Can you drive with a crack in your windscreen? What the Highway Code and police say

Resumen detallado

It's something you don't want to happen while you're on the road - but what actually happens if you're caught?

No matter how good you are at driving, some issues are just unavoidable. And one that you really don't want to happen while you're on the road is getting a crack in your windscreen.

Go over one too many bumps and that crack could get a lot worse, making it potentially more difficult and more expensive to repair. But if you need to get somewhere, can the police legallt stop you for driving with a cracked windscreen? And when does it actually become a problem?

It's not always clear if driving with a cracked windshield is illegal or not, because it all depends on the placement of the crack. Under UK law, including the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Road Vehicles [Construction and Use] Regulations 1986, drivers must have a clear, unobstructed view of the road ahead.

Driving with damage that impairs vision or weakens the glass can be treated as using a vehicle in a 'dangerous condition'.

The Highway Code also states that drivers should always have a full and clear view of the road ahead, and that the glass should be kept in good condition. Since a cracked windscreen affects both of these points, it could land you in hot water if you're stopped by the police, or if you get into a car accident.

According to the experts at Kwik Fit, if the police believe your windscreen damage makes your car unsafe, you could be stopped and penalised.

Again, it depends on where the crack is located. 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 or distracts you, it needs to be fixed immediately, is the bottom line.

A cracked windscreen may also likely result in an immediate MOT failure too. The rules for this don't apply to the spot on the windscreen you look through when driving - the condition of the screen, as a whole, is vital.

Inicio del artículo, extracto de Daily Express. Para leer el resto, abra el artículo en el sitio del medio.