You’ve just fallen victim to a small projectile being flung from the car in front of you that collided with your windscreen and as a result, has left behind a small chip or hairline crack.
Despite being a cautious driver, you now have to make a decision to either fix the damage, replace your windscreen, or simply choose to ignore the issue.
Before you make your decision, here’s what you need to know.
Is it illegal to drive with a cracked windscreen in Australia?
The short answer is no, however this will all depend on certain factors, including the location of the damage, the size of the chip or crack, and it’s severity.
In Western Australia it’s illegal to drive with a cracked windscreen if the location of the crack or chip affects the driver’s ability to see the road, or if it compromises the safety of your vehicle and reduces the overall structural integrity.
Based on the extent of the damage, a windscreen will not pass a safety check inspection if it has two or more of the following defects on the drivers half of the windscreen:
- A hairline crack up to 30mm
- A crack from the edge up to 75mm
- A bullseye crack up to 16mm
Scroll down further to find out what laws apply in your state.
Is it dangerous to drive with a cracked windscreen?
Choosing to ignore the crack on your windscreen is entirely up to you and if you’re not breaking any of the laws mentioned above then your completely in your own right to do so.
But just how dangerous can a non-life threatening crack be if you have chosen to ignore it?
The evolution of the windscreen has come a long way, from what was once offered as an extra in the 1900s, has now become an essential part of the automotive industry.
Windscreens have been designed to protect us from projectiles, rain, hail, and insects, but also to keep us safe in the case of a collision.
Driving with a cracked windscreen not only reduces its ability to keep us safe but also weakens the overall structural integrity of the car. A chipped or cracked windscreen has more chances of shattering upon impact and is less likely to protect you from any objects or major accidents.
To make matters worse, the longer you leave the chip or crack the more chances of the damage spreading to other parts of your windscreen. Even the slightest of bumps, like going over a speed hump at your local supermarket, can cause the cracks to spread beyond the point of repair.
When should I repair my windscreen?
We always recommend getting your cracked or chipped windscreen repaired immediately or inspected by a professional immediately to reduce the chances of the damage spreading, which can result in a more costly fix.
Here are some simple inspection tips that should help you know whether you can repair it or need a windscreen replacement:
- You can measure the bullseye crack using an old CD or DVD. If it fits over the chip then a simple repair will suffice
- If the chip is smaller than a $2 coin and does not impair the driver’s vision
As long as the location, size and severity of the damage is within the boundaries of your state's law, you should always make an effort to have it repaired. The quicker you tend to the damage the more chances you have of being able to repair it.
When should I replace my windscreen?
This answer will vary depending on which state you subside in, as Australian road rules tend to differ between states. Find out what laws apply to you in your state:
Cracked windscreen laws in Western Australia, Northern Territory and New South Wales
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, it is illegal to drive with a cracked windscreen in WA, NT and NSW if the size, severity and location of the damage exceeds any of the following:
- A hairline crack up to 30mm long
- A crack from the edge of the windscreen and up to 75mm long
- A bullseye crack up to 16mm diameter
- Impedes the driver’s vision
If the damage exceeds any of the above limits you will most likely need a windscreen replacement. It’s always a good idea to have your windscreen inspected or repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and costs.
Is your car legal in WA? Find out more information.
Is your car legal in NT? Find out more information.
Is your car legal in NSW? Find out more information.
Cracked windscreen laws in Victoria
If you’re in Victoria, windscreen cracks that either impair the driver’s vision or penetrates more than one layer of glass are considered illegal to drive with. Specific defects that make your car illegal to drive in Victoria include:
- If the windscreen is discoloured, badly scratched, fractured or chipped in an area wiped by the wipers to an extent the car cannot be driven safely.
- Cracks that penetrate the window more than one single layer of glass on a tinted or laminated windscreen.
- One or more bullseye crack that exceeds 16mm in diameter in the area wiped by wipers.
- One or more hairline crack that is over 150mm long in the area wiped by wipers.
It is important to note that even though your windscreen may be within the legal limit, driving with a damaged windscreen weakens your vehicles structural integrity and it’s ability to keep you safe.
Is your car roadworthy in VIC? Find out more information.
Cracked windscreen laws in Queensland
Laws in Queensland are quite similar to those of Victoria in that it’s illegal to drive with a major crack or chip that impedes the driver’s visibility. Specific requirements in Queensland include:
- Areas swept by the windscreen wipers must not be damaged so that it impairs the driver’s vision or damages the wiper blades.
- Damage on the driver’s side of the windscreen within the areas wiped by the wipers must not exceed; bullseye cracks 16mm in diameter, cracks over 150mm long, or any cracks that penetrate more than a single layer of glass.
Is your vehicle roadworthy in QLD? Find out more information.
Cracked windscreen laws in South Australia
Driving with a cracked windscreen is illegal in South Australia if it contains two or more of the defects mentioned in the states above. More specifically, windscreen must not be excessively cracked, chipped or scratched.
Have you checked your vehicle lately? Find out more information.
Cracked windscreen laws in Canberra and Tasmania
Similar to other states in Australia, it is illegal to drive in Canberra and Tasmania with a cracked windscreen that hinders the driver’s visibility. You are most likely to fail a safety check if your vehicle has two or more of the following defects on the driver’s side of the windscreen.
- A hairline crack up to 30mm long
- A crack from the edge of the windscreen and up to 75mm long
- A bullseye crack up to 16mm diameter
- Impedes the driver’s vision
Is your windscreen legal in ACT? Find out more information.
Is your vehicle road legal in TAS? Find out more information.
Stress-less with Dean’s Auto Glass Perth
Prolonging the repair process of a cracked or chipped windscreen can be detrimental to not only the driver and passengers of the vehicle, but also for others on the road. It can also lead to further damage being caused, which may result is a more expensive fix.
Always check with your insurance provider to see what is included in your policy as it may include repairs or a windscreen replacement at no additional costs or at a cheaper price.
Costs may differ depending on the extent of the damage, so it is always a good idea to get a professional opinion. Tackling your windscreen problem as early as possible ensures that you not only reduce all safety risks, but also the cost that comes out of your pocket.
Get a free quote now.