How A Damaged Windshield Can Cause Your Car To Fail A Vehicle Inspection

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Your windshield does more than keep bugs from hitting your face while driving at high speeds. It also plays a vital role in your safety. If windshield damage is discovered during a vehicle inspection, you will need to have the windshield replaced or fixed; otherwise, you might fail the inspection and be unable to drive your car. By understanding what vehicle inspections are, and what kind of damage can be a red flag, you will be motivated to fix the problem as soon as possible to avoid potential fines and more expensive repairs.

What Are State Vehicle Inspections?

You may not have heard of mandatory state vehicle inspections before, since not every state has them. Each state has different requirements, with many focusing on just emissions testing, but others also do safety inspections. If you are in a state that has safety requirements, a cracked windshield could lead to failing the inspection.

Even if your state does not have mandatory inspections, a police officer can still do an informal inspection of your vehicle when you are pulled over. A cracked windshield can be a reason to write you a ticket, requiring you to get it fixed and have the windshield inspected again to verify the repair.

What Kind Of Damage Will Cause A Car To Fail An Inspection?

Sometimes a small crack is not enough to cause your car to fail a vehicle inspection, but the size and location are a big factor. A big red flag is if the damage obstructs your vision while you are driving. In California, this can lead to a ticket up to $100 and a requirement to fix the damage. Failing to correct the damage, it can lead to a $1000 fine and a 6 month jail sentence.

Texas has different laws, where windshield damage is acceptable, but only if it does not interfere with your car's windshield wipers or visibility of a registration sticker. Virginia has stricter safety standards, with clearly defined definitions of what qualifies as windshield damage with minimum requirements for crack sizes. The state also requires annual inspections, with a sticker identifying if your car has passed.

The easiest way to avoid all the hassle is to have your windshield replaced or repaired at the first sign of damage. Contact an auto glass company in your area for a price quote on how much it will cost to fix the damage. When damage is small, it will be cheaper to repair and you will avoid paying a large fine. 

Talk to experts like A.O.K Auto Body & Glass for more information.

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