Driving with a cracked windscreen is a common occurrence on UK roads. However, many drivers are not aware of the legal requirements regarding cracked windscreens. In this article, we will explore the legal implications of driving with a cracked windscreen in the UK.
Legal Requirements
In the UK, there are legal requirements for windscreens and other vehicle glass. The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 state that “The glass in a motor vehicle shall be maintained in such condition that it does not obscure the vision of the driver while the vehicle is being driven on a road.” This means that any damage to the windscreen or other vehicle glass must not obstruct the driver’s view of the road.
Furthermore, the regulations also state that “A driver shall not drive a motor vehicle on a road if he is in such a position that he cannot have proper control of the vehicle or have a full view of the road and traffic ahead.” This means that if the damage to the windscreen is causing the driver to have an obstructed view of the road, they could be prosecuted for dangerous driving.
Penalties for Driving with a Cracked Windscreen
If you are caught driving with a cracked windscreen that is obstructing your view of the road, you could face penalties under the Road Traffic Act 1988. The Act states that it is an offence to drive a vehicle that is in a dangerous condition. If the police consider that the condition of your windscreen is dangerous, they could issue you with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or even take you to court.
The FPN carries a penalty of three points on your driving licence and a fine of up to £2,500. If the case goes to court, the maximum penalty for driving with a dangerous windscreen is a fine of £5,000, nine points on your driving licence, and even disqualification from driving.
It is worth noting that the severity of the penalty will depend on the extent of the damage to the windscreen. If the damage is minor and does not affect the driver’s view of the road, the police may only issue a warning.
Insurance Implications
Driving with a cracked windscreen could also affect your insurance. Most insurance policies will cover the cost of repairing or replacing a windscreen, but there may be conditions attached. For example, some policies may only cover windscreen damage if it is caused by an accident, while others may require you to pay an excess.
If you make a claim for windscreen damage, your insurance premium may also be affected. Some insurance companies may consider windscreen damage to be a reflection of the driver’s behaviour and therefore may increase the premium accordingly.
Prevention
To avoid penalties for driving with a cracked windscreen, it is essential to prevent windscreen damage in the first place. Here are some tips to help prevent windscreen damage:
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles – This will reduce the risk of stones and other debris hitting your windscreen.
- Avoid driving behind lorries and buses – These vehicles often kick up stones and other debris that can damage your windscreen.
- Park your car in a safe place – If possible, park your car in a garage or covered area to protect it from the elements.
- Repair any chips or cracks as soon as possible – Small chips and cracks can quickly turn into larger cracks that obstruct your view of the road.
- Replace old wiper blades – Old wiper blades can scratch the windscreen, making it more susceptible to damage.
Conclusion
Driving with a cracked windscreen is not only dangerous but also illegal in the UK. If the crack is obstructing your view of the road, you could face penalties under the Road Traffic Act 1988. The severity of the penalty will depend on the extent of the damage and could include a fine of up to £5,000 and even disqualification from driving.
To avoid penalties, it is essential to take preventive measures such as keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, avoiding driving behind lorries and buses, parking your car in a safe place, repairing any chips or cracks as soon as possible, and replacing old wiper blades. Doing so can help keep you safe on the roads and avoid penalties for driving with a cracked windscreen.