What should you do if your windshield cracks while driving?
Reviewed by the Skyview Auto Glass technical team — NWRD-, ASE- and DINITROL-trained technicians · Updated November 2026
Quick answer
Stay calm, ease off the accelerator, and pull over safely when you can. Do not slam the brakes. Once stopped, check whether the crack blocks your view, photograph the damage, and decide whether it is safe to drive on. A small chip away from your line of sight is usually drivable; a spreading crack is not.
What to do when the windshield cracks while driving
Keep both hands on the wheel and work through these in order.
- 1
Stay calm and ease off
Do not slam the brakes. Ease off the accelerator and keep the car steady while you look for a safe place to pull over.
- 2
Pull over safely
Move to the shoulder or a parking lot, signal your intent, and come to a smooth stop. Turn on the hazard lights if you are near traffic.
- 3
Check your view
Look through the glass and decide whether the crack blocks your line of sight. A chip in a corner is different from a long crack across the driver’s side.
- 4
Photograph the damage
Take clear photos of the crack from inside and out, including where it starts and ends, for the insurer and the glass shop.
Do not keep driving if the view is blocked
If the crack crosses your line of sight, the glass is shattering, or the damage reaches the edge, do not keep driving. Call for a tow or a mobile glass service. A windshield that is actively spreading can fail under stress. See our guide on a cracked windshield breaking while driving.
When it is safe to drive on
- A small chip away from the driver’s direct line of sight.
- A short crack that is not spreading and does not reach the edge.
- Damage you can cover with clear tape to keep moisture and dirt out.
- When the drive to a safe stop or a glass shop is short and slow.
More questions about a crack while driving
Is it safe to keep driving after a rock hits the windshield?
Often yes, if the damage is a small chip away from your line of sight and not spreading. Cover it with clear tape and drive to a safe stop. If the glass is cracking across your view, pull over. See our guide on a rock hitting the windshield.
What if the windshield shatters while driving?
The laminated windshield stays in one piece even when cracked, so a full shatter while driving is rare. If the glass does give way, ease off, do not slam the brakes, and pull over as soon as it is safe. Call for a tow rather than driving on.
Should I cover the crack with tape?
Clear tape over a fresh chip keeps moisture and dirt out, which helps a later repair bond. Do not put anything on a crack you expect to spread, and do not use glue or polish, which can contaminate the break.
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