Is It Illegal To Drive With A Cracked Windshield In California?

Let’s be real—most of us don’t notice a tiny crack on the windshield until it becomes a huge problem. And when we finally do? It’s usually when we’re rushing to class, work, or a weekend trip, staring at that spiderweb crack and wondering, “Wait, can I even drive like this? Is this illegal?”

Well, if you’re in California and you’re dealing with a cracked windshield, here’s the ultimate breakdown on what’s legal, what’s not, and what you seriously need to fix before you get pulled over.

So, Is It Actually Illegal To Drive With A Cracked Windshield In California?

Short answer: Yes—but there’s a bit of nuance.

According to California Vehicle Code Section 26710, it is unlawful to operate any vehicle with a windshield that is in a damaged condition that impairs the driver’s view. So yeah, that crack you’ve been ignoring? If it’s in your line of sight, it’s technically illegal.

The law isn’t just about how your car looks—it’s all about safety. Cracks, chips, and starbursts can mess with your visibility, especially when the sun hits just right or you’re driving at night. If law enforcement sees a crack that might impact your view, you could get pulled over and ticketed. Not fun.

What Kind of Windshield Damage is Considered “Illegal”?

Here’s where things get specific. In California, you can technically have some damage as long as:

It’s not in your primary viewing area (the middle of the driver’s field of vision).
It’s not larger than a dollar bill.
It doesn’t have sharp edges that could break off or cause injury.
It doesn’t impair visibility or structural integrity of the windshield.

If your crack is spreading, near the edge, or creating glare, it’s a problem. And don’t even think about passing a smog check or vehicle inspection with a huge crack in the windshield—won’t happen.

What Happens If You Get Caught Driving With a Cracked Windshield?

If a cop spots your cracked windshield and decides it’s unsafe, here’s what could go down:

Fix-It Ticket (Citation) – You’ll likely get a “correctable violation,” which means you have to fix the issue and show proof.
Fine – If you ignore the citation, you could be looking at fines between $25 and $197, depending on the situation.
Safety Risk – A cracked windshield weakens the structure of your car. In a crash, your airbags might not deploy properly, and the glass can shatter more easily.

What If You’re Involved in an Accident?

Here’s the scary part: if you get into an accident and it turns out your visibility was compromised because of that crack—you could be held partially at fault. Insurance companies will ask questions. And if you’re found negligent for not fixing your windshield, you could end up paying out-of-pocket even if the accident wasn’t totally your fault.

Can You Get Your Windshield Repaired or Replaced for Free in California?

Here’s the tea: California doesn’t have a “zero deductible” windshield replacement law like some other states. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, your cracked windshield is likely covered. Depending on your deductible, the repair or replacement might even be free or low-cost. Some policies cover full glass repair without raising your rates—worth checking with your provider.

Also, some auto glass shops (like GlassFixit, wink) offer affordable, same-day windshield repair services even if insurance isn’t involved.

Also Read: Will Insurance Cover A Cracked Windshield?

When Should You Repair vs Replace?

Crack size, depth, location—these matter.

Repair is possible when:

The chip is smaller than a quarter.
It’s not in the driver’s direct line of sight.
It hasn’t reached the edges of the windshield.

Replacement is needed when:

The crack is longer than 6 inches.
There are multiple cracks or chips.
It’s affecting your view while driving.

Pro tip: the sooner you act, the more likely you can save money with a simple repair instead of a full replacement. Waiting = worse cracks = more cash.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Sleep on Windshield Cracks

Driving with a cracked windshield in California can be illegal if it blocks your view or makes your car unsafe. It’s not just about avoiding tickets—it’s about protecting yourself, your passengers, and other drivers. So yeah, it might seem like “just a crack,” but if it spreads or gets in the way, it’s game over for your visibility (and your wallet).

If you’re in the Bay Area and need fast, affordable, and expert windshield repair or replacement, hit up GlassFixit. We’ve got your back—and your windshield.

📍 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