?
You can tour the world with your cracked windshield permitted it doesn’t affect your sight and you don’t get pulled over by the cops.
A windshield though should be treated urgently but when you are too occupied to have it fixed, you can drive freely depending on how large the windshield crack is and how much farther it is from your eye.
What Nature Of Windshield Crack Should You Not Drive With?
There are various references we can use in describing windshield crack, they include:
- Bulls Eye Crack: This is a type of crack caused when a little rock or stone hits the windshield, causing a small circle with other larger scattered circles surrounding it. It can easily be repaired and, once repaired, it cannot leave a trace. It is not as dangerous as every other crack permitted it isn’t positioned directly before the driver’s seat.
- Star Crack: Nothing compared to the bull’s eye crack. This type of crack leaves a star-shaped draw on the windshield with a piece of glass tripped off because of the impact of a sharp rock hitting the windshield. This type of crack isn’t safe to drive about; it has the tendency to spread fast. Therefore, you should have it replaced to avoid getting pulled over by the police or getting a ticket.
- Edge Crack: This type of crack happens so quickly and spreads so fast. It is a lengthy type of crack, drawing a line on the windshield. Driving with this isn’t advisable. A slight pressure can cause it to break completely.
Can You Get Pulled Over for a Cracked Windshield in California?
It is termed “Illegal” to drive with a cracked windshield in California. “It is unlawful to operate any motor vehicle upon a highway when the windshield or rear window is in such a defective condition as to impair the driver’s vision either to the front or to the rear” (California’s vehicle code, section 26790).
You are legally prohibited from driving in California whenever you have a cracked windshield.
Conclusion
Legal or not, a cracked windscreen can disqualify the beauty of your vehicle and also reduce your pride while driving. Having it fixed or replaced is the best way to avoid a law strike such as getting a ticket and to prevent getting yourself harmed or the people around.