CA DMV Windshield Laws

What are California laws?

California has specific laws regarding windshield visibility and tinting for vehicles.

Are there tint restrictions?

Yes, California restricts the level of tint allowed on windshields and front windows for safety reasons.

How to pass driving tests?

Ensure your windshield is clear, free of cracks, and complies with state regulations to pass the driving test.

What about windshield wipers?

Windshield wipers must be functional and in good condition for safe driving.

Windshield Regulations

Essential guidelines for California DMV and driving tests regarding windshield laws.

DMV and CA information

The following is from California’s Vehicle Code (VC) Section 26710: Defective Windshields and Rear Windows: Defective Windshields and Rear Windows 26710. 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 rear. In the event any windshield or rear window fails to comply with this code the officer making the inspection shall direct the driver to make the windshield and rear window conform to the requirements of this code within 48 hours. The officer may also arrest the driver and give him notice to appear and further require the driver or the owner of the vehicle to produce in court satisfactory evidence that the windshield or rear window has been made to conform to the requirements of this code. Though the law doesn’t specify what constitutes “impaired driver’s vision”, in California driving a car with a cracked windshield will almost guaranteed get you a ticket if you’re pulled over.

Windshield repair or replace?

Depending on the extent of the damage on your car’s windshield you may be able to repair it, or otherwise completely replace it. If your windshield is cracked directly in front of the driver’s line of sight some shops may decline repairing it, since even then it can obstruct your vision and cause safety concerns. If your windshield is too damaged you may have to replace it completely, which can cost a few hundred dollars.

Cracked windshield safety concerns

Do note that impaired vision is not the only reason why you should repair or replace your broken or damaged car windshield.

An undamaged windshield is stronger and in case of an accident can prevent further injuries. In a rollover wreck, the strength of the windshield/sealant system is designed to keep the roof from crushing more than 5 inches when there is a force of approx 1-1/2 times the weight of the vehicle on the roof. In a front end collision at approximately 30mph, the windshield/sealant system is designed to keep at least 50% of the glass sealed to the car which could keep occupants from being ejected.

While you can drive with a cracked windshield and may avoid a ticket from police, it’s certainly not advisable as having a cracked windshield is not only dangerous, but in California it is also illegal.

Sources: California VC Division 12 (Equipment of Vehicles) Chapter 4 (Windshields and Mirrors), Section 26710: Defective Windshields and Rear Windows California Cracked Windshield Laws: Is driving with a cracked windshield legal in California?

Visit the California DMV website for detailed information on windshield laws and regulations.

Where to find more information?

California DMV windshield laws, primarily found in Vehicle Code 26710, prohibit driving with a windshield that impairs the driver's vision, requiring repairs for cracks, chips, or other damage that obstructs the view. It's also illegal to have any object or material on the windshield that blocks the driver's clear view, though transparent, non-reflective materials are permitted at the top of the windshield if they meet specific size and placement requirements.

Requirements for Windshields

• No obstruction: A windshield cannot have any objects or materials applied to it that obstruct or reduce the driver's clear view.

• No vision impairment: A cracked or damaged windshield that impairs the driver's vision to the front or rear is illegal.

• Adequate equipment: Every vehicle must have an adequate windshield unless it was not required at the time of sale or registration.

Prohibited Objects and Materials

• Obstructive materials: Driving with any object or material on your windshield that obstructs or reduces your clear vision is a violation of the law.

• Obstructive snow or ice: Obstructing the driver's vision with snow or ice is also a violation.

Allowed Applications (with restrictions)

• Top of windshield: Transparent, non-red or non-amber material is allowed at the topmost portion of the windshield under strict conditions.

• Clear and transparent: Other transparent, clear, and colorless materials may be applied to the windshield if they meet federal safety standards and allow 88% or more visible light transmittance.

Medical Exemptions

• Doctor's note: You can get a medical exemption from the DMV by providing a signed statement from a licensed doctor detailing the medical condition that requires darker window tinting.

• Specific conditions: Common qualifying conditions include lupus, skin cancer, and albinism.

• Windshield limitations: Even with an exemption, only clear, colorless, and transparent materials are permitted on the windshield.

Penalties for Violations

• Citation: A traffic stop for a damaged windshield or improper window tint often results in a citation and a "fix-it ticket" to address the issue.

• Fines: Failure to comply with the order to repair the windshield can result in fines.

• Infractions: Repeated violations can lead to higher fines and could be charged as an infraction.