Windshield Laws in Maryland
Auto repair

Windshield Laws in Maryland

09.11.2022 /

Licensed drivers know they have a duty to follow the rules of the road when driving on Maryland roads. In addition to the rules of the road that all motorists must follow, there are also specific rules regarding the windshield of your car or truck. The following are the Maryland windshield laws that drivers must comply with in order to legally drive on the roads.

windshield requirements

  • All vehicles on the roadway are required to have windshields if they were originally equipped with one from the manufacturer.

  • Windshield wipers are required on all vehicles and should keep rain and other forms of moisture off the windshield.

  • All windshields must be made of safety glass, i.e. glass that is made or treated with materials that significantly reduce the chance of the glass shattering or breaking in the event of an impact or crash.

Obstacles

  • No driver may drive a vehicle with signs, posters, or other opaque materials on the windshield.

  • Required decals are permitted in lower corners within a seven-inch area, provided they do not obscure the driver's view of the roadway or crossing roadways.

  • Do not hang or hang any objects from the rear view mirror.

Window tinting

  • Non-reflective tint can be applied to the top five inches of the windshield.

  • All other window shades must let in more than 35% of the light.

  • No vehicle may have a red tint on the windows.

  • Every tinted glass must have a sticker stating that the tint is within legal limits pasted between the glass and the film.

  • If the rear window is tinted, the car must have side mirrors on both sides.

Cracks and chips

Maryland law does not specify the allowable size of cracks and chips. However, large cracks, as well as those that are in the form of stars or webs, can be considered an obstacle to a clear view of the driver. Typically, the ticket clerk decides if the area of ​​damage is dangerous due to the fact that it blocks the driver's line of sight.

  • Federal regulations state that cracks that do not intersect with another crack are acceptable.

  • Federal regulations also state that chips smaller than ¾ inch are acceptable as long as they are not three inches or less from another area of ​​damage.

Violations

Maryland requires vehicle inspection, which means all vehicles must meet the above rules in order to be registered. However, failure to comply with Maryland windshield laws can result in a $70 to $150 fine if the problem caused the accident. In addition, these violations may also result in a one-point penalty that is added to your license, or a three-point penalty if the violation resulted in an accident.

If you need to inspect your windshield or your wipers aren't working properly, a certified technician like one of AvtoTachki can help you get back on the road safely and quickly so you're driving within the law.

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