The windshield is considered a very important safety element of the car. That is why, at the Periodic Technical Inspection, for example, if there is a problem with this front window, the car does not get the right to drive. So, are you allowed to drive with a cracked windshield?
There are many reasons that can lead to a cracked or broken windshield. For example, a pebble thrown by another car can crack this windshield.
In such a situation, according to the Highway Code updated in 2024, can you still drive the vehicle?
Are you allowed to drive with a cracked windshield?
The windshield is considered a very important safety component of the car. That is why, both in the ITP tests and on the road, the authorities are attentive to this aspect.
It is forbidden to stick, for example, objects, posters or films that block the driver’s visibility to the windshield.
The same situation is if you have a broken windshield. Because, if you no longer have optimal visibility through that area, you will not pass the periodic technical inspection.
But if it’s just a small crack or a spot where the glass has bounced, that doesn’t obstruct visibility and is in an area around the edge of the windshield, then it’s not a problem.
So, you are allowed to drive with a cracked windshield if this crack does not affect the driver’s visibility in any way.
But, if the damage is obvious and you are stopped by a police officer for control, you can be fined.
What happens if you have a cracked windshield and are stopped by the Police?
A cracked windshield can be the result of a car accident or an inadvertent incident at home. The fact is that, regardless of the situation, when the front window has suffered a major damage, it must be replaced.
If, for example, you accidentally dropped an object on the windshield, this incident should be reported to the police. Or, if the car has CASCO, at the insurance company.
According to the law, you cannot replace the windshield without having proof of repair from the Police or the insurance company.
„It constitutes a misdemeanor and is sanctioned with 2 or 3 fine points (…) the failure of the owner or the user of the motor vehicle to request the document verifying the damage caused to it in circumstances other than following a traffic accident“, the law states.
In the event of a minor accident, which resulted in a cracked windshield, drivers have 24 hours to report the incident to the Police or the insurance company. Otherwise, they will be fined up to 825 lei and their license will be suspended for 30 days.
If it is an incident that occurred in other circumstances, its non-declaration is sanctioned with a fine between 330 and 495 lei.
After obtaining the repair permit, drivers have up to one month to replace the broken windshield.
Source: www.promotor.ro
