Did you know, one of the most universally experienced problems by car owners is having their windshields cracked? It can be caused by many things, including but not limited to potholes, falling trees, and rocks! Despite the potential for this to be a very annoying problem, it is much more a serious safety and legal issue, as a cracked windshield can lead to more problems. That being said, it is a must to be familiar with the rules and regulations in Pennsylvania about cracked windshields so that you can come out safer on the road and more compliant with the law.

Continue reading below for a walk you through the whole process as our pros share with you practical knowledge to keep your vehicle in excellent condition.

The First Priority Is Safety: Why a Working Windshield Is So Important

Your windshield is the main part of your car that keeps you safe. In addition to providing structural support, it helps keep you from the wind and debris and plays a major role in the functioning of the airbag system. This might be compromised by a cracked windshield, making it no longer safe to drive. In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to drive with a windshield that is damaged and that hinders your vision. To make sure that every vehicle on the highway is safe and in good condition, the state has set up certain requirements that all cars must comply with.

Pennsylvania Laws Regarding Windshield Cracks and Damage

Pennsylvania law does not allow drivers to drive a vehicle whose windshield has a crack or chip right in the middle of the driver’s line of sight, and that virtually obscures the driver’s vision. In practice, this implies that inspection failures and traffic citations can be imposed for any damage in this area. Cracks on the passenger side are considered by most to be less important and therefore may not lead to fines or an inspection fail, but should still be cautioned and treated as soon as possible to avoid getting worse.

There are also regulations regarding the condition of your windshield set by Pennsylvania covering the following:

• Every motor vehicle must be equipped with a safety glass windshield that is in working condition.
• Cracks or chips with glass edges that are not covered are not permitted.
• The front windshield cannot have opaque materials or posters.
• The front windshield can not have window tint.
• Windshield wipers must work effectively by taking the rain, snow, and other debris off the windshield.

Noncompliance with these regulations can lead to a traffic ticket or a failed state inspection. It is advisable to handle any windshield repairs as soon as possible so that you can avoid legal troubles and stay safe on the road.

Is a Cracked Windshield Going to Pass Inspection in Pennsylvania?

The size of the crack in the windshield is variables to consider in Pennsylvania for whether or not the vehicle will pass inspection. Any crack in the line of the driver’s sight that obstructs the vision will cause the inspection to fail. The state does not set a certain crack length that is acceptable, instead the inspector or policeman has the authority to conclude if the crack is a visual obstruction. Federal law states that if the cracks are more than ¾” in diameter, then they are very likely to fail the inspection, which means that even severe passenger-side cracks can lead to inspection failures.

In addition to the windshield, Pennsylvania requires that drivers have at least two of the following auto glass windows in working condition and free of cracks:

• The rear windshield
• The passenger side view mirror
• The driver’s side view mirror

These regulations are designed to protect the safety of the driver and other road users. Our experts recommend addressing any windshield damage promptly to ensure your vehicle meets these safety standards.

Factors Determining If Your Windshield Will Pass Inspection

When inspecting your vehicle, an inspector will consider several factors to determine if your cracked windshield will pass. These factors include:

• Location: Cracks that obstruct the driver’s vision will typically not pass inspection. Edge cracks may also fail inspection if they threaten the structural bond of your windshield.
• Size: In the event that small chips are located on the driver’s line of sight but do not obstruct the driver’s view, they have the possibility of passing the inspection. On the other hand, large cracks that block the vision or are safety hazards will not get through inspection.
• Structural Integrity: A scenario in which the deep cracks are already producing fragments of the windshield or impacting the frame will lead to a failed inspection.

You won’t be able to get a valid inspection sticker if your vehicle fails its inspection due to windshield damage. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may have the following options:

• Limit of Repair: A small crack or chip at the surface can be easily treated with resin injection. However, it is advisable to let a trained technician do it so that you won’t have to worry about it at inspection.
• Windshield Replacement: Usually, a heavily cracked windshield that cannot pass inspection will need to be replaced. You can ask a nearby auto glass shop about the situation to decide whether you need a windshield replacement or a repair.

Prevention of Windshield Inspection Problems

Chips and cracks are going to have to be removed soon in order not to avoid problems during the windshield inspections. If you put off fixing a chip or a crack in your windshield, it is very likely that it will grow and cause more damage to the windshield. Scheduling regular maintenance and periodic inspections is very effective in discovering small issues before they develop into major ones.

Our pros here at our repair shop provide professional treatment of all-around auto glass repair and replacement services that can keep your vehicle safe and fit for the road. We know how important a good windshield is, and we make it our mission to perform top-quality repairs that are right the first time. If you need a simple chip repair or a full windshield replacement; our team has the expertise and tools to get the job done efficiently and effectively!

Trust the Experts at Maclane’s Automotive

We at Maclane’s Automotive in Malvern, PA, are the professionals you should rely on for any kind of windshield repair or replacement. As a family-operated repair shop that concentrates on quality, customer relationships, and your road safety, our expert technicians have worked with us for decades. It is our mission to provide Malvern, PA, with the finest car repair services available. A cracked windshield shouldn’t affect your safety or cause your vehicle to fail an inspection! Call us today at (610) 590-9974 to make an appointment and get your car in top-notch condition.