Is it Legal to Drive with a Cracked Windscreen in the UK?
Reading time 4 minutes • Last updated on August 1st, 2024
Categories Driving Law »
Is it Legal to Drive with a Cracked Windscreen in the UK?
Reading time 4 minutes • Last updated on August 1st, 2024
Categories Driving Law »
Last updated on August 1st, 2024What does this mean?
Suffering a cracked windscreen is a commonplace occurrence which many motorists will have experienced but is it legal to drive with a cracked windscreen in the UK?
Table of Contents:
In certain cases, driving with a cracked windscreen is illegal.
This is because it can be classed as a motoring offence, as certain windscreen cracks will leave your vehicle in a dangerous condition.
The Highway Code says that drivers should always have a full and clear view of the road ahead, and that the glass should be kept in good condition. A cracked windscreen can impact both these points, obscuring the driver’s view and leaving the windscreen in a compromised state.
If you’re stopped by the police due to having a cracked windscreen that is deemed to be dangerous, you will likely face three penalty points on your licence and a fine.
Plus, if you have an accident while driving with a cracked windscreen, you may face more severe charges.
Yes, your car is likely to fail an MOT if it has a cracked windscreen. This is particularly the case if the crack is directly in the driver’s line of vision and exceeds 10mm in diameter.
And, if any damage has occurred in the windscreen’s A-zone, then it is almost always an instant MOT failure. The A-zone is the most important area of your car’s windscreen. It is the area that sits directly in the driver’s line of sight and is 290mm wide.
As for other areas of the windscreen, damage that exceeds 40mm in diameter is also likely to result in an MOT fail. Therefore, it’s always worth getting any windscreen damage fixed as soon as possible to ensure your vehicle does not fail its MOT.
Cracked windscreens can occur for a variety of reasons, but debris such as stones or loose chippings hitting the glass at high speeds is the most common cause.
Other reasons for a cracked windscreen could include sudden temperature changes, pressure on the glass, vibrations from driving, poor installation and much more.
Here at The Windscreen Company, our friendly windscreen technicians offer a professional repairs and replacement service that will restore your windscreen glass to the best condition and keep you, your passengers and other road users safe. To find out more, simply contact our team today.
If you ignore a windscreen crack, it is likely that the damage will worsen.
Even small areas of damage within the accepted dimensions can rapidly deteriorate and should always be addressed as soon as possible.
A cracked windscreen means that the glass is less likely to withstand the considerable pressures caused by driving at high speeds and in extreme weather conditions. For example, a small crack in winter when it is cold can quickly expand if the driver uses their in-car heating system.
If your vehicle has suffered from a cracked windscreen, you should seek professional support as soon as possible. You should not ignore or delay the repairs for a more convenient time as this will put the safety of you, your passengers and other road users at risk.
Instead, you should obtain immediate professional advice and be prepared for a full windscreen replacement as a matter of urgency.
Your windscreen plays an essential role in protecting you and your passengers from danger, such as stones and loose chippings entering the vehicle at high speeds. Plus, it helps the car retain its strength and stability.
And in an emergency situation where the airbag needs to be deployed, a cracked windscreen may cause it to burst out through the glass rather than protect the vehicle’s inhabitants.
With all this considered, it’s clear to see why cracked windscreens should be dealt with in a prompt, urgent manner.
Our friendly team at The Windscreen Company are professionals in delivering windscreen repair and windscreen replacement services. If you’d like more details on whether it is legal to drive with a cracked windscreen or information on any other of our services, speak to us today by calling 0800 998 1068.
All information was collected from independent sources and was correct at the time of writing.
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.
The information within this article was accurate on the date the article was last updated based on the information that was openly available on the topic online. The Windscreen Company accepts no liability for any loss or damage caused by or connected with any error or omission in this article. You should make your own judgement in regards to use of this document and seek professional advice on your particular circumstances.
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