Is it Legal to Drive with a Cracked Windshield? | Can I Get a Ticket?

You got a chip in your windshield on the way home, now you aren’t sure if you can continue to drive or if you should take it into the shop. Find out your answer here!

Can you drive with a cracked windshield? Is it illegal?

Close-up image of a shattered piece of glass with a spiderweb pattern of cracks radiating from the center, set against a dark background. | Can you drive with a cracked windshield?

The answer relies on your state, the location of the chip, and the size of your windshield chip.

In Minnesota, the exact size of an illegal windshield chip is not specified, but the crack or chip cannot be in the driver's line of site. It is up to the officer's discretion if a chip is in the line of site, so it is best to have the chip repaired as soon as possible to avoid getting a ticket.

Along with the fact that it might not be legal, it is not safe. So although it may not always be illegal to drive with a windshield crack in Minnesota, it is not smart.

How dangerous is it to drive with a cracked windshield?

Windshields are one of the most important safety features in your car. If you were to get in an accident and your windshield was already compromised at the time of impact, it could be a huge risk for you and any passengers.

There is also the possibility that poor weather conditions or additional wear and tear worsen the chip. A small chip can turn into a large spider crack in a matter of seconds which will definitely impair your vision. It is better to fix it while you have flexibility than at a time where you have no choice.

What if I do not have time to get my windshield fixed?

A smiling technician from Auto Glass eXpress as he replaces a car windshield. He is holding a large sheet of glass in his gloved hands, positioning it to fit into the frame of a dark-colored vehicle. The technician is wearing a grey shirt and black gloves, working efficiently and carefully. In the background, a white company van with the Auto Glass eXpress logo and contact information is parked, indicating the mobile service. The scene takes place outdoors, with trees and buildings visible in the background, highlighting the professional and convenient service provided by Auto Glass eXpress.

Looking at the positives in the situation, this is why mobile auto glass experts exist. Here at Auto Glass Express we will even take care of the insurance claim for you. So if you have a chip in your windshield, you can call and have it taken care of for you from whatever location is convenient without the hassle.  

If you absolutely cannot get it fixed before your next drive, consider other options. Is there another car you can take until it gets fixed? Can you reschedule your appointments? Can you take the bus?

Try to reduce the amount of time in your car as much as possible until you can have the auto glass repaired.

What is the first step after my auto glass gets chipped?

After your auto glass gets chipped, you should pull over to the next safe location. Check out the damage to your car and make sure that it would be safe to drive to your intended destination.

Then, when you arrive at your destination, call your local auto glass experts to help you handle the situation and get it fixed right away.

For more information on what to do next, check out this article.

Keep in mind that although it is easy to panic, most people do not have to pay a dime out of pocket for new auto glass if they have insurance. If you do not have insurance, a local auto glass company will usually work with you to find an affordable option.

Can I repair the windshield chip at home?

There are windshield repair kits that you can buy so that you can repair the chip at home. The problem is that insurance companies don’t cover these kits and they are hard to install. So to be sure that you have the safest ride possible and do not make the windshield even worse, it is best to leave it to the professionals.

If you are still considering repairing the chip at home, check out this article. 

Overall, for safety, it is best to get your windshield or auto glass chip fixed as soon as possible. Just give your local auto glass company a call and they will take it from there.