A damaged windscreen can spell disaster for any vehicle, but sometimes drivers may be tempted to ignore the problem.
Our vehicles are often integral to our day-to-day lives, helping us get to work, embark on the school run and make our daily tasks and chores easier. With this in mind, people often neglect small chips because, after all, they can’t do that much damage, right?
In truth, even small chips can soon become extremely dangerous if not properly addressed, and in some cases, you may even be breaking the law.
In this article, The Windscreen Company team will take a look at whether you can legally drive with a chipped windscreen and the consequences of not getting damage promptly repaired.
Yes, in some cases it is illegal to drive with a chipped windscreen. However, this will depend on the severity of the chip and its location on the windscreen.
The windscreen is split into different zones, with Zone A the most important. This is a 290mm section of the glass on the driver’s side and any damage in this area can obscure their view of the road ahead.
The Highway Code states that all drivers must have a ‘full view of the road ahead’ and glass ‘should be maintained in a good condition’. If a chip is in Zone A and you are stopped by the police, it may be deemed that the vehicle is in a dangerous condition, making it illegal to drive. In these instances, you could face up to three points on your licence and a fine. If you’re involved in an accident with a chipped windscreen that is considered dangerous, the consequences could be even more severe.
Different types of chips tend to impact the windscreen glass differently. Check out our previous blog on the subject for a full breakdown of the different types of chips.
Yes, there are several instances where a chipped windscreen will be an instant MOT fail. If the chip is 40mm or larger, it will fail an MOT no matter what part of the windscreen it is located.
However, if the damage has occurred in the crucial Zone A area, damage as small as 10mm will result in an MOT failure. If your car has failed an MOT, it is considered unroadworthy and you must arrange for immediate repairs. On top of the MOT cost, this urgent work may be more costly than getting the damage addressed in the first place.
You should organise windscreen repairs as soon as you have noticed a chip has occurred.
Ignoring the problem can cause it to get worse, expanding into an area that impacts your view of the road or turning into a crack that makes the vehicle dangerous to drive. Arranging windscreen repairs for small chips is also often cheaper than bigger, more severe damage that may require a full windscreen replacement.
At The Windscreen Company, we understand that any downtime from your vehicle can be costly and inconvenient. This is why we offer leading mobile windscreen repairs and replacements that will head directly to your location to carry out the work. We strive to be as quick as possible to get you moving again in no time.
Operating across the West Midlands and South East, get in touch with our expert team today to get a free quote.
The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.
The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.
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