Is It Illegal to Drive With a Cracked Windshield in Texas?

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Written and Reviewed by Angel Reyes

Published on February 2025

Managing Partner at Angel Reyes & Associates
Over 30 Years of Experience in Personal Injury
Graduated From the University of Michigan Law School: Juris Doctor

Photo of a Cracked Windshield

Your car’s windshield should allow you an unobstructed view of the road ahead. When it becomes cracked, you may be wondering about the legalities of driving with a cracked windshield in Texas. Is not fixing a cracked windshield legal in Texas or do you need an immediate windshield replacement to abide by Texas cracked windshield law? 

Since windshield cracks can compromise a vehicle’s safety as well as your safety, it’s important to know what to do. You’ll also want to follow the law on what to do about windshield cracks. At Angel Reyes & Associates, we provide 5-star representation to personal injury victims in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin. In this blog post, we discuss federal and state laws and when you should get a windshield replacement. 

Texas Windshield Laws and Regulations

While Texas law does not specifically mention cracked or damaged windshields as explicitly illegal, it does prohibit obstructions that hinder drivers’ views on roadways. A cracked windshield in the driver’s line of sight may be deemed an obstruction of their view, which could result in fines. 

Additionally, since Texas law requires that critical areas such as the windshield provide clear visibility, you may face fines for having issues with your windshield wipers. This part of your vehicle is instrumental in keeping the view clear. If the windshield wipers are damaged or malfunctioning, they can impact your ability to drive safely. 

Obstruction to Driver’s View Fines

Issues with the windshield are a safety hazard. While a minor crack on the passenger side may not block the driver’s view, when a crack obstructs their line of sight, they can expect a traffic ticket if they encounter a police officer. 

Texas law also requires that structural integrity be sound, and if you have major damage to your windshield in Texas, the Texas Department of Public Safety requires you repair or replace it immediately. 

Some officers may issue you a stern warning while others will issue a ticket. Obstructed views can range in fines, and the best way to avoid them is to take care of windshield cracks quickly.

Vehicle Inspection Requirements

Annual vehicle inspections in Texas are conducted to keep vehicles safe. The inspector may not take issue with a small crack or chip if it isn’t in front of the driver’s seat. 

Failed vehicle inspections will mean you must plan on making repairs and get your vehicle re-inspected afterward. You will need to visit a dealership or an auto glass replacement expert before you are permitted to drive as per the laws in Texas. 

Vehicle Inspection for Cracked Windshields and Damaged Windshield Wipers

It is important to note that a cracked windshield can result in a failed vehicle inspection, even if the cracked part of the glass is not obstructing your view. During the inspection, they will check to make sure you have not attached stickers in places that would obstruct your view. While you are allowed to have stickers behind rearview mirrors, having them elsewhere would cause an issue. 

Damage will be checked as well, and if it is too severe, you’ll have a failed inspection. Since these inspections take place annually, it is best to inspect your auto glass regularly for cracks and have any damage repaired immediately. 

Safety Concerns and Cracked Windshields

A cracked windshield can pose significant safety risks, such as impaired visibility while driving and compromised structural integrity during accidents. If you have cracks in the glass of your windshield, it can make your vehicle’s roof more vulnerable. Intact windshields can support at least 50% of the roof’s strength in the event of a rollover accident. 

Additionally, a damaged windshield may also compromise proper airbag deployment, which can lead to serious injury or death in a car accident. There is also the matter of cracks in the auto glass making it harder to see other vehicles. This could result in a car crash and the laws in the state could mean that you are held liable for the collision. 

Insurance Coverage and Cracked Windshields

If you have a cracked windshield, you should contact your car insurance company to find out if replacement glass is covered. Comprehensive auto coverage usually includes glass repairs or replacements due to cracks or damage from accidents, vandalism, or weather conditions such as hailstones. Your policy may also offer windshield repair or replacement from road debris or other types of hazards. 

Whether insurance covers it or not, it can be dangerous to drive with a cracked windshield. You should have it fixed to protect yourself and your loved ones when you’re on the road. 

Federal Regulations and Windshield Maintenance

Texas might not have specific legislation that prohibits driving your car with a crack in the windshield. However, on the federal level, small cracks that are less than 3/4 of an inch are not an issue. It is when the cracks are larger in diameter than this size and located on the driver’s side of the windshield that it is considered a major issue for your car.

You should have it replaced promptly, and also make sure to take care of your windshield wipers to ensure public safety on roadways. Federal regulations also require that the wipers work properly and help a driver see clearly when there is precipitation. By following federal requirements and local laws for removing obstructions, you can prevent accidents by ensuring driving safety. 

Repairing or Replacing a Cracked Windshield

Repairing or replacing a cracked windshield benefits you because it can save you time and money while ensuring your safety. By taking care of your car, you’ll be less likely to get into an accident. 

Any driver who has an obscured view of the road and becomes involved in an accident may be blamed. The reasoning is that they were negligent in maintaining their vehicle, which could have contributed to the crash. 

Minor issues like windshield cracks should be fixed promptly as they will cost less to repair than severe damage. Ignoring it can also mean that a driver fails inspections and needs to pay an additional fine. Before driving with broken glass, you should get an estimate from an auto glass shop or call your insurance company to find out if they can cover these repairs.

What to Do Next

If you have a cracked windshield, it’s essential to take action to ensure safety and protect your legal rights. In the event of a collision with severe injuries, you will wind up with hefty medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses. You don’t want to be blamed if your windshield had some minor damage to it. 

What if the other driver had a crack in their windshield? They may bear more liability for the crash than you. Since Texas is an at-fault state with modified comparative negligence, you may be blamed for an accident if you have issues with your windshield. Many victims in crashes are offered a low settlement or denied one completely because of simple things like windshield cracks. 

No matter what has happened, it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer to find out more about your legal options. You can schedule a free initial consultation with Angel Reyes & Associates to learn more.

If you have been injured in a car accident, you need an experienced car accident lawyer specialist to protect your rights against insurance companies dedicated to minimizing your claim and compensation!

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