Driving With Damaged Auto Glass: 3 Common Questions

For many vehicle owners, windshield and window damage occur at the most inconvenient time possible, which can make scheduling a repair appointment quite challenging. At Only 1 Auto Glass, we understand you’re busy, and sometimes, making time for auto glass repairs immediately after a damaging incident is out of the question.

While we’d never recommend driving for extended periods with damaged auto glass, in some cases, waiting a few days for repairs is the only feasible option. Below, we’ve outlined a few of our most frequently asked questions about driving with broken auto glass to help you stay safe on the road.

Is It Illegal to Drive With a Damaged Windshield?

In Minnesota, it’s not always illegal to drive with a damaged windshield; the extent and location of the damage determine whether or not you can legally drive your vehicle. The law does not specify what size of chip or crack is illegal, but if the glass damage is in your line of sight and you get pulled over, the officer may issue you a ticket. It’s up to the officer to decide whether your damaged glass impedes your vision while driving, so to avoid a ticket, schedule a windshield repair at your earliest convenience.

Is It Dangerous to Drive With a Chipped or Cracked Windshield?

Yes! Your windshield doesn’t just provide protection against wind and insects; it functions as a stop mechanism for your airbags. Imagine if you were involved in a collision in which your airbags deployed — a damaged windshield may not be strong enough to withstand the sudden pressure from the bag deployment. In such an incident, your airbags could deploy outward, through the glass, rather than inward to protect you.

Though a fully intact windshield isn’t a failsafe against improper airbag deployment, it does go a long way in providing additional safety protection. To reduce your risk of suffering serious injuries in the event of a collision, schedule a windshield repair as soon as you possibly can.

Will the Damage Get Worse If I Continue Driving?

In most cases, chips and cracks in your auto glass get worse without prompt attention. Environmental conditions, your driving habits, and where you park can all contribute to furthering the damage, which is why prompt auto glass repair is so critical.

If you’re looking to avoid a full auto glass replacement (which is considerably more expensive than minor repairs), schedule a repair appointment as promptly as you can. If you’re short on time, can’t make it to the shop, or can’t leave the house, mobile auto glass repair may be a more convenient option for you. You get the same level of service and the same quality of repair work; however, the technicians come to you rather than the other way around. 

If your auto glass has chips and cracks, get in touch with our team at Only 1 Auto Glass. We specialize in auto glass repair and replacement for all types of vehicles, and with 15 locations throughout the Twin Cities, we’re just a short drive away from wherever you are. We also perform mobile repairs if you can’t make it to the shop, so give us a call today at 651-789-1111 to request an estimate or schedule your appointment. You can also send us a message, and we’ll get back to you promptly.