Can You Drive With A Cracked Windscreen?

A cracked windscreen is one of those problems that can turn a perfectly normal journey into a stressful one. One minute you’re driving along, the next there’s a sharp little ping, and suddenly you’re staring at a chip that definitely wasn’t there before.

The big question is: can you keep driving with it?

The honest answer is that it depends. A tiny chip away from your line of vision might not stop you from driving straight away, but a crack or chip that affects your view of the road can quickly become a safety issue, a legal issue, and therefore an MOT issue. In some cases, driving with a damaged windscreen could lead to a fixed penalty, three points on your licence, or even a fine if your vehicle is judged to be in a dangerous condition.

Below, we cover what the rules say on cracked windscreens and when it’s time to get that damage looked at.

Why is a cracked windscreen a problem?

Modern windscreens aren’t like a normal pane of glass. They’re usually laminated, which means they’re made with layers of glass and a plastic interlayer designed to prevent shattering. That’s good news, but it doesn’t mean the damage is harmless.

The real problem is visibility. A chip or crack in your windscreen can distort your view, reflect light in odd ways, make glare worse, and draw your eye away from the road. That’s especially true at night, in low winter sun, or when it’s raining, and your wipers are passing over the damaged area. A crack can also spread suddenly, turning a small annoyance into a much bigger problem while you’re out on the road.

What’s more, your windscreen is part of your car’s structure. It helps support the roof and can play a role in how airbags deploy. So, while visibility is usually the first concern, a badly damaged windscreen can affect more than just what you can see.

What does the law say?

In legal terms, what matters is whether the damage affects your ability to see the road clearly and drive safely.

The Highway Code says windscreens and windows must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision. That doesn’t just mean dirt, stickers, or badly placed phone holders. It can also apply to cracks, chips, scratches, heavy smearing, and anything else that gets in the way of a clear view.

If the police believe your windscreen damage makes your car unsafe, you could be stopped and penalised. That may mean points on your licence, a fine, or being told to get the defect fixed. If you were involved in an accident and your windscreen damage was found to have contributed, the consequences could be more serious.

In short, if the crack is in your eyeline, spreading, or making it harder to see clearly, don’t ignore it.

Will a cracked windscreen fail an MOT?

Yes, a cracked windscreen can fail an MOT.

During an MOT, the windscreen is checked as part of the vehicle’s visibility inspection. The MOT inspection manual refers to “Zone A,” which is the area directly in front of the driver. Damage in this area is treated more strictly because it’s where your view matters most. As a general guide, your car can fail its MOT if there’s:

• Damage more than 10mm across in Zone A.
• Damage more than 40mm across in the rest of the windscreen area swept by the wipers.
• Damage that significantly affects the driver’s view of the road.

That last point is important as, again, size isn’t the only thing that matters. A small chip in the wrong place can be more serious than a bigger mark tucked away at the edge of the screen. Likewise, a repair can still fail if it’s not transparent and restricts your view.

So, even if your MOT isn’t due for months, it’s worth treating windscreen damage seriously now rather than waiting until test day.

How do windscreen chips and cracks happen?

Most cracks start as chips. Usually, it’s a stone or a bit of road debris flicked up by another vehicle. Sometimes it’s a sudden temperature change, a pothole, a heavy door slam, or a combination of small stresses that finally push the glass too far.

Once the chip is there, everyday driving can make it worse. Vibrations, bumps, frost, heat, and pressure from your wipers can all encourage a chip to spread. 

What should you do if your windscreen is chipped?

If you chip your windscreen, the best thing to do is get it checked while it’s still small. 

Small chips are often much easier, quicker, and cheaper to repair than cracks. A repair usually involves cleaning the damaged area and injecting a clear resin into the chip to strengthen it and improve its appearance. 

There are a few things you can do straight away:

• Try not to press on the damaged area.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes, like blasting a frozen windscreen with very hot air or water.
• Keep the area clean and dry if you can.
• Book an inspection with a windscreen specialist as soon as possible.
• Check your insurance policy, as windscreen repairs may be covered separately.

Can you drive if the windscreen crack is on the passenger side?

Damage on the passenger side may be less likely to affect your direct view, but it can still be within the area swept by the wipers, it can still spread, and it can still create glare or distortion. If the crack is large, growing, or distracting, it needs attention.

Also, remember that the MOT rules don’t only apply to the exact spot you look through. The condition of the windscreen as a whole matters, especially where the wipers clear the glass.

Keep your windscreen like-new 

Don’t ignore the warning signs. If you’ve spotted a chip or crack, get it checked by a windscreen specialist. 

While Kwik Fit doesn’t currently offer windscreen repair or replacement, we can help with many of the other things that keep your car safe and roadworthy, including MOT tests, servicing, brakes, tyres, and windscreen wiper replacement.

And if your car’s due for a wider safety check, MOT, service, or replacement wipers, your local Kwik Fit centre can help keep the rest of your vehicle ready for the road.