California, known for its stringent traffic laws, has specific regulations concerning cracked windshields. The state’s Vehicle Code Section 26710 explicitly prohibits driving with a damaged windshield that impairs the driver’s vision. This law applies to both front and rear windshields and is aimed at ensuring road safety.
The Law in Detail
According to California’s Vehicle Code Section 26710, it is illegal to operate any vehicle with a windshield or rear window in such a defective condition that it impairs the driver’s vision either to the front or rear. This law is comprehensive, covering all motor vehicles on public roads, including trucks, buses, and even antique vehicles exempted only if they were originally sold or registered without a windshield.
Enforcement and Penalties
If a police officer identifies a vehicle with a cracked windshield, the driver is directed to repair or replace the windshield within 48 hours. Failure to comply can lead to an arrest and a requirement to provide evidence in court of the windshield being fixed. The law’s application is broad, affecting both private and public motor vehicles.