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According to Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec 80.74, you can be fined for washing a car on the street that you do not own, or for allowing someone other than yourself to wash your car. California is home to some of the most specific laws in the nation, some of which seem to be common sense and others that make you cock your head, squint your eyes, and mutter “what in the…” trying to figure out why the law exists. The common person is completely unaware of most of these nuances until they find themselves facing punishments for violating them. The same is true of common laws governing auto glass. Most consumers assume that the windows on the car they purchased are legal and nothing to worry about. In today’s post, the glass experts at Jet Black Tint and Glass will clue you in on a few laws you need to know about your auto glass.
Federal regulations state that you cannot drive with a windshield crack or chip larger than 3/4 inch in diameter, two cracks within three inches of each other, intersecting cracks, or cracks directly in the driver’s view. What does this mean for you? That if you have several chips, cracks, or dings, you may be legally required to replace your windshield or face some hefty fines. No, the government does not care about the aesthetics of your car, this law is more safety-focused. Windshields that have just one crack are compromised and will buckle easier under the pressure of an auto accident. Science suggests that the more cracks and chips your glass have, the more compromised the integrity of your glass is. Because your windshield is a critical component of your car’s structural foundation when it is significant;y impaired, it will do little to protect you in the event of a crash. The specifics of this law are determined by safety guidance in an effort to keep drivers safe and provide legal repercussions for those not taking road safety seriously.
Drivers are not permitted to drive on California roads with a windshield or rear window that has defects that impair the driver’s vision. This law seems relatively vague and is at the discretion of the driver and the law enforcement officer making the traffic stop. This law, like the one above, is safety-based and seems to be common sense. Regardless of the size or color of the defect — chip, crack, glass distortion or discoloration, etc. — if it requires the driver to look around it, rather than through it, needs to be corrected. This law seems simple enough and easy to correct. Small chips can be filled and windshields can be replaced so that drivers can safely and accurately look through the window.
Federal legislation dictates that all vehicles need to be equipped with windshield wipers to clear snow, rain, or any other moisture from obstructing the windshield. This, like all the preceding laws regarding auto glass, is for your protection and the safety of other drivers on the road. All vehicles must have functioning windshield wipers to be in operation on public roadways. Failure to have them intact and in operating condition may result in fines and traffic tickets. If your windshield wipers aren’t working correctly, it’s a fairly simple and inexpensive fix.
Drivers are not the only ones legally accountable for the condition of vehicle windows and glass. Glass manufacturers, auto manufacturers, and vehicle glass shops are also responsible for adhering to the applicable regulations and laws. This auto glass safety standard is developed and maintained by the Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC). There are a number of car safety standards issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to implement federal laws that pertain to aftermarket repair and replacement of auto glass. Local and state laws also govern what is required by windshield installers, auto insurance carriers, and vehicle owners. Because car windows and windshields are such an important safety and structural component to the vehicle, they are heavily regulated in the United States to enforce safety standards. Here at Jet Black Tint, we are committed to your safety and are compliant with all state and federal laws and industry safety standards. You can rest assured when we replace your windshield, you’re protected.
If you’ve been following us for any length of time, you’re already well aware of all the laws regarding your car’s window tint. Window tint darkness (VLT), reflection, and color are all covered under the law and differ from state to state. For a deep dive into California state window tint law, check out our previous post on the topic. At Jet Black Tint and Glass, our window tint experts know the laws and will help you stay in compliance while getting the look you want for your ride.
At your Bay Area Jet Black Tint and Glass we encounter many car owners who were not aware of the laws that serve to protect them and other drivers. When you partner with any of our Central California teams for auto glass services including windshield repair or replacement and window tint installation, you can rest assured we’ll ensure you’re leaving our shop following all the rules. We are an authorized Pilkington Glass distributor and take all the precautions to ensure the glass we purchase wholesale exceeds industry standards to optimize your protection. For your windshield replacement or auto glass tint services, find the Jet Black Tint nearest you and book your appointment today!