ADAS Calibration After Windshield Replacement in California – Why It Matters

If you’ve ever replaced a windshield in California, you may have heard your repair shop mention something called ADAS calibration. It might sound technical, but it’s actually a critical step to make sure your vehicle’s safety systems keep working the way they’re supposed to.

Let us understand what ADAS calibration is, why it’s necessary after a windshield replacement, what California law says about it, and what you should expect from your repair shop.

What is ADAS Calibration?

ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These are the safety features in your car that help prevent accidents—things like:

• Lane departure warning
  
  
• Adaptive cruise control
  
  
• Automatic emergency braking
  
  
• Collision avoidance systems
  
  

Most of these systems rely on cameras and sensors mounted on or around your windshield. When you replace the glass, even a small shift in the angle of that camera can cause the system to give false readings or stop working altogether.

That’s where ADAS calibration comes in. Calibration resets or realigns those cameras and sensors so they function just as the manufacturer intended.

You can read more about how ADAS systems work in this AAA Foundation report on vehicle technology.

Why Calibration is Essential After Windshield Replacement

Even if your new windshield looks perfectly installed, the camera behind it may not be aligned correctly. A misalignment of just a few millimeters can throw off lane-keeping assistance or cause your emergency braking system to fail when you need it most.

For example, let’s say your forward-facing camera is off by one degree. At highway speeds, that could mean your lane departure system “sees” your lane markings in the wrong place—leading to late or no warnings.

This is why most car manufacturers (OEMs) require ADAS calibration after a windshield replacement. It’s not optional if you want your safety features to keep you safe.

For a deeper dive, see NHTSA’s overview of advanced driver assistance technologies.

California Laws and Regulations You Should Know

California doesn’t have a law that says “you must recalibrate your ADAS after a windshield replacement.” However, the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) requires repair shops to follow OEM procedures.

Since OEMs mandate calibration after glass replacement, skipping this step would be considered a violation of trade standards under California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Section 3365.

Other California requirements you should know:

• Shops must tell you if your glass is OEM or aftermarket.
  
  
• They must disclose the safe drive-away time (the adhesive curing period before it’s safe to drive).
  
  
• If calibration is required, they must either perform it or sublet it and provide you with the documentation.
  
  

You can find details directly from the California Bureau of Automotive Repair.

Types of Calibration: Static vs. Dynamic

There are two main types of ADAS calibration, and some vehicles may even require both:

• Static Calibration: Done inside a controlled environment using special targets and equipment to align the cameras.
  
  
• Dynamic Calibration: Requires driving the vehicle under specific conditions (clear lane markings, certain speeds, proper weather).
  
  

Which type your car needs depends on your manufacturer’s guidelines. For example, some Toyota and Honda models require dynamic calibration, while many German luxury vehicles need static calibration.

Cost of ADAS Calibration in California

The price of calibration in California usually ranges between $300 and $600. Luxury vehicles or EVs with multiple sensors can cost more.

If you’re filing an insurance claim, comprehensive coverage often includes calibration when it’s part of a covered glass replacement. You’ll usually just pay your deductible.

You can read more about insurance and ADAS costs from the Insurance Information Institute.

What to Expect from a California Repair Shop

If you’re getting a windshield replacement in California, here’s what a trustworthy shop should provide:

1. Estimate & Disclosures

   • OEM vs. aftermarket glass clearly stated
     
     
   • Drive-away time explained
     
     

2. OEM Procedure Reference

   • Proof they followed your car’s exact manufacturer instructions
     
     

3. Calibration Report

   • A printout or digital report showing the system was calibrated and passed all checks
     
     

4. Pre- and Post-Scans

   • Reports confirming what faults existed before and after the repair
     
     

At GlassFixit, we follow OEM standards, and we provide a full calibration report so you know your safety systems are working correctly before you get back on the road.

Final Thoughts

Driving around California with a brand-new windshield but an uncalibrated ADAS system can be risky. It might look like the job is done, but if your cameras and sensors aren’t reset, your safety features could fail when you need them most.

That’s why ADAS calibration isn’t just a technical detail—it’s a critical safety step.

If you’re in California and need a windshield replacement with proper ADAS calibration, GlassFixit has you covered. Our certified technicians follow OEM standards, provide documentation, and ensure your car leaves our shop safe to drive.

📍 Locations:

San Jose Office: 3851 Charter Park Drive, Suite L, San Jose CA 95136

Santa Clara Office: 1250 Norman Ave, Santa Clara CA 95054

📞 Phone: +1 408-564-0419

🕒 Hours: Monday to Friday- 8am to 5pm | Saturday & Sunday- Closed