If you’re preparing for a vehicle inspection, you might be wondering – can a car pass inspection with cracked windshield? This is a frequently asked question for drivers with chips or cracks from items being kicked up on the road, thermal changes, or accidents.
The positive news is that damage by itself doesn’t constitute an automatic failure. Damage may indicate a safety concern. So let’s go through what inspectors are looking for regarding damaged windshield, what is acceptable, and what you can do while onboard to mitigate what may be identified by the inspector.
Can a Car Pass Inspection with Cracked Windshield? Here’s the Truth
In many cases, a car can pass inspection with cracked windshield, but not always. It does depend on the extent of the crack, where it is located, and what the inspection laws are in your state.
In general, federal guidelines will allow a car to pass an inspection as long as the crack is small (less than ¾ inch) and doesn’t continue to spread, and it is not located in your area of direct line of sight. But many states are stricter. For example, if the windshield has a chip in the location where the driver looks most of the time, or if there is a crack that extends into the area that is covered by the windshield wipers, you will likely fail inspection.
Here are a few of the things an inspector typically checks:
Inspection Factor |
What it Means |
| Size of crack | A small chip may likely pass, but a longer or spreading crack typically will Fail |
| Location on windshield | Cracks in your viewing area are a dismissal even if they are small |
| Wipers or sweeping area | If the crack disrupts moving wipers or seams structurally disconnect, then it could fail. |
| Inspections rules in your state | Some states have stricter rules than others that describes how to address windshield damage. |
| Risk factor and or safety | Anything that literally makes the windshields structurally weaker could also be grounds for failure. |
With all that said, a car with a cracked windshield can pass its inspection, but it really depends on how small the damage is, and where that crack takes place.
Can I Pass Car Inspection with a Cracked Windshield?
If you’re asking, can I pass car inspection with a cracked windshield, here’s the honest answer — maybe.
you have a small crack and it’s off to the side, say, a rock chip, then you enhance your chances of still passing. Many inspectors will only fail a vehicle if the crack is in the driver’s line of sight or if it is large enough to compromise the strength of the glass.
If the crack breaches the driver’s field of view or expands, it’s likely that you will not pass inspection. Also, each state has laws that differ from one another, therefore something that may or may not be legal in one state, could be different in a different state.
Can You Pass a Car Inspection with a Cracked Windshield? — Next Steps
Still wondering can you pass a car inspection with a cracked windshield? Here are some quick tips to improve your chances:
- The size of the crack – Small chips may be acceptable, but in general, any crack longer than the specific length is not.
- The location of the crack – If it is in front of the driver, this would most likely ensure an automatic fail in most states.
- Check the depth of the crack – If the crack goes through the outer layer of the windshield and is in front of the driver, that raises a question of safety and will most likely cause a failure.
- Inspection requirements for your state – Every state has its own inspection requirements and regulation, check your state laws prior to your inspection.
Is it helpful to get a second opinion on your windshield inspection?
Yes! But it is probably not very practical. A small harmless crack can spread very quickly, especially in hot and cold conditions. It can also obstruct your view, or refract sunlight as it passes through the crack. In some places, an officer can even issue you a ticket for driving with damage like that.
You might be thinking to yourself, “How bad is it? Or more importantly, can my car pass inspection with a cracked windshield?” I recommend you have it repaired! Because, fixing a minor problem now is the least expensive versus replacing a whole windshield.
What if you have found the cracked windshield and have an upcoming inspection?
If you have found the cracked windshield and have an upcoming inspection and you thought can your car pass inspection with a cracked windshield
Then I would suggest the following:
1. Check the damage – if a small crack does not go through your line of sight, you will probably be fine.
2. Repair it as soon as possible – Repairs for minor trouble are usually simple and inexpensive. To find the best automobile ac repair, read this article.
Look up your state’s requirements. Knowing what is acceptable and not acceptable to meet inspection in your state will be helpful, too.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, a car with a cracked windshield might pass inspection — but often won’t. It depends on how bad the crack is and what your state requires.
If you’ve been asking, “Can you pass car inspection with a cracked windshield?” or “Can I pass a car inspection with a cracked windshield?”It is best to repair the cracked windshield before your appointment anyway. It will save you time and stress and help avoid failing inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1. I have a crack on the windscreen, will I pass my inspection if it is on the side of the windscreen?
Yes, usually if it is small and not blocking the view on the driver side, then usually you will pass your inspection.
2. I have a crack on the windscreen, will I pass my inspection if it is on the wiper side of the windscreen?
Most likely you will not pass inspection, this is due to being in the location that wiper blades clear, this will equal obstruction of view for the inspection then will be a new inspection.
3. I have a crack on the windscreen, will I pass inspection if I have state laws?
Likely, it will really depend on the local state law you live in, and will depend on how bad the crack may be blocking your view of the road.
4. If I wait to get the windscreen repaired prior to inspection will I still get past inspection if there is a crack in the windscreen?
Yes! Getting it repaired will help, it will potentially also help not have it come back or potentially have further issues and/or damages.
5. If I get a replacement windscreen for my upcoming inspection will I pass my inspection?
If the replacement windscreen does not have any cracks and is not blocking view then you will pass inspection.
