Will My Vehicle Pass a MA State Inspection with a Cracked Windshield?
- Aarons AutoGlass
- Sep 10
- 5 min read
Understanding Vehicle Inspection Requirements
Vehicle inspections are an essential part of ensuring that cars on the road are safe and reliable. Each state or region may have its regulations and requirements, so it's crucial to be aware of what is expected in the area where you live. Generally, inspections cover a range of elements including lights, signals, brakes, tires, exhaust systems, and of course, the windshield. The windshield plays a vital role in vehicle safety by providing structural integrity and protection for passengers from external debris and weather conditions. During inspections, examiners check for any defects or damage that could compromise safety, including any issues with the windshield.
Understanding the standards for your area can help you determine whether your vehicle will pass inspection with a cracked windshield. For example, many regions have specific criteria concerning the size, location, and severity of the crack or chip. It's important to familiarize yourself with these guidelines, as inspectors typically focus on how the damage affects the driver's line of sight and overall vehicle safety. In severe cases, extensive damage might require you to repair or replace the windshield before passing inspection. Always check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or inspection authority for precise information related to your state or region's laws.
Regulations in the states that we serve:
Is Driving with a Broken Windshield in MA Illegal?
While the law in Massachusetts can be somewhat vague and defaults to federal regulations set out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the basic rule is clear: anything that is located within the area swept by the windshield wipers, and within the driver's line of sight, thus obstructing their ability to properly read road/highway signs and signals, is prohibited.
This includes anything impairing the ability to clearly view road or highway signs and signals. If your windshield crack falls outside these critical areas, it must also meet certain criteria: it should not intersect with other cracks, must be no larger than ¾ inch in diameter, and should not be within 3 inches of another crack.
Regardless of where your windshield crack is located, if you're due for a safety inspection and need a new sticker soon having a cracked windshield is an automatic fail. Massachusetts Safety Inspections does not allow for vehicles with cracked windshields to pass as they are regarded as visual obstructions. If you have a little or moderate chip in your windshield, you may be able to repair it without replacing the entire glass.
How is a Cracked Windshield a Safety Hazard?
Your vehicle's windshield is a critical safety component, contributing up to 45% structural strength to the roof of your car, and in a rollover, up to 60%. Imagine finding yourself in a rollover accident – the windshield stands as a vital protective barrier, preventing the car roof from caving in and safeguarding you and your loved ones from potentially devastating harm. Windshield damage, no matter how small, can weaken the structural integrity of the windshield, and put you and your passengers at a higher risk for serious injury.
Additionally, a cracked windshield can impair the driver's line of sight, leading to reduced visibility and potentially causing accidents. Even a minor crack or chip can expand and spread unexpectedly, especially when exposed to temperature changes or further physical impact. This can create dangerous situations where the driver cannot adequately see the road, other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles.
Moreover, in the event of a collision, a fully intact windshield helps the airbags deploy correctly and protects passengers by keeping them inside the vehicle. If the windshield is compromised by cracks, it may shatter or pop out during impact, thus rendering these safety features less effective and increasing the likelihood of injuries.
It's also important to mention that a cracked windshield can reflect sunlight or headlight glare into the driver's eyes, causing momentary blindness or discomfort. This can lead to driver distraction and potential accidents.
Recognizing these hazards, many states have strict regulations against driving with a damaged windshield. Ensuring your windshield is in good condition is not just about passing inspections, but ensuring your vehicle remains a safe means of transportation for you and others on the road.
Will my insurance company pay for a Windshield Replacement?
In order to register and operate a vehicle in Massachusetts, you are required to have car insurance. The state does not require drivers to purchase windshield coverage, so it falls under optional coverage. Insurance companies however, are required to offer Massachusetts drivers the option under comprehensive coverage. This includes offering full glass replacement coverage with either a $0 deductible or a $100 deductible.
It’s important to review your policy before an incident occurs, because once it does there is no way to avoid the deductible or out-of-pocket cost. The decision as to whether damage to a windshield is disabling is left to the discretion of the investigating officer. You may be able to simply repair the windshield, at which time a certified auto glass technician would inject a specialized resin into the damage cavity to bind and seal the damage.
The requirements to do so include the following:
The chip or crack is 6 inches or smaller
You have three chips or less
The damage is not in front of a camera or sensor
Windshield repairs in the short term are historically more affordable Since auto glass deductibles can range from $0 to $500 depending on the coverage policy, if your windshield crack falls into the necessary criteria, and you don’t have the appropriate coverage, a rock chip repair might be worth exploring. Since the windshield plays a crucial role in structural integrity it’s important to always use a certified and experienced auto glass repair expert.
Types of Coverage for Windshield Damage.
Full Glass Coverage: Some insurance policies offer full glass coverage, which means your insurer will pay for the repair or replacement of your windshield without requiring you to pay a deductible. This type of coverage may be optional but is very beneficial if you frequently drive in areas prone to debris.
Comprehensive Coverage - In many instances, comprehensive coverage involves a deductible. This means you’ll have to pay a certain amount out of pocket before your insurance kicks in to cover the remaining costs. It's wise to weigh your deductible against the repair or replacement cost to determine if filing a claim is beneficial. It’s important to note that this type of coverage is designed in situations where your vehicle has suffered damage in a non-collision based accident and/or event, which encompasses damage from rocks, hail, vandalism, and other unforeseen situations that could affect your windshield.
Collision Coverage - Collision coverage compensates you for damage to your automobile caused by physical contact with another item, such as another vehicle or property. This is also optional and usually subject to deductibles upwards of $500.
No-Deductible Repairs: Some insurers offer services where certain types of minor windshield repairs can be carried out without you having to pay the deductible, effectively preserving the integrity of your windshield without financial burden.
How Much Time Do I Have to Obtain an Inspection Sticker After Failing?
According to Mass.gov, if your vehicle does not pass inspection, you have 60 days from the date of the initial inspection to repair the issue and successfully pass a re-inspection. More importantly, you are eligible for a free re-inspection within this timeframe, which must be conducted at the same inspection station where the vehicle initially failed.
Can I still Drive my Vehicle After Failing to Pass Inspection?
No, you cannot legally drive your car in Massachusetts if it failed its safety inspection due to a cracked windshield and has a rejection sticker.
State/Federal Motor Vehicle Regulations Sources:
