In short, yes. The reasons why you’ll be pulled over for a damaged windshield are all to do with safety. Road safety is always a significant concern, and law enforcement takes it very seriously. There is no standardization set for whether or not law enforcement will pull you over, which is one reason you should act fast to repair damage as soon as you notice it.
Not only will this help put your mind at ease, but it’ll also help you drive more safely and keep you away from any potential violations which could impact your driver’s license.
What should I look out for?
When you’re deciding whether to hit the road in your car, first take a look at the damage itself, and assess a few key areas to determine if you’ll be able to make the trip safely.
While there isn’t a standardized level of damage that law enforcement will note, using common sense will help you. Take notice of:
- How much of the windshield is damaged?
If you only have a tiny crack to the windshield, this is less likely to get you into trouble than an area of damage exceeding six inches. You may still encounter law enforcement who think you should be pulled over, and even a small crack in the windshield could grow and cause more of a problem – but you will probably be able to repair it without too much hassle.
- Where is the windshield crack positioned?
This is another vital area to look out for. A tiny windshield crack that is right in front of the driver’s seat is still potentially very dangerous. It can obscure your field of vision and leave you unable to see the road ahead, which in turn can cause accidents. Cops will be on the lookout for this kind of damage, and if your view is obscured to this extent, then it is illegal to drive your vehicle, so you should instead find an expert to fix your windshield.
What happens if you are pulled over for a cracked windshield?
If you’re pulled over for this violation, the police officer will carefully assess whether you have violated codes and regulations. If you have, then you’ll generally be expected to repair or place your windshield within the next 48 hours before being able to drive again.
What if I can’t afford a windshield replacement?
We know that repairing or replacing your windshield can be costly, but the longer you leave it, the more trouble – and expense – that crack in the windshield will likely cause you.
A repair is usually more inexpensive than a complete replacement, and smaller cracks can be done quite quickly. When the crack has been left to develop over time, not only are you more likely to violate traffic codes, but you’re also probably looking at a higher cost for replacing the entire windscreen.
Damage to car windscreens isn’t new but instead represents an ongoing and irritating part of being a driver. But to avoid getting a ticket, hefty fees, and points on your driver’s license, we recommend getting the damage fixed as quickly as you can by the best team you can find.
At Apex Mobile Auto Glass Repair & Replacement, we’re your fast track, first-class service for speedy repair or placement of your automotive windshields and glass. Call us up, and we’ll come to you throughout New Orleans and the surrounding area. For a direct quote and 15% off, call (504) 421-1105