Laws and regulations for obstructed windshields, cracked windshields, and windshield replacements are different for every state. Cracked windshield laws in Maryland prohibit driving vehicles in case the view of the road is obstructed.
Can I drive with a cracked windshield in Maryland?
Maryland laws make no specific mention of windshield cracks. However, laws require drivers to never operate vehicles with obstructed view of the road. No stickers or other objects may be attached to car windshields which prevent clear view of the road.
Other laws and regulations:
- Obstructed windshield regulations: No sign, poster, or other non-transparent material allowed on windshield except those required by law, which must be in bottom corner in a 7-inch area. Rear-view mirror may not have any items hung on it.
- Replacement windshields: Replacement windshield glass must be of the same kind and quality. Any repairs done to windows should restore vehicle to its original state.
- Windshield wipers: Vehicles must be equipped with windshield wipers in good working conditions. This means cracks which prevent wipers from operating correctly may be illegal.
Federal cracked windshield regulations
Federal regulations require drivers to always have a clear vision of the road. Cracks or chips on windshields that are smaller than ¾-inch in diameter are permitted, but only if they are not located within 3″ of another crack or chip.
Any cracks, chips, or other damage which can potentially obstruct clear view of the road must not be within critical vision area. This critical vision area is defined as area directly above the steering wheel, two inches from the top and one inch from sides of windshield.
