Michigan Cracked Windshield Laws

Michigan cracked winshield usage is governed by the state's Code. All relevant laws, rules and regulations pertaining to cracked windshields and windows in Michigan are provided below. Make sure to examine the regulations carefully and repair your window cracks or replace cracked windows.

Obstructed windshields, cracked windshields, windshield replacement and other laws and regulations are different for every state. Cracked windshield laws in Michigan prohibit driving vehicles where driver’s view of the road is obstructed.

Can I drive with a cracked windshield in Michigan?

Michigan laws do not explicitly mention windshield cracks. Despite this, laws mention that drivers are not permitted to operate vehicles while having obstructed view of the road. Any stickers or other objects which prevent clear view of the road may not be attached to car windshields.

Other laws and regulations:

  • Obstructed windshield regulations: No sign, poster, or other non-transparent material allowed on windshield unless required by law. Required stickers must be placed in lower corners and must not interfere or obstruct driver’s view of the road.
  • Replacement windshields: Replacement windshield glass must be of the same kind and quality, and any repairs should restore vehicle to its original state.
  • Windshield wipers: Vehicles must be equipped with windshield wipers in good working conditions. As such, cracks preventing wipers from operating correctly may be illegal.

Federal cracked windshield regulations

Federal regulations require drivers to have a clear vision of the road. Windshield cracks or chips smaller than ¾-inch in diameter are permitted if they are not located within 3″ of another crack.

Any cracks or chips or other damage which can potentially obstruct clear view of the road must not be within critical vision area, defined as area directly above the steering wheel, two inches from the top and one inch from sides.

Our information about Michigan cracked windshield laws was last updated in 2023 and checked in 2024. In case any info we provided is not up to date or correct be sure to contact us so we can revise it. Thank you!

We always advise checking with your local law enforcement or other relevant agencies. Michigan cracked window laws or windshield obstruction regulations in certain cities or counties may be different from state legislation. While we do our very best to advise whether it is legal to drive with cracked windshield, we can not be held liable for any potentially incorrect or misinterpreted info. Very often it is up to individual police officers to determine if your clear view of the road is obstructed.

Cracked windshield law references:

Michigan Vehicle Code, Chapter 257 - Motor Vehicles

State of Michigan Info

Michigan is a state in the Great Lakes region of the Midwestern United States. It's the 9th most populous of the 50 United States, with the 11th most extensive total area. Its capital is Lansing, and the largest city is Detroit. Michigan is the only state to consist of two peninsulas, connected by the Mackinac Bridge. While sparsely populated, the Upper Peninsula is economically important due to its status as a tourist destination as well as its abundance of natural resources.

Capital: Lansing

Population: 9,883,360

Area: 96,716 sq mi (250,493 km2)

Cities ▼

Cities in Michigan: Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, Flint, Dearborn, Troy, Muskegon, Holland, Bay City, Novi, Livonia, Royal Oak, Sterling Heights, Farmington Hills, Traverse City, Southfield, Battle Creek, Saginaw, Warren, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Ypsilanti, Frankenmuth, East Lansing, Midland, Rochester Hills, Marquette, Petoskey, Westland, Bloomfield Hills, Grand Haven, Port Huron, Benton Harbor, Jackson, Birmingham, Saugatuck, New Era, Plymouth, South Haven, Ferndale, Northville, Madison Heights, Wyoming, Rochester, Iron Mountain, Hell, Roseville, Taylor

Counties ▼

Counties in Michigan: Alcona, Alger, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Baraga, Barry, Bay, Benzie, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Clare, Clinton, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Eaton, Emmet, Genesee, Gladwin, Gogebic, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Houghton, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Iosco, Iron, Isabella, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Kent, Keweenaw, Lake, Lapeer, Leelanau, Lenawee, Livingston, Luce, Mackinac, Macomb, Manistee, Marquette, Mason, Mecosta, Menominee, Midland, Missaukee, Monroe, Montcalm, Montmorency, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Oceana, Ogemaw, Ontonagon, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Ottawa, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, St. Clair, St. Joseph, Sanilac, Schoolcraft, Shiawassee, Tuscola, Van Buren, Washentaw, Wayne County, Wexford County

Wikipedia

State website



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